NetChai Chinese
上海炒面
shàng hǎi chǎo miàn
Shanghai chow mein · trad. 上海炒麵

上海炒面 (Shànghǎi chǎomiàn) is a very popular and iconic noodle dish from Shanghai. It's known for its thick, chewy noodles stir-fried with meat (often pork), cabbage, and a savory dark soy sauce.

When to use it

This is a dish name, so it's neutral. When ordering, you can simply say “我要一份上海炒面” (wǒ yào yī fèn Shànghǎi chǎomiàn – I want one portion of Shanghai chow mein). In some regions, a similar dish might be called 粗炒 (cūchǎo) or 上海粗炒 (Shànghǎi cūchǎo), referring to the thick noodles.

How to pronounce it

Sounds like “SHANG-hi CHOW mee-EN.” 上海 (Shànghǎi) has a rising tone on the first syllable and a rising tone on the second. 炒 (chǎo) is a third tone. 面 (miàn) is a fourth tone.

Other ways to say it

  • 炒面chǎo miànchow mein (general fried noodles)
  • 上海粗炒shàng hǎi cū chǎoShanghai thick fried noodles
  • 粗炒cū chǎothick fried noodles (often implies Shanghai style)

Examples

我想点一份上海炒面。
wǒ xiǎng diǎn yí fèn shàng hǎi chǎo miàn 。
I'd like to order a Shanghai chow mein.
这家餐厅的上海炒面很好吃。
zhè jiā cān tīng de shàng hǎi chǎo miàn hěn hǎo chī 。
The Shanghai chow mein at this restaurant is very delicious.
你喜欢吃上海炒面吗？
nǐ xǐ huan chī shàng hǎi chǎo miàn ma ？
Do you like to eat Shanghai chow mein?
Pro tip: Shanghai chow mein is distinct from Cantonese-style chow mein because it typically uses thick, round, wheat noodles (often called 'Shanghai noodles') rather than thinner, sometimes crispy, egg noodles.

Related phrases

和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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