Mei Fun: An Introduction

Mei fun is a traditional Chinese dish that is commonly served as part of yum cha – Chinese tea-drinking tradition. It is a simple stir-fry made with thin and long strands of egg noodles and a choice of various ingredients. It can be served either in a soup or as a dry noodle dish. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a light meal or as a side dish.

In Chinese, the word mei means “beautiful” (美) and fun means “wheat flour” (麵粉). This name is derived from the appearance of the thin, delicate strands of noodles that are used to make the dish. It is sometimes also referred to as rice stick noodles, rice vermicelli, or banh hoi.

Types of Mei Fun

There are a number of regional variations of mei fun and several ways to cook the dish. Some of the popular variations are:

• Stir-fry mei fun: This is the most common way of preparing the noodles. The noodles are stir-fried with vegetables, such as mushrooms, bok choy, bean sprouts, and/or shredded carrots, and a protein source, such as chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or a combination of any of these. A sauce, such as soy sauce or oyster sauce, is often used to give the dish depth of flavor.

• Soup mei fun: This type of mei fun is cooked in a broth that contains vegetables, herbs, and/or proteins. The noodles are added to the soup and cooked until done. The soup can also be served with other add-ins, such as fish balls, meatballs, or wontons.

• Glass noodle mei fun: This version of the dish uses glass noodles (also known as bean thread noodles or cellophane noodles) instead of the mei fun noodles. This version is usually served in a cold salad, with a dressing made from fish sauce, garlic, chili, and lime juice.

Health Benefits of Mei Fun

Mei fun is a highly nutritious dish. The noodles themselves are made solely from wheat flour and water, making them low in fat and calories. The proteins, vegetables, and sauces used to make the dish add additional nutrients, making it a healthy and balanced meal.

Mei fun is also very easy to cook. The noodles should only be in the pan for a couple of minutes, as they cook very quickly. This makes mei fun an ideal meal for those who are short on time and want a nutritious meal.

Conclusion

Mei fun is a simple, yet incredibly delicious traditional Chinese dish. It is a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is a nutritious meal, as it is made with wheat flour and a variety of vegetables, plus proteins that can be added to the dish. Mei fun is also very easy to cook, making it a great meal option for those who don’t have a lot of time to cook. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, mei fun is an unforgettable culinary experience!