The question arises here: “Are Chinese restaurants in the U.S. authentic Chinese food?” The answer is a resounding “yes.” There have been appropriations and changes in American tastes and perceptions, but the food served in Chinese restaurants in the U.S. is mostly authentic.
Lazy Susan
In the U.S., there is a burgeoning industry of Chinese restaurants. The majority of these restaurants are Chinese-owned and operated. Unfortunately, the authenticity of Chinese cuisine is often diluted beyond recognition. This is due to the appropriation of Chinese foods in the West and the need to adapt them to Western tastes.
One of the most blatant examples of this is the use of fake Chinese dishes. According to Jennifer 8. Lee, a former New York Times reporter, “the majority of Chinese people don’t recognize chop suey and other traditional dishes.” The food is adapted for U.S. tastes and has no relation to Chinese culture.
In addition, Chinese restaurants have taken many liberties with authentic recipes. The result is a medley of ingredients that bear little or no resemblance to the original dishes. Some dishes, such as orange chicken, are unrecognizable as authentic Chinese food. Another example is the use of “Asian” salads, essentially Americanized versions of Chinese salads.
A recent controversy in the Chinese restaurant industry has involved Arielle Haspel, a white Jewish American nutritionist. Lucky Lee’s restaurant advertised itself as serving clean Chinese food with quality ingredients. Such practices have further reinforced the stereotype that Chinese food is cheap, unhealthy, and unsanitary. Other white-owned Chinese restaurants have also been criticized for their attempts to enter the industry without a proper understanding of Chinese cuisine. As the demand for authentic Chinese dishes increases, more non-Asian chefs are likely to enter the industry without adequate training or knowledge of the cuisine. This will continue to spur questions about cultural appropriation and authenticity.
Lucky Danger
Founded in Woodridge, Illinois, Lucky Danger is known for its authentic Chinese food. The menu features items like moo shu pork, a pork dish made in a stovetop steamer. The pork is served with seasonal vegetables and homemade pancakes. Chicken is also available and is filled with vinegar and soy sauce.
The owners of Lucky Danger are cousins of Paul Ma, who ran a storefront turned restaurant in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. Paul Ma’s China Kitchen was featured in the Smithsonian’s exhibition, “Food, Transforming the American Table.” The show brought several generations of the Ma family to Washington, D.C. Lucky Danger’s food is aimed at a diverse group of customers who bundle dishes from different ages, such as the traditional kung pao chicken, spicy stir-fries, and pig ear salad. The French techniques the chef learned during culinary school also influenced the words.
The new Lucky Danger branch in Arlington, Virginia, is scheduled to open in late April. It will offer takeout and a kiosk, and customers in Northern Virginia can also order through online ordering. Eventually, Lucky Danger plans to add more hours to its Arlington location.
Lucky Danger has several unique and delicious dishes. The crab rangoon, for example, is a dish that isn’t even recognized in China. It’s made with crab and cream cheese, stuffed into a spring roll wrapper, and fried crisp. The dish was popularized by the San Francisco-based Trader Vic’s chain. Other Chinese restaurants in the U.S. include P.F. Chang’s and Lucky Danger. The quirky takeout bags feature a wide array of dishes, including crab Rangoon, duck-fried rice, pork dumplings, and an omelet with dried rad. Lucky Danger’s menu also offers classic Chinese dishes such as kung pao chicken and mapo tofu. The portions are generous.
Mamahuhu
For Chinese food in the U.S., you have many choices. You’ll find a menu that suits your palate and budget, from fast-casual to fine-dining. Brandon Jew’s chic contemporary venue puts a modern spin on Chinese-American classics.
Mamahuhu is a fun take on Chinese-American cuisine, serving food with a playful twist. The interiors are simple yet stylish and feature pops of color. The menu features classic Chinese dishes as well as organic and local ingredients. Customers can expect to be pleasantly surprised by the fusion of western and Asian flavors.
Mamahuhu’s menu features a high proportion of vegetables and meats. Chef Noah Kopito, who previously worked at Mister Jiu’s, will be in charge of the new kitchen. For example, his vegan mapo tofu recipe incorporates king trumpet mushrooms, which add a meaty component. His menu also includes celtuce with a spicy mala vinaigrette.
Jew’s latest venture, Mamahuhu, will be his first location outside San Francisco. He will open the restaurant at 173 Throckmorton Ave., in the former Mill Valley Beerworks space. Originally a quaint one-hundred-square-foot area, Mill Valley Beerworks has expanded into the Fort Point Beer Company, which now has multiple locations, including a 14,000-square-foot production facility in the Presidio.
Although Chinese food has been popular in the U.S. for decades, it has not always been an authentic experience. Historically, Chinese restaurants are served only in the Chinese community. But nowadays, you can find authentic Chinese food in cities across the U.S., including the Midwest.
Nice Day
Nice Day Chinese food in Chinese restaurants in the United States was born out of a need. Since the 1990s, many Chinese immigrants have opened Chinese takeout restaurants. However, as many are reaching retirement age and moving on to other careers, many have closed down these restaurants. This has led to a drastic shortage of Chinese restaurants in the U.S. Thankfully, the entrepreneurs behind Nice Day were able to capitalize on the current situation by creating a new concept that celebrates Chinese food and American culture.
Nice Day plans to expand by acquiring and remodeling Chinese American takeout restaurants owned by Chinese families. It is currently open in Melville, New York, and plans to open a second location on Long Island. The restaurant plans to preserve the legacy of these Chinese takeout restaurants by offering Chinese food “the way it should be.”
Qing Xiang Yuan
This BYOB nook focuses on artisan Chinese dumplings. The kitchen is open, and patrons can see artisan Chinese chefs preparing dishes. This minimalist-chic restaurant is a great place to have a drink, too.
Qing Xiang Yuan emphasizes fresh ingredients and follows traditional Chinese cooking methods. The dumplings here are among the best in the city. You can drink wine, beer, or jasmine tea while you eat.
The dumplings at this Chicago restaurant are finger-licking good. The menu features more than ten varieties. They are filled with crab and pork and are served in a rich broth. Among other items on the menu are fried buns and spicy lamb dumplings.
This Szechuan-style Chinese restaurant has a long line of loyal customers and serves traditional Chinese fare. The dumplings are a particular highlight, with a thin dough pocket filled with organic ground meat. This restaurant is BYOB, so patrons can bring their wine and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine.
Qing Xiang Yuan is an excellent example of authentic Chinese food in Chinese restaurants in the United States. It is modern and clean and offers a great experience. You can even order takeout here. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the food looks authentic.
Shanghai Dumpling King
While Americanized Chinese food resembles traditional Chinese fare, an authentic taste of China can only be found in a real Chinese restaurant. These restaurants specialize in unique dishes such as Peking duck or shrimp Shumai. While Americanized Chinese food tends to have a sweeter taste, authentic Chinese food is more savory.
Chinese cuisine in the U.S. has a long history. It was rooted in the Chinese-American immigrants from the Taishan Province in the 19th century. After the Great Migration, many Taishan immigrants sought work as laborers in the U.S. Many were forced to leave their jobs because of violent attacks, but others decided to open Chinese restaurants. As a result, American Chinese food was born.
Across the U.S., there are Chinese fast-food chains. Among these is the Pick Up Stix, a chain in California that has become a staple in food courts and shopping malls. There are also several other Chinese chain restaurants, such as Panda Express.
While some of these dishes may not be authentic Chinese fare, they are still prevalent in the U.S. Fried rice is popular with Americans because it is quick and easy to prepare and appeals to American tastes. Fried rice is often made with leftover rice and has more soy sauce than its Chinese counterpart. It is usually served with different meat and vegetables, such as sliced or shredded chicken. Typically, it is done with a side of mandarin oranges.
