The kind of noodles that Panda Express uses for their chow mein are stir fried wheat noodles, which is often referred to as Cantonese style chow mein noodles.
The Cantonese style chow mein noodles that Panda express uses are pre fried egg noodles, which get quickly rehydrated and stir fried with cabbage, onions and celery, which provide the distinct flavor and texture that is savory.
You can also get similar results for homemade chow mein by using pre cooked Yakisoba noodles, fresh Chinese egg noodles, and even Pancit Canton noodles.
The Fresh Yakisoba or Chinese egg noodles are also closest to the Panda Express Chow Mein texture.
Chop suey and Chow mein are also sometimes confused for each other although they are different and when it comes to the difference of chop suey vs chow mein, chop suey is more about the saucy stir fry served with a carb and chow mein focuses on noodles as the base.
Chop suey is also a Chinese American stir fry that is made of mixed ingredients like veggies and protein, in a thicker and gravy like sauce and is often served over rice or sometimes crispy noodles.
Chow mein is a stir fried noodle dish in which noodles are cooked with meat and vegetables, in a thinner sauce.
Chow mein is also more traditionally Chinese and chop suey is an American creation and not Chinese creation.
Chow mein is also considered to be one of the signature dishes in Chinese cuisine, and chop suey is an American creation, which utilizes Chinese cooking techniques.
Chop suey ingredients include a mix of proteins like pork, chicken and sometimes shrimp, a variety of different vegetables like carrots, cabbage, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, cauliflower, bean sprouts, baby corn, snow peas, aromatics like garlic and onions and a savory sauce that is made from soy sauce, broth and cornstarch for thickening, and is often served over noodles or rice.
Chop suey's beauty also lies in the flexibility of Chop suey, allowing for many variations with different meats, seafood and fresh or even canned vegetables.
Chow mein, which is a stir fried noodle dish consists of egg noodles, a savory sauce like soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger and various different vegetables like cabbage, celery, carrots, often with added protein, like chicken or shrimp, which creates a flavorful mix of soft and also slightly crispy textures.