The chow mein sandwich typically consists of a brown gravy-based chow mein mixture placed between halves of a hamburger-style bun, and is popular on Chinese-American restaurant menus throughout southeastern Massachusetts and parts of neighboring Rhode Island.

[3] These sandwiches are sometimes served outside of Chinese American restaurants by the food services in local area schools[6] and senior citizens' centers.

[7] Celebrity chef and Fall River native Emeril Lagasse has also publicized this sandwich,[7] along with food writers Jane and Michael Stern.

Just like plated chow mein without the bun, the sandwich may also include meats or seafood, usually chicken, beef, or shrimp.

[9] Although the sandwich is mostly unknown in nearby Boston,[3] it was on the menu at the more distant Coney Island location of Nathan's Famous in Brooklyn, New York as recently as 2013.