Chao Mian (Chinese stir-fried noodle)

Chaomian(炒面)

Chaomian is a Chinese traditional food that was mentioned in the book, Joy Luck Club, in the first chapter, Jong- Mei- Woo, pg. 11, “My father is digging into the chaomian, which still sits in an oversized aluminum pan surrounded by little plastic packets of soy sauce.” For them, not only chaomian, but the food itself symbolized stability. When the food came out, everyone knew what to do. Gathering all together and eating food was just a comforting routine to them. “And then, almost as quickly as they started, the men get up and leave the table. As if on cue, the women peck at last morsels and then carry plates and bowls to the kitchen and dump them in the sink. The women take turns washing their hands, scrubbing them vigorously. Who started this ritual?” Just like the familiar taste of chaomian, the characters were all used to this routine.

Chaomian is a traditional Chinese dish made of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat. It is usually seasoned with salt, peanut oil, and soy sauce. The main seasoning that flavors chaomian is soy sauce. The noodles are boiled first, and then stir-fried over high heat with other ingredients.

Generally, noodles are symbolic of long life in China because noodles are long. Therefore, chaomian is symbolizing longevity. Since noodle symbolizes long life, Chinese people eat noodles on their birthdays or other special celebrations. Just like the meal eaten in the Joy Luck Club, noodles are a staple food for special occasions and are reminders of comforts at home.