Chop Suey and Chow Mein are two classic Chinese dishes that remain popular favorites in China and other Asian countries. Their unique and distinct flavors come from the various ingredients used in their preparation, which has also made them popular dishes among Americans.
Chop Suey
Chop Suey is a dish that consists of a mixture of various ingredients such as meat from beef, chicken, shrimps, and fish, along with vegetables like cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, and celery. The dish is brought together with a sauce made from thickened starches. There are different theories about the origin of Chop Suey; some say it was created by Chinese immigrants in the United States, while others believe it came directly from Li Hongzhang during the Qing Dynasty.
Chow Mein
Chow Mein has its origins in the Taishan word “chau mieng,” which means noodles. The Taishans were the first Chinese immigrants in the United States. As Americans adopted this dish, the letter “g” was dropped from its original name to make it more westernized, resulting in the current name, Chow Mein. The dish consists of noodles stir-fried with chicken or shrimp.
Key Takeaways
- Chop Suey is a dish made from a mix of meat, vegetables, and a sauce made from thickened starch, while Chow Mein is a noodle dish that also includes meat and vegetables but without the sauce.
- The origin of Chop Suey is uncertain, with various stories about its origins, whereas Chow Mein has a concrete history that traces back to the Taishan immigrants in the United States.
- The term Chop Suey comes from the Cantonese word Shap Sui, meaning mixed entrails, while Chow Mein comes from the Taishan word chau mieng, meaning noodles.
