Mayflower’s TikTok recipe for homemade chow mein divides opinions over its lack of vegetables

A popular Chinese takeaway in Motherwell, Scotland, has gone viral by sharing a simple homemade chow mein recipe on TikTok. Mayflower, renowned for its delicious takeaway dishes, has captivated audiences with an easy-to-follow guide to recreate their sought-after chow mein at home. However, the recipe has sparked a mix of praise and criticism due to its lack of vegetables.

The process begins with adding oil to a hot wok, followed by noodles, which are coated in the oil. A splash of water, salt, and MSG are stirred in for extra flavour. After cooking the noodles, a dark sauce and sesame oil are added, giving the dish its signature taste. The result is a straightforward, delicious chow mein that can be served in minutes.

Despite its simplicity, the omission of vegetables has led to some criticism. “Chow mein NEEDS veg, sorry not sorry,” one user remarked. Another compared the dish to “a pub with no beer,” highlighting that vegetables are an essential part of the meal. However, many TikTok users expressed their approval of the recipe as is. “Honestly, this is how I want it,” one commenter said, while another revealed they had never realised a vegetable-free version was possible, as they always picked out the vegetables.

Mayflower’s viral TikTok post has contributed to the restaurant’s growing online following, offering a cost-effective way for fans to recreate their favourite Chinese takeaway dish at home.