Chinese American Cuisine
Growing up eating mostly Chinese food, I miss my grandmother’s pickled greens and her salt-baked chicken. I gained a good few pounds during Thanksgiving break last year when staying at a friend’s house. Thanks to my friend’s mom’s amazing culinary skills, I devoured all kinds of Chinese delicacies – sweet and sour ribs, spicy chicken, stir-fried pork with chili, you name it. I relished those home-cooked meals more than anything else, especially after a few dining out experiences in the US. So, I’m here to share some of my thoughts on Chinese American food, which seems to me as a distinct and different cuisine.
According to a friend, Chinese dishes in the US are completely different from real Chinese food back home: these US renditions truly take on a life of their own. I have to say I agree with that. For instance, many restaurants serve dishes I’ve never heard of, such as general Tsao’s chicken or orange chicken. After having a few takeout experiences, I’ve grown skeptical and stayed away from ordering Chinese food on UberEats, only picking from restaurants I’ve physically been to or those recommended by friends.
For starters, dining culture in China involves ordering multiple dishes and sharing among the party. I, however, have struggled with doing so especially when ordering only for myself or with friends here. Instead, I resort to noodles or dim sum which can stand alone as individualized entrées. The sharing factor of Chinese dining culture with the physical food transcends into conversations at the table, establishing connections with others.
Furthermore, when someone mentions Chinese food, the first thing that comes to mind is sweet and sour pork. Growing up in the southern parts of China where food is mostly salty, I’ve always struggled to appreciate main courses that were sweet. Here in the US, I’ve noticed many more deep-fried and sweet Chinese dishes that weren’t commonly seen in my household. An example would be Egg Foo young, a Chinese American style omelet typically made with shrimp and bean sprouts tipped with gravy. Nevertheless, I’ve grown appreciation for American Chinese cuisines, and found its cultural significance for Chinese-Americans – memories of home and family, mainly signified by dumplings and other dishes. Hopefully you have found Chinese food to be delicious too, if not, reach out and I would be always happy to take you to one.