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Buff Chowmein (बफ चाउमिन)

About Buff Chowmein (बफ चाउमिन)

Buff Chowmein is a popular and widely enjoyed street food in Nepal. It's a variation of the classic chowmein, featuring stir-fried noodles with tender pieces of buffalo meat, vegetables, and flavorful spices. It's a staple of Nepali cuisine, easily found in restaurants and street stalls across the country.

Picture of Buff Chowmein

History

The history of Chowmein in Nepal is intertwined with the influence of Chinese cuisine brought by traders and migrants over centuries. The noodles themselves are of Chinese origin, and over time, Nepali cooks adapted the dish to suit local tastes and preferences. The inclusion of buffalo meat ('buff' in Nepal), a commonly consumed protein source, is a distinctly Nepali adaptation. While the exact origin of Buff Chowmein as a specific variation is hard to pinpoint, it's likely evolved organically within the Nepali culinary landscape, becoming a favorite street food and a representation of the fusion of cultural influences in Nepali cuisine. It gained popularity especially in the urban areas and amongst the youth in the last few decades. It has become a common dish enjoyed at homes, restaurants and even special occasions.

Fact 1

Buff Chowmein is a popular street food in Nepal, easily found in almost every corner of cities.

How to prepare?

Noodles - 250 gramsBuffalo meat (thinly sliced) - 200 gramsOnion (thinly sliced) - 1 mediumGarlic (minced) - 2 clovesGinger (minced) - 1 inchCabbage (shredded) - 1 cupCarrot (thinly sliced) - 1/2 cupGreen bell pepper (sliced) - 1/2 cupSoy sauce - 2 tablespoonsCooking oil - 3 tablespoonsTurmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoonChili powder - 1/2 teaspoonSalt - to tasteBlack pepper powder - 1/4 teaspoonGaram Masala - 1/2 teaspoonGreen onions (chopped) - 2 tablespoons (for garnish)

Learn step by step to prepare Buff Chowmein

  • 1
    Boil the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • 2
    Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
  • 3
    Add the sliced buff meat and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • 4
    Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  • 5
    Add the sliced onions and saute until translucent.
  • 6
    Add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrots and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  • 7
    Add the cooked buff meat back to the pan.
  • 8
    Season with soy sauce, salt, turmeric powder, chili powder, black pepper powder and garam masala. Stir well.
  • 9
    Add the boiled noodles to the pan. Toss everything well to mix thoroughly.
  • 10
    Stir-fry everything for another 2-3 minutes until all the ingredients are combined evenly and well heated.
  • 11
    Garnish with fresh chopped green onions.
  • 12
    Serve hot and enjoy.
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