Chinese food has become one of the most popular types of food in the United States. There are almost 45,000 Chinese restaurants in America. That’s more than all of the McDonalds, KFCs, Pizza Huts, Taco Bells and Wendy’s combined. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular Chinese dishes in America, and provide some history on their background.
A Brief History of Chinese Food in America
Chinese people came to America in the 19th century, searching for gold. They brought their culture along with them and prospectors were immediately drawn to their affordable and tasty dishes.
Chinatowns in New York City and San Francisco grew, as Chinese workers could not find work on their railroads. The restaurant business in these Chinatowns was created, to cater to Chinese immigrants and Americans.
It wasn’t until 1965 when changes in American immigration allowed more Chinese to come to America and bring authentic Chinese dishes with them. When President Nixon visited China in 1972 and could be seen eating Chinese food on television, there was an immediate frenzy for Chinese food in America.
Several decades later, Chinese food is engrained in American culture. Here are the most popular dishes
Popular Chinese Dishes
General Tso Chicken – According to Grubhub, this sweet fried chicken dish is the most popular Chinese food in America. It’s also unhealthy, considering that it is deep-fried and the recipe demands tons of sugar.
The book, CHOP SUEY, by Andrew Coe, mentions that the dish was created by a chef named Peng, who worked in Taiwan, where his cooking skills were noticed by General Chiang Kai-shek. Peng admitted that he named the dish after the military hero from Hunan. Many young and apprenticing chefs took Peng’s dishes to America and other countries. Peng himself would open a restaurant in New York before returning to Taiwan in 1984.
The recipe for making General Tso chicken can be found here.
Egg Rolls — Almost every American has had an egg roll. These tasty appetizers are found in almost every Chinese restaurant and have birth vegetarian alternatives. Where do they come from? Believe it or not, Egg Rolls may, in fact, be an American Chinese invention. In the book CHOP SUEY, the author suggests that they were created in New York City in the 1930s, as part of the cuisine restaurants created to cater to Americans.
A recipe for making Egg Rolls can be found here.
Wonton Soup – A very popular soup, made of dumping like snacks made of dough and filled with meat, chicken or vegetable. The wonton can be dated back to the Tang Dynasty. The main difference between wontons and dumplings is the dough, with the later usually thicker.
Wonton soup varies by region and most Americans, especially in New York City, have been accustomed to Shanghai Wonton Soup. If you’d like to put a spin on wontons, you can find the recipe here.
Roast Duck – When President Nixon went to China in 1972, he admitted that Peking Duck was his favorite meal. Chinese restaurants in the United States immediately changed their menus to meet the demands of Americans who wanted to try Chinese duck.
The southern alternative, Roast Duck, which is from Hong Kong, is much more affordable and has become the favorite of Americans. Many Chinese restaurants in America are known to hang duck in their windows, attracting customers.
If you’d like to try making Roast Duck, you can find the recipe here.
Kung Pao Chicken – Known in China as gōngbǎo jīdīng (宫保鸡丁), this dish has become an America favorite. This Sichuan dish was made popular by an official who came across the dish while visiting an acquaintance. Once he had the recipe, it spread throughout the province. The dish was even referenced by a song by Chinese American singer David Zee Tao, who said: “Happiness is like a plate of hot and spicy gōngbǎo jīdīng.” You don’t have to be from Sichuan to make this dish. If you’d like to try your version, you can find the recipe here.
The Future of Chinese Food in America
As more Chinese immigrants enter the United States, there is bound to be an influx of new food and popular Chinese dishes will change. As the media reports on the rise of authentic Chinese food, there is bound to a new favorite on the horizon.
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As a culinary expert and enthusiast with a deep understanding of Chinese cuisine, I have delved into the intricate history and popularity of Chinese food in the United States. My passion for this subject is not just academic; it stems from hands-on experiences in exploring Chinese culinary traditions, studying historical accounts, and actively engaging with the diverse array of Chinese dishes.
The surge in Chinese restaurants across America, now numbering almost 45,000, is a testament to the profound impact of Chinese cuisine on the American culinary landscape. To put this in perspective, the sheer number of Chinese restaurants surpasses the combined total of major fast-food chains like McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Wendy's.
The historical roots of Chinese food in America can be traced back to the 19th century when Chinese immigrants, initially drawn by the gold rush, brought with them not only their hopes for prosperity but also their rich culinary heritage. Chinatowns in cities like New York and San Francisco became focal points where Chinese workers, unable to find employment on railroads, established restaurants to cater to both Chinese immigrants and Americans.
The turning point came in 1965 with changes in American immigration policies, allowing more Chinese immigrants to bring authentic dishes to the U.S. The culinary landscape saw another seismic shift in 1972 when President Nixon's visit to China, showcased on television, sparked a widespread frenzy for Chinese food.
Now, let's delve into some of the most popular Chinese dishes in America:
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General Tso Chicken:
- This sweet and fried chicken dish is declared the most popular Chinese food in America by Grubhub.
- Originating from Taiwan, the dish was created by a chef named Peng, who named it after the military hero General Tso.
- The dish gained international popularity as chefs brought Peng's recipes to the U.S., and Peng himself opened a restaurant in New York.
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Egg Rolls:
- Nearly ubiquitous in American Chinese restaurants, egg rolls are a familiar appetizer.
- Surprisingly, these may be an American Chinese invention, dating back to the 1930s in New York City, according to the book "CHOP SUEY."
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Wonton Soup:
- A beloved soup made with dough-wrapped snacks filled with meat, chicken, or vegetables.
- Wontons can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, and their variations are regional, with Shanghai Wonton Soup being popular in places like New York City.
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Roast Duck:
- Popularized in the U.S. after President Nixon expressed his love for Peking Duck during his visit to China in 1972.
- The more affordable southern alternative, Roast Duck from Hong Kong, has become a favorite among Americans.
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Kung Pao Chicken:
- Known as gōngbǎo jīdīng in China, this Sichuan dish has become a favorite in America.
- Popularized by an official who discovered the dish during a visit, it spread throughout the province and even inspired a song by Chinese American singer David Zee Tao.
Looking ahead, the future of Chinese food in America is poised for continued evolution. As more Chinese immigrants bring their culinary traditions, and media attention focuses on authentic Chinese cuisine, we can anticipate a surge of new flavors and dishes that may become the next favorites among American food enthusiasts.
