Ask anyone from the South Coast about chow mein and you will hear about crispy noodles, dark brown gravy, and a sandwich that confuses everyone from out of town. Fall River style chow mein is its own thing, built on crunchy fried noodles topped with a savory brown sauce instead of soft lo mein-style strands.
The most famous version lands on a hamburger bun as the chow mein sandwich, a regional favorite that has fed mill workers, families, and road trippers for generations. Plenty of places have changed their menus over the years, but a handful still serve it the classic way.
These six restaurants in Fall River, Somerset, and Taunton keep the tradition going, from old-school diners to busy takeout counters. If you grew up on this dish, or you are just curious why people here love it so much, this list gives you real places to start eating.
1. Faneek’s, Fall River, MA
Hot dogs and chow mein sandwiches sharing one menu might sound odd elsewhere, but in Fall River it makes perfect sense. Faneek’s on Rhode Island Avenue leans into that local mix with an old-school diner style and a lineup built on comfort food.
The chow mein sandwich is the order here, and the menu treats it as the local specialty it is. You can also round out the meal with fish and chips, clam cakes, a cheese dog, or a chourico and chips sub, which adds a nice Portuguese touch.
Sides cover the classics, including onion rings, sweet potato fries, and mozzarella sticks. There is no table service, so it works well for a quick lunch or an easy early dinner.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and it is closed Sundays. Reservations are not taken, but parking is free, with a lot and street spots nearby.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu, and there is outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. Dogs are welcome outside too.
2. China Express, Fall River, MA
Dark brown gravy is the giveaway. At China Express on Brayton Avenue, the chow mein comes with that rich, deep sauce that longtime Fall River eaters expect, poured over crispy noodles in generous portions.
The restaurant describes itself around two things: chow mein sandwiches and egg rolls. That focus shows, and the sandwich here is often counted among the best in the city.
I like this stop for its practical hours. It stays open until 10 PM most nights and until 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, so it handles late cravings well.
One thing to plan around is Tuesday, when it is closed. There is also no restroom on site, so treat it as a grab-and-go spot more than a sit-down meal.
Dumplings get attention too, and a full vegetarian menu means mixed groups can all order something. Free parking makes pickups easy.
3. China Lake Restaurant, Somerset, MA
Sometimes you want your chow mein at an actual table, with a pot of tea on the side. China Lake Restaurant, just across the Taunton River in Somerset, offers exactly that kind of sit-down meal.
The pork chow mein sandwich is a standout, made with fresh chow mein. The tea selection gets real attention here as well, which is a nice touch for a classic Chinese American spot.
The rest of the menu reads like a South Coast favorites list. Think egg rolls, chicken fingers, pork fried rice, and boneless barbecue spareribs.
Table service, high chairs, and a kids’ menu make it an easy pick for families. It also accepts reservations, which helps on busier Friday and Saturday evenings.
Note the schedule before you go. It is closed Mondays and wraps up early, around 7:30 or 7:45 PM depending on the day.
4. China Kitchen, Taunton, MA
Wax paper wrapping is a small detail that tells you a lot about a chow mein sandwich. China Kitchen on Broadway in Taunton has long been known for its signature version, and it serves Fall River style chow mein well outside Fall River city limits.
The space is a small takeout joint, but the menu focus is clear. Chow mein sandwiches lead the way, backed by an affordable combo menu and honey chicken wings.
Prices stay friendly, with most meals landing between 10 and 20 dollars per person. Portions lean plentiful.
It runs late on weekends, staying open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Like a few others on this list, it closes on Tuesdays.
There is no restroom, so plan on takeout if you have a longer trip ahead. Parking includes a free lot and street options, along with some paid street spots downtown.
5. Star Drive-In, East Taunton, MA
Picture a 1960s-style drive-in where clam cakes, ice cream, and chow mein sandwiches all share the same order window. Star Drive-In on Myricks Street in East Taunton delivers that summer road trip energy every day of the week.
The chow mein sandwich here follows the old regional formula. Hamburger and brown sauce go over crispy hoo mee style noodles, all served on a hamburger bun, and the prices stay easy on the wallet.
Seafood is a big part of the draw. Clam cakes, fish and chips, and corn chowder are popular picks, and chili hot dogs and a grilled chicken sandwich fill out the menu.
Save room, because the ice cream lineup is wide. Dessert is one of the reasons people pull in.
Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM daily, and reservations are not taken. Outdoor seating, a kids’ menu, and dog-friendly policies make it a relaxed stop for the whole crew, with occasional live music adding to the fun.
6. Mr. Chen, Fall River, MA
Chourico Rangoon is not something you find on just any Chinese menu. Mr. Chen on Rhode Island Avenue blends classic takeout with true Fall River fusion, and that mix earns it the final spot here.
The chow mein still sticks to local tradition. Crispy noodles and gravy come packed separately, and the gravy portions are notably generous, so you control how saucy each bite gets.
This family-owned shop also serves bubble tea, including brown sugar milk bubble tea. Other favorites include chourico fried rice, sesame chicken, boneless spare ribs, coconut shrimp, and crab Rangoon rolls.
A clean kitchen and friendly service help make it a regular stop for many South Coast families. Catering is available for bigger gatherings.
It is closed Tuesdays and open until 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Delivery, takeout, and dine-in are all options.
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