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Forever Ago

Where did the Fortune Cookie come from?

May 15, 2024
Journalist Jennifer 8. Lee delves into the intriguing history of fortune cookies, tracing their journey from Japan to America. The podcast uncovers the surprising origins of this iconic treat and explores the cultural fusion in American cuisine, highlighting the role of Chinese immigrants. A fun and informative episode that reveals the fascinating evolution of fortune cookies.
24:03

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Fortune cookies originated in Japan, not China, and were brought to the US by Japanese immigrants.
  • The evolution of fortune cookies in the US highlights how immigrant communities contribute to food culture.

Deep dives

Origin of Fortune Cookies

Fortune cookies, commonly associated with Chinese restaurants in the US, actually originated in Japan. In the late 1800s, these cookies were made by hand in Japan, flavored with ingredients like miso paste and sesame, and had the fortune placed outside the cookie. Japanese immigrants likely brought the cookie recipe to America, specifically to California. Over time, the cookies evolved in the US, becoming smaller, sweeter, and flavored with vanilla and butter to cater to American tastes.

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