Image Credit: iStock Fried noodles can be a main ingredient, a fun garnish or a side dish served with spicy sauces. Use it as the base for popular recipes like Chinese Bhel and desi-style Chop suey.

Chow mein requires noodles as the main ingredient, while chop suey is more up to interpretation. Chow mein and chop suey are both dishes featuring a starch, vegetables, protein, and sauce.