Lo mein

Lo mein is a delectable Chinese dish made with egg noodles, typically combined with vegetables and a choice of meat or seafood, such as beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or wontons. It can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian meal. Traditionally, lo mein is served as a dry version of noodle soup, where the soup is kept separate from the noodles and other ingredients.

The name "lo mein" originates from the Cantonese phrase "lou1 min6" (撈麵), which means "stirred noodles." In Cantonese, "撈" is pronounced "lou1" and means "to stir" differing in both pronunciation and meaning from its Mandarin counterpart. In Mandarin, the dish is called "lāo miàn." In China, lo mein is prepared using thin flour and egg noodles known for their chewy texture.

In American Chinese cuisine, lo mein is a popular take-out option and is sometimes confused with chow mein. American lo mein differs from traditional Cantonese lo mein and crispy chow mein. Cantonese lo mein is usually stirred with a light sauce and topped with items such as wontons or beef brisket. Conversely, American lo mein noodles are stir-fried with a sauce made of soy sauce and other seasonings. Common additions include vegetables like bok choy and cabbage, along with meats such as roast pork, beef, or chicken. Variations also exist, including shrimp lo mein, lobster lo mein, vegetable lo mein, and combination "house" lo mein.