Well, I Laughed 122: Word of Mouth pt.2: Wok it Out
Sep 10, 2025
Explore the fascinating journey of American Chinese cuisine, born from immigrant resilience and cultural adaptation. Discover how Chinese laborers shaped the Transcontinental Railroad and how community kitchens emerged amidst discrimination. Hear about iconic dishes like chop suey and General Tso's chicken, which found their way into American hearts. Delve into the stories of culinary pioneers like Joyce Chen, who popularized egg rolls, and Cecilia Chang, who helped pave the way for franchising. Celebrate the small-town Chinese restaurants that enriched local culture!
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How American Chinese Food Was Born
- Modern American Chinese food grew from Chinese immigrants tailoring dishes to American tastes and budgets.
- Cheap ingredients, starch-thickened sauces, and familiar vegetables made it widely accessible.
Sunday Deli Chinese Tradition
- Grant recalls his family's Sunday ritual of buying cheap Chinese meals from the grocery deli after church.
- Those inexpensive combos embedded Chinese food into family routine and nostalgia.
Why Many Chinese Immigrated In 1850
- Massive mid-19th-century migration from China to the U.S. was driven by the California Gold Rush and instability from the Opium Wars.
- Western powers, especially Britain, exacerbated Chinese social collapse by trafficking opium into China.