Both “mei fun” and “chow fun” are correct English terms for two different Chinese noodle dishes; they are not alternative spellings of the same thing.
One uses thin, delicate noodles, while the other uses wide, chewy ones — the difference goes far beyond spelling.
This guide breaks down exactly what separates these two dishes.
What Does “Mei Fun” Mean?
Mei fun translates to rice vermicelli, using thin, hair-like rice noodles. The dish is light and delicate.
Example: “She ordered shrimp mei fun with a light garlic sauce.”
Common uses of “mei fun” in everyday writing:
- “Mei fun noodles cook quickly since they’re so thin.”
- “The restaurant’s Singapore mei fun has a mild curry flavor.”
- “He prefers mei fun over thicker noodle dishes.”
“Mei Fun” in Different Contexts
What Does “Chow Fun” Mean?
Chow fun translates to fried flat noodles, using wide, flat rice noodles. The dish is chewy and cooked at high heat for a smoky flavor.
Example: “He ordered beef chow fun with a smoky wok flavor.”
Common uses of “chow fun” in everyday writing:
- “Chow fun noodles absorb sauce better because they’re wider.”
- “The chef tossed the chow fun in a hot wok for extra char.”
- “Beef chow fun is a Cantonese comfort food staple.”
“Chow Fun” in Different Contexts
Mei Fun vs Chow Fun — Key Differences
The Noodle Difference
Mei fun noodles are round, thin, and delicate — built to cook fast and stay light.
Chow fun noodles are wide, flat strips that absorb heavy, savory sauces, giving the dish a heartier bite.
Related Terms Worth Knowing
Lo mein uses round, springy wheat noodles tossed (not fried) with sauce — a completely separate dish from both mei fun and chow fun.
Chow mein uses thinner wheat noodles, often pan-fried until slightly crispy, distinguishing it from the soft rice noodles in chow fun.
Memory Tip
The easiest way to remember which dish is which:
Mei fun — think “fine and fast.” Thin noodles, quick cooking, light finish.
Chow fun — think “chewy and charred.” Wide noodles, high heat, smoky wok flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chow fun the same as mei fun?
No. Chow fun uses wide, flat rice noodles cooked at high heat, while mei fun uses thin rice vermicelli noodles that are lighter and more delicate.
Which is healthier, chow mei fun or Lo Mein?
Both mei fun and lo mein can be relatively light depending on preparation, but mei fun is often lower in oil since it’s typically lightly stir-fried, while lo mein uses wheat noodles tossed in more sauce.
How do you say mei fun in English?
Mei fun translates to “rice vermicelli” or “rice noodles” in English, referring to the thin, round noodle style.
What is better, Lo Mein or mei fun?
It depends on preference. Lo mein offers a chewier, wheat-based noodle with more sauce, while mei fun is lighter, thinner, and cooks faster.
What is another name for chow fun?
Chow fun is sometimes called “ho fun” or “hor fun” in Cantonese, referring to the same wide, flat rice noodle.
What are the healthiest Chinese noodles to eat?
Lighter options like mei fun or noodle dishes with more vegetables and less oil tend to be healthier choices compared to heavily fried or sauce-heavy noodle dishes.
Conclusion
Mei fun and chow fun are two distinct Chinese noodle dishes, not different spellings of the same word. Choose mei fun for thin, light rice vermicelli, and chow fun for wide, chewy noodles with a smoky wok flavor.
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