![????? Shanghai Fried Noodles - DC Noodle, Box Hill Not bad noodles. Better than David & Camy across the road. David and Camy Noodle Restaurant 596 Station St 3128 - [/photos/avlxyz/504366768/ Steamed Pork Dumplings] - [/](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Shanghaifriednoodles.jpg)
Shanghai fried noodles
In its own language: 上海粗炒
Thick wheat noodles stir-fried with beef or pork, bok choy, and onion
Shanghai fried noodles are a classic main dish from Shanghai, China, made with thick wheat noodles stir-fried with beef or pork, bok choy, and onion. This dish is a staple in Shanghai cuisine and is often found at dumpling houses. It is sometimes prepared with Chinese yellow chives instead of bok choy.
- Uses thick Shanghai-style wheat noodles
- Often served at dumpling houses in Shanghai
- Can be made with beef or pork
- Sometimes uses Chinese yellow chives
- Known to Western chefs in recent years
What is Shanghai fried noodles?
Shanghai fried noodles are a stir-fried noodle dish from Shanghai, using thick, chewy wheat noodles. The noodles are tossed in a hot wok with slices of beef or pork, fresh bok choy, and onion. Sometimes, Chinese yellow chives are used instead of bok choy. The finished dish is glossy and savory, with the vegetables adding crunch and freshness. The noodles themselves are hearty and soak up the flavors of the meat and vegetables.
Where does Shanghai fried noodles come from?
This dish comes from Shanghai, a city known for its rich food culture. It has long been a staple of local cuisine and is commonly served at dumpling houses throughout the city. While the exact history is not detailed, the dish has become an everyday favorite in Shanghai and has recently caught the attention of chefs outside China.
How is Shanghai fried noodles made?
To make Shanghai fried noodles, thick wheat noodles are first cooked and then stir-fried in a hot wok. Slices of beef or pork are added, along with bok choy and onion. Sometimes, Chinese yellow chives replace the bok choy. The ingredients are tossed together until the noodles are coated and the vegetables are just tender. Japanese udon noodles can be used if Shanghai-style noodles are not available.
How and when is Shanghai fried noodles eaten?
Shanghai fried noodles are usually eaten as a main dish, often at lunch or dinner. They are a common offering at dumpling houses in Shanghai, where they are served alongside other local dishes. The dish is enjoyed for its satisfying texture and savory taste, making it a regular part of everyday meals.
Kinds of Shanghai fried noodles
The main variations depend on the choice of meat and greens. Some versions use beef cutlets, while others use pork. Bok choy is a typical vegetable, but Chinese yellow chives are sometimes used instead. Outside China, cooks may substitute Japanese udon noodles for the traditional Shanghai-style noodles.
What Shanghai fried noodles means
Shanghai fried noodles are a staple in the city's cuisine and are closely associated with local dumpling houses. In recent years, the dish has gained popularity with Western chefs, helping to introduce Shanghai flavors to a wider audience. It remains a beloved everyday meal in its home city.
Questions people ask about Shanghai fried noodles
What are Shanghai fried noodles made of?
They are made with thick wheat noodles, beef or pork, bok choy, and onion. Some versions use Chinese yellow chives instead of bok choy.
Where do Shanghai fried noodles come from?
This dish comes from Shanghai, China, and is a staple of the local cuisine, often found in dumpling houses.
Can I use other noodles if I can't find Shanghai-style noodles?
Yes, Japanese udon noodles can be used as a substitute for Shanghai-style noodles.
Is this dish vegetarian?
No, Shanghai fried noodles are usually made with beef or pork, so they are not vegetarian.
When are Shanghai fried noodles usually eaten?
They are typically eaten as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Good reading and sources
- Shanghai fried noodles on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Shanghai fried noodles", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
More from China
All the food of China
Pasta
🇮🇹 Italy and 1 moreUnleavened dough shaped and cooked, a staple of Italian cuisine
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
TofuVegan豆腐
🇨🇳 China and 5 moreSoft white blocks made by curdling soy milk and pressing the curds
Main dish
RamenMeatラーメン
🇯🇵 Japan and 1 moreJapanese noodle soup with Chinese-style wheat noodles in hot broth
Soup, Lunch, Dinner
Tofu skin roll
🇨🇳 ChinaTofu skin wrapped around a savoury filling, served steamed or fried as dim sum
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
Its cousins elsewhere
All main dishes
Rocoto rellenoMeat
🇵🇪 PeruPeruvian stuffed rocoto peppers baked with meat and cheese
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
ĆevapiMeatћевапи
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina and 5 moreGrilled minced meat rolls served with flatbread and onions in Southeast Europe
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
Pot-au-feu
🇫🇷 FranceFrench boiled meat and vegetable stew served in two courses
Stew or curry, Lunch, Dinner
PljeskavicaMeatпљескавица
🇷🇸 Serbia and 5 moreGrilled Balkan patty of spiced minced meats, served hot with sides or in flatbread
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner