Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Opinion: Why American-Chinese food is real Chinese food
What is authentic Chinese food?
According to Merriam-Webster, “authentic” could mean real or genuine :
not copied or false; true and accurate; made
to be or look just like an original.
So are Chinese dishes in America, such as Orange chicken, egg foo young,
chop-suey and fortune cookies authentic? Were these popular dishes invented by
non-Chinese chefs or to entice non-Chinese Americans?
Back in 1840’s, there were numbers of Chinese workers immigrated to the
U.S., particularly in California to build railroads. They had no or very
limited access to their original or genuine Chinese foods. They had no choice
but to make dishes with the ingredients and spices that were available. Also,
Chinese food has wide and distinctive variations by region. So those Chinese immigrants
seemed to come up with dishes that were edible and palatable for Chinese from
different origins in China. Though they are meaty, deep or stir fried and saucy
compared to the ones in China, Chinese dishes in America still seem to be “authentic
Chinese dishes.”
Enjoy reading and thinking what makes authentic dishes, who cooks, how
it is prepared or where and to whom it is served.
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