Craving chow mein near me? Chinese takeout restaurants, neighborhood noodle shops and some Asian fast-casual chains serve variations of this popular noodle dish. Depending on the kitchen, chow mein can mean stir-fried noodles or a saucy vegetable-and-protein dish served with crispy noodles. Checking the menu description before ordering is the best way to get the style you want.
This guide explains popular choices, sample restaurant prices, the difference between chow mein and lo mein, and practical ways to find chow mein for pickup or delivery in the United States.
What Is Chow Mein?
Chow mein means stir-fried noodles. It commonly features wheat-based noodles, vegetables such as cabbage, onion and celery, and optional chicken, beef, pork, shrimp or tofu. Seasonings may include soy sauce, garlic and other savory sauces.
Styles differ considerably. Some restaurants stir-fry soft noodles with the vegetables, while others offer a crisp noodle base or fried noodles on the side. If you prefer a particular texture, ask whether the restaurant’s chow mein uses soft stir-fried noodles or crispy noodles.
Chow Mein Prices in the USA
The following examples are from published online menus for restaurants in Chicago, Illinois, checked in November 2026. Prices reflect the specific menu items and portions shown and may change without notice. They do not represent nationwide prices.
| Restaurant | Chow Mein Item | Published Price |
|---|---|---|
| China Palace, Chicago | Vegetable chow mein, small | $8.00 |
| China Palace, Chicago | Chicken chow mein, small | $9.45 |
| China Express, N Cumberland, Chicago | Vegetable chow mein, small | $8.78 |
| China Express, N Cumberland, Chicago | Chicken chow mein, small | $9.15 |
| China Express, N Cumberland, Chicago | Combination chow mein, large | $14.47 |
| Evergreen Restaurant, Chicago | Chicken chow mein | $13.60 |
| Evergreen Restaurant, Chicago | Shrimp chow mein | $16.75 |
| China Palace, Chicago | House special chow mein | $15.50 |
In these examples, a small vegetable or chicken order starts at around $8–$10, while some larger or seafood-based choices cost more. The portion labels and preparation styles differ, so compare the serving size rather than price alone. Tax, delivery fees and tips are additional where applicable.
Where to Find Chow Mein Near Me
Start by searching Google Maps for Chinese chow mein near me, chicken chow mein near me or chow mein takeout along with your ZIP code. Check photos and recent menu descriptions to confirm whether the restaurant serves the type you want.
| Place to Look | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Chinese takeout restaurants | Chicken, pork, shrimp, beef, vegetable or house special chow mein |
| Cantonese restaurants | Crispy or pan-fried noodle preparations |
| Asian noodle restaurants | Stir-fried noodle dishes and possible customizations |
| Fast-casual Asian chains | Chow mein as a side or as part of a combination meal |
| Delivery apps | Restaurants delivering to your actual address, portion sizes and total checkout price |
Restaurant listings and delivery availability change by address. A business shown in a nearby search may not deliver to your street, so enter your full delivery address before choosing.
Popular Types of Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken chow mein typically combines chicken, vegetables and noodles or crispy noodle accompaniments. It is a common takeout option for anyone who wants a savory dish with protein.
Vegetable Chow Mein
Vegetable versions may include cabbage, bean sprouts, onions, carrots and other seasonal vegetables. However, some sauces contain oyster sauce, meat stock or other animal ingredients. Confirm the recipe if you need a vegetarian or vegan meal.
Shrimp Chow Mein
Shrimp chow mein adds seafood to the vegetable-and-noodle combination. It can cost more than basic vegetable or chicken versions, depending on the portion and restaurant.
Beef or Pork Chow Mein
Beef and pork options bring a richer flavor and are widely listed on Chinese-American menus. Ask about the sauce and whether the noodles are crispy or soft.
House Special or Combination Chow Mein
Combination chow mein frequently contains more than one protein. For example, China Express in Chicago lists chicken, beef and shrimp in its combination chow mein. Ingredients vary by restaurant.
Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein: What’s the Difference?
Both dishes use noodles, vegetables and sauces, but their preparation is usually different. Chow mein is traditionally stir-fried, with versions ranging from soft to crisp. Lo mein generally uses separately cooked noodles that are tossed with sauce and toppings, giving the finished dish a softer texture.
| Feature | Chow Mein | Lo Mein |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking style | Stir-fried or served with crispy noodles | Cooked noodles tossed with sauce |
| Texture | Soft, lightly browned or crispy, depending on region | Usually soft and tender |
| Best for | People who enjoy fried-noodle flavor or crunch | People who prefer softer, saucier noodles |
US menu terminology is not perfectly consistent. Some restaurants separate “chow mein,” “Cantonese style chow mein” and “lo mein” into different menu sections, making it especially important to read each description.
How to Order Chow Mein for Delivery or Pickup
- Search Google Maps or a delivery service such as DoorDash, Uber Eats or Grubhub for chow mein using your address.
- Open the restaurant menu and compare chicken, vegetable, shrimp and combination choices.
- Check whether the dish includes noodles, crispy noodles on the side, or a stir-fried noodle base.
- Review portion size, spice options, add-ons and any dietary or allergy information.
- Compare the final pickup or delivery total, including applicable charges.
For crisp noodles, pickup or separate packaging may help preserve texture. Delivery times and restaurant participation depend on your location and ordering time.
What Goes Well With Chow Mein?
Chow mein can be a complete meal, but it also pairs well with spring rolls, steamed dumplings, hot-and-sour soup, wonton soup or a side of sautéed vegetables. A smaller portion may be enough when combined with several appetizers.
Is Chow Mein Healthy?
The nutrition depends on the noodle type, cooking oil, sauce, vegetables, protein and portion size. Vegetable-heavy preparations may offer more variety of nutrients, while some sauces are high in sodium. For dietary needs, ask about ingredients and request sauce or added salt adjustments when available.
Chow mein is not automatically gluten-free because wheat noodles and soy-based sauces commonly contain gluten. People with wheat, soy, shellfish or egg allergies should confirm ingredients and cross-contact practices directly with the restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get chow mein near me?
Search for Chinese takeout, Cantonese restaurants and Asian noodle shops on Google Maps or delivery apps. Use your address to see relevant nearby options.
How much does chow mein cost?
In the Chicago restaurant-menu examples in this guide, listed items range from $8.00 for small vegetable chow mein to $16.75 for shrimp chow mein. Your local prices may differ.
Is chow mein made with crispy or soft noodles?
Both styles exist. Some restaurants serve crispy noodles separately, while others stir-fry soft noodles with vegetables and proteins.
What is the difference between chow mein and lo mein?
Chow mein generally involves stir-frying or crisping noodles, whereas lo mein typically features cooked noodles tossed with sauce and toppings.
Can I order vegetarian chow mein?
Many restaurants list vegetable chow mein, but you should ask whether the noodles, sauce or stock contain egg, oyster sauce or other animal products.
Can I get chow mein delivered?
Yes, where a participating local restaurant delivers to your address. Check availability and total pricing through the restaurant’s ordering system or a delivery app.
Final Thoughts
The best way to find chow mein near me is to compare local Chinese restaurant menus and decide first whether you want soft stir-fried noodles or a crispy preparation. Check portions and prices before checkout, and confirm ingredients for any dietary requirements. Chicken, vegetable, shrimp and combination chow mein all offer different ways to enjoy this familiar noodle dish.
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