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Street Food

Fiji Chow Mein (Chinese-Fijian Street Noodles)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
15 minutes
Prep
15 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 400 g (14 oz) Fresh egg noodles
  • 300 g (10 oz) Chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 200 g (3 cups) Cabbage, shredded
  • 1 medium Carrot, julienned
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp Soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp Cooking oil
  • 2 stalks Spring onion, sliced

Method

  1. Cook noodles according to packet instructions, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a wok over high heat and stir-fry chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic, carrot and cabbage, stir-frying for 3 minutes until just tender-crisp.
  4. Add cooked noodles and soy sauce, tossing everything together over high heat for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Scatter with spring onion and serve immediately, hot from the wok.

Introduction: Reflecting Fiji’s historic Chinese community, chow mein has become a beloved local street food, sold from roadside stalls and takeaway counters across Suva and Nadi, distinct in flavour from its Chinese origins after decades of local adaptation.

Cultural Background: Reflecting Fiji’s historic Chinese community, chow mein has become a beloved local street food, sold from roadside stalls and takeaway counters across Suva and Nadi, distinct in flavour from its Chinese origins after decades of local adaptation.

Tips: Keep the heat high throughout to achieve the characteristic charred wok flavour. Have all ingredients prepped before starting, as stir-frying moves quickly.

Variations: Add sliced Chinese sausage for extra flavour. Use a mix of vegetables like bean sprouts and capsicum depending on availability. Omit chicken and use tofu or extra vegetables with tamari instead of standard soy sauce if gluten-free is needed.

Storage: Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a hot wok or pan with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.

FAQs:

Q: Is Fiji chow mein spicy?

A: Not typically — it’s a savoury, soy-forward dish, though chilli sauce is often served on the side.

Q: Can I make a vegetarian version?

A: Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu.

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