If you’ve ever opened a takeout menu and spotted house special mei fun, you’re not alone in wondering what makes this dish so popular. With its delicate rice noodles, savory mix of meats, and perfectly balanced seasoning, this Chinese-American classic has earned a top spot in many kitchens.
In this guide, we’ll explore exactly what house special mei fun is, what makes it special, and how you can enjoy it at home.
Learn more about oven temps and timing in our guide to 200 Celsius to Fahrenheit.
What Is House Special Mei Fun?
Understanding Mei Fun
Mei fun (sometimes spelled mai fun) refers to very thin rice noodles made from rice flour and water. These noodles are soft, light, and naturally gluten-free. In Chinese cuisine, they’re used in stir-fries, soups, and noodle salads. They’re known for soaking up flavors beautifully without getting too soggy or sticky.
The “House Special” Twist
“House special” is a term often used in Chinese restaurants to indicate a signature mix—usually combining several proteins in one dish. For house special mei fun, that means:
- Shrimp
- Chicken
- Roast pork or beef
- Mixed vegetables
- Sometimes egg or Chinese sausage
These ingredients are stir-fried with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and often a hint of curry powder to bring it all together.
Ingredients in a Classic House Special Mei Fun
Base Ingredients
- Rice noodles (mei fun) – Thin, white, and springy when cooked
- Soy sauce – For umami and color
- Sesame oil – A nutty, rich aroma
- Garlic and ginger – Fresh aromatics for depth
- Scallions – Add brightness and crunch
- Curry powder (optional) – For a subtle warmth
Protein Mix (House Special)
- Shrimp – Adds sweetness and a seafood note
- Chicken breast or thigh – Tender and neutral
- Roast pork or beef – Savory, marinated slices
Vegetables
- Carrots (julienned)
- Bean sprouts
- Napa cabbage or bok choy
- Bell peppers
This blend is what makes house special mei fun a hearty, satisfying dish.
From thin rice noodles to savory proteins, every part of the dish plays a role. Don’t miss our cozy comfort recipe for Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
How to Make House Special Mei Fun at Home
Step 1: Soak the Noodles
Soak your mei fun noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes until they’re pliable but not mushy. Drain well before cooking.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
Slice proteins thinly. Julienne vegetables. Have soy sauce, sesame oil, and aromatics ready.
Step 3: Stir-Fry in Stages
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet
- Cook proteins first, then remove and set aside
- Add aromatics and vegetables, stir-fry quickly
- Return proteins to the pan, add noodles
- Season with soy sauce, a pinch of curry powder, and sesame oil
- Toss everything together until heated through and well combined
Serve hot, garnished with extra scallions or a drizzle of chili oil if you like it spicy.
Once you’ve nailed the sauce, it’s time to stir-fry your noodles just right. If you love perfectly cooked rice, you’ll enjoy our guide on How to Cook Jasmine Rice.”
What Makes House Special Mei Fun So Popular?
Balanced Texture and Flavor
The dish is known for its contrast—soft noodles, crunchy veggies, tender meat, and bold sauces. It’s comforting but light, flavorful without being greasy.
One-Dish Wonder
It’s a complete meal in one bowl: carbs, protein, and veggies. Perfect for takeout nights or quick home cooking.
House Special Mei Fun vs. Other Noodle Dishes
| Dish Name | Main Noodle Type | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Mei Fun | Thin rice noodles | Light, neutral flavor; often used in stir-fry |
| Lo Mein | Egg noodles | Thicker, chewier, more sauce-heavy |
| Chow Mein | Egg noodles | Often pan-fried for crispness |
| Pad Thai (Thai) | Flat rice noodles | Sweet, tangy, and peanut-heavy flavor |
Want to experiment with smoky, creamy additions? Discover great ideas like our Smoked Cream Cheese.
FAQs About House Special Mei Fun
What is mei fun made of?
Mei fun is made with thin rice vermicelli noodles, which are naturally gluten-free and derived from rice flour and water. They’re typically stir-fried with vegetables, sauces, and proteins in Chinese cuisine.
What does “house special” mean?
“House special” refers to a restaurant’s signature combination of ingredients—usually a mix of shrimp, beef, chicken, and pork—cooked together in a flavorful sauce. It’s the chef’s personal twist on a classic dish.
What does mei fun taste like?
Mei fun has a light, slightly chewy texture and a neutral flavor that soaks up the sauce and seasonings it’s cooked with. Depending on how it’s prepared, it can be savory, slightly sweet, or spicy.
What is the meaning of mei fun?
“Mei fun” (米粉) is a Cantonese term that directly translates to “rice noodles.” It refers to thin vermicelli noodles used in a variety of Asian stir-fried and soup-based dishes.
What’s in a house special?
A house special mei fun typically includes shrimp, chicken, beef, roast pork, scrambled egg, onions, carrots, scallions, and bean sprouts—all stir-fried in a soy-based sauce over thin rice noodles.
Conclusion – A Takeout Favorite with Homemade Charm
House special mei fun is one of those dishes that balances everything just right: taste, texture, nutrition, and comfort. Whether you enjoy it from your favorite takeout spot or make it at home, it never disappoints.
Jake from the farmhouse may not be a wok expert, but even he admits there’s something irresistible about the sizzle of rice noodles and garlic hitting a hot pan. Emily says it best: “A good meal always brings the house together—even when it’s a Chinese one.”
So go ahead, stir up a batch, and let the flavors speak for themselves.
Table of Contents
House Special Mei Fun: Discover the Star of Chinese Takeout
A Chinese-American takeout classic featuring delicate rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, chicken, roast pork, and colorful vegetables in a savory soy-sesame sauce with a hint of curry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
- 200g rice noodles (mei fun)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp curry powder (optional)
- 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 100g chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 100g roast pork or beef, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup napa cabbage or bok choy, shredded
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes until pliable. Drain well.
- Prepare all ingredients: slice proteins thinly, julienne vegetables, and set sauces and aromatics aside.
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp, chicken, and pork/beef until just done. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic, ginger, and vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Return cooked proteins to the pan along with drained noodles.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and curry powder. Stir-fry until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Garnish with extra scallions or chili oil if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Soak noodles only until pliable—don’t over-soften. Curry powder is optional but adds subtle warmth. For a vegetarian version, replace meats with tofu or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg