Stewart Culin in his article Customs of the Chinese Culture in America, thoroughly analyzes how the life of the people from little Chinese colonies has gradually emerged in the American culture. According to Culin, “The people from each district have their peculiar local customs and traditions” (Culin, 1890). Chinese food, however, from these small little colonies have transformed into something new. Locally the people of the Chinese culture enjoy such dishes as orange chicken and fried rice, however it is now often preferred as well with American culture. Chinese restaurants have become widely common in America. Popular dishes such as that include soft tofu, ground pork, and chili that are better known as mapo tofu were originally created within the Chinese culture. America’s fascination with such items is growing rapidly. But there are a number of other sources that have helped to popularize the Chinese cuisine within the American culture. Culin helps us to understand that because these little colonies were forced to undergo rebellion that did not help to provide economic opportunities, the cuisines were basic. Some only consisted of stir-fries with rice and vegetables. Meat was also rarely available. This helped to build the foundation of Chinese food as it is today in America. Immediately, America jumped on the band wagon. Chow Chow restaurants were some of the first restaurants in America. These restaurants were formed for the Chinese. Overtime Chinese restaurants in America began to come up with ideas to help them distinguish their own identities. Although the Chinese has put forth every effort to embrace the traditions of others, they continue to hold on tightly to their own values. This helps them preserve the customs of their forefathers.
In an article titled, Historian serves up the story of Chinese food in America, by Laura Rico, an author who was raised by her mother in China helps readers to understand how American Chinese food provided the foundation for many fast food restaurants today. She analyze the question, Why Chinese food is so popular in the United States. According to her, it all began with Chop Suey. It was food that was perfect for the working middle class partly because it is affordable. It is also food that is quick and simple and delicious. Chinese food has played a critical part in developing the American way of life. According to the article, “This “inexpensive, fast and tasty food was irresistible to many bohemians, rebellious youth, African Americans and middle-class tourists” (Rico, 2014). Chinese food by the year 1980, had popularized into a massive food nation. The emergence of many of the American Chinese food restaurants also helped Chinese Americans improve their way of life as it brought more money into their homes. Chinese food became critical to their way of life and the advancements of their communities. Concepts such the open kitchen and fortune cookies also spread across the American culture. Chinese foods became a major addition to the American diet which helped to expand its culture and improve its economics. It has also helped to add to the race and identity of America. Chinese food in America has greatly influenced the overall American story.
In the book, “Chop Suey: A Cultural History of Chinese Food in the United States” by Andrew Coe. The authors help the reader to understand how Chinese food became popular in the United States. In 1784, a group of Americans who visited China were the first to experience this genuine taste. The author also helps readers understand how Americans were also confused with the use of chopsticks. Americans in China were pretty much introduced to meals that were more European than Asian. But it wasn’t until the Chinese ventured out to America during the Gold Rush when there began to be an interest in the culture and the cuisine. Public eating places became of interest as well. This was due to the mad love for stir-fry dishes. " Andrew Coe helps the reader understand the interaction of Chinese food and the American society from a historical perspective dated back to 1748. It is evident the Chinese food is a major part of the American success story. Chinese food help to bridge a gap between migration and the overall ethnicity in America. Chop Suey with is vegetable and noodles help to balance more that its own flavor, but also the flavor of America. This is all seen through the stories Coe shares about the American- Chinese relations. It became more than a cultural exchange of food. This book is not only informative but it is interesting providing concrete evidence of Nixon’s trip to China and how he to fell in love with Chinese food (Coe, 2009). After all Chine food has contributed who would have thought there were so many misconceptions about Chinese food.
References
Coe, Andrew. (2009). Chop Suey: A Cultural History of Chinese Food in the United States. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Culin, S. (1890). Customs of the Chinese in America. The Journal of American Folklore, 3(10), 191-200. doi:1. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/532799 doi:1
Rico, Laura. ( 2014). Historian serves up the story of Chinese food in America. University of California. Retrieved from http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/irvine-historian-publishes-book-chinese-foods-role-american-culture
