Fijian Chop Suey

Name: Fijian Chop Suey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Fijian
Ingredients: 300g dried egg noodles; 300g chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 onion, sliced; 2 carrots, julienned; 1 cup cabbage, shredded; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Chop Suey (chop SOO-ee)

Fijian-Style Stir Fry Noodles

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 412 kcal

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, garlic, soy sauce, and chicken or beef. A Chinese-Fijian fusion comfort food found across the islands.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 28.0g

Carbs 48.0g

Fat 12.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ soy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

wok pot tongs

Presentation Guide

Vessel: large plate

Garnishes: spring onions, chili flakes

Accompaniments: chili sauce

Ingredients

300g dried egg noodles
300g chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
2 carrots, julienned
1 cup cabbage, shredded
1 bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Cook noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
2
Heat oil in a large wok over high heat.
3
Stir fry chicken slices until cooked through, about four minutes, then remove.
4
Add onion, carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper, stir frying for three minutes.
5
Add garlic and cook for thirty seconds.
6
Return chicken to the wok, add noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
7
Toss everything together over high heat for two minutes and serve hot.

💡

Did You Know?

Fijian chop suey is sold at nearly every takeaway shop in Fiji and bears little resemblance to its Chinese-American namesake.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

wok
pot
tongs

Garnishing

spring onions, chili flakes

Accompaniments

chili sauce

The Story Behind Fijian Chop Suey

Fijian chop suey reflects the contribution of Fiji's Chinese community to the national cuisine. Chinese migrants arrived in Fiji in the early twentieth century and established restaurants and shops that introduced noodle dishes to the broader population.

On the Calendar: Chop suey is everyday fast food in Fiji, available at takeaway shops, school canteens, and home kitchens. It is quick, affordable, and universally loved.

Then & Now: The dish has been thoroughly localized, using whatever vegetables are available and adapted to Fijian taste preferences with more soy sauce and simpler technique than traditional Chinese stir fry.

Legacy: Fijian chop suey is proof that Fiji's cuisine is a living multicultural fusion, continuously evolving as different communities contribute their food traditions.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch, dinner, takeaway 📜 Origins: 20th century

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