The History of American Chinese Food

With nearly five thousand years of history and culture behind them, the Chinese immigrants that first arrived in the United States brought ingredients, recipes, and cooking methods that made an impact from the very start. American Chinese food is a history of travel, immigration, racism, and politics, and a social evolution that is still changing, facing challenges, and having moments of innovation and growth today.

Some of the most popular Chinese food dishes across the country and, indeed, across the world, are products of the Chinese American immigration experience. They are a blending together of available and inexpensive ingredients, a need for quick cook times, and a response to a cultural and political environment that very often did not accept who they were and all they had to share.

These foods are not diluted versions of the recipes that came from China, but rather, something important all their own. They are a crucial facet of Chinese history that is not always easy to look at but provides us essential insight into how Chinese immigrants settled into the United States. They also help to inform what steps must continue to be made so that true equitability, representation, and respect for all cultures, religions, and histories can be achieved.

Fly By Jing believes that cuisine is one important way to explore the history of a place and its valuable implications. Our ingredients are developed from the Sichuan region of China and take inspiration from across the country and, to a great extent, around the world. When you’re ready to begin creating Chinese food dishes at home, explore our growing library of recipes and the history of Chinese American food.