Where did the phrase chow mein originate?

The phrase "chow mein" is a transliteration of the Chinese phrase 炒麵 (chǎo miàn), which literally translates to "fried noodles."

Here's the breakdown:

* 炒 (chǎo) means "to stir-fry"

* 麵 (miàn) means "noodles"

Therefore, "chow mein" directly translates to "stir-fried noodles," which is a very accurate description of the dish.

While the dish itself originated in China, the exact location and timeframe of its origin are unclear. However, "chow mein" as a term is believed to have been popularized in the West during the 19th century, likely through Cantonese cuisine.