How Chinese Cuisine Paved Its Way in the United States
By Marie Miguel
The influx of Chinese restaurants sprouting in the urban cities of the United States has significantly increased as more Americans became regular patrons of China’s delectable cuisine. Although their penchant for the Asian food has been more evident over the years, it is important to mention that it hasn’t always been the case at the beginning.
How the Chinese Introduced Their Food and Culture in America
During the peak of the gold rush in 1894, many hopefuls arrived to California with the hope of finding the most coveted golden nugget. Thousands of Chinese immigrants also joined the gold craze. Some went to the hills to become miners themselves, while others opened small cooking houses to provide food to the fortune hunters.
At first, it was curiosity that led the Americans to try Chinese dishes and delicacies. However, the hospitality and delicious food offered by Chinese restaurants meant it wasn’t long until they earned praises and recognition from happy customers.
The Challenges of Living in A Foreign Land
As the gold resources started to diminish, the tension between the Americans and Chinese worsened since the lack of employment and decline in their income were blamed on the latter. The Chinese immigrants were treated with a cold shoulder and given harsh sanctions by American groups to push them out of the United States.
In spite of their success in providing gastronomical treats, the rift between the two nations significantly contributed to the waning interest of Americans to the Chinese cuisine. The stereotyping and poor treatment of the Chinese immigrants continued to persist for many years.
The Chinese Restaurants Rise from Oblivion
After the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 severely damaged Chinatown, the community leaders heavily promoted tourism by providing exotic entertainment to lure new patrons. Many Chinese restaurants also opened outside Chinatown and were the first to offer food delivery.
Today, there are more than 45,000 Chinese restaurants in the United States and Asian cuisine has been widely embraced by Westerners. People flock to Chinese restaurants to treat themselves with good food. American and Chinese cultures started to meet halfway as they became influenced by each other.
Just like how Americans influenced Japanese into wearing suits as alternatives to kimonos, they were also successful in making Chinese restaurants modify their dishes to satisfy the Western palate. Although the taste of the traditional cuisines still resembles the authentic version of Chinese cookery, the added sweetness or flavor of the food is prominent evidence of the Chinese adaptation of the Western culture.
Americans, on the other hand, can’t seem to get enough of all things Chinese. Asian ingredients, such as spices, have become part of their kitchen staples, and they started to make their own take on Chinese cuisines such as dim sum, soups, egg rolls and congees.
Good food Will Always Be Good Food
Chinese cuisine has become one of the most favorite foods in the United States. Chinese restaurants not only provide good food, it continuously brings comfort to Chinese immigrants living in the United States as the delicious food they serve makes them feel closer to home.
References:
- The Chinese by Henry Kittredge Norton
- The Story of China Town
- The 5 Chinese Cultures and Traditions That Have Been Adapted in The US
- How American Chinese Food Came to Be
- How Chinese and Americans Understand Culture
- What did Chinese immigrants contribute to America?
- Adapting Food Between Cultures
- American Chinese cuisine
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