RasmaSandra
Chop Suey has become a tasty and popular Chinese-American dish. However, it is a mystery as to how this dish actually came about. There is a legend that tells the story of when Chinese Ambassador Li Hongzhang visited New York City. It says that Chang’s cooks invented chop suey for his American guests at a dinner on August 29, 1896. The recipe was fairly simple with meat mixed with celery and bean sprouts in a delicious sauce. It was meant to appeal to both the Chinese and the Americans.
The Chinese diplomat wanted to create good relations with the U.S. No one knows for sure if this story is true but it is known that Li Hongzhang did influence the creation of chop suey. When he arrived for his visit cheering Americans lined the streets hoping to get a look at him and his famous yellow jacket. Children decorated their bicycles with yellow streamers. Hongzhang was honored at many feasts and banquets and offered the best food and champagne. However, he chose to eat only what his chefs prepared for him.
Another look at chop suey tells us that most likely Hongzhang’s chefs did not invent this dish but that this visit gave a new interest in Chinese cooking. After 1896 Americans began to eat at Chinese restaurants a lot more. Finally, a chop suey fad swept through cities like New York and San Francisco. It is thought that Chinese restaurant owners wanted to draw interest to their food so they used the Ambassador’s name to spark interest in chop suey.
-
Question of
Do you like Chinese food?
-
Yes
-
No
-
-
Question of
Have you eaten chop suey?
-
Yes
-
No
-
I don’t know this dish although I am Chinese, thanks for telling.
I’ve tried Chinese food before, but I don’t like it.
In other words, you prefer the food you know and are used to. That is all right not everyone likes other kinds of foods.
I have always read about chop suey, but I don’t really know how it is. Must it served with rice or noodles? I am Chinese, and it looks like the style that we always stir fry vegetables or sometimes with rice or noodles as well. I am not sure if they are the same.
I don’t know but most dishes like this are served with rice. You can find different chop suey recipes online.
Thanks! I will definitely go and check out some chop suey recipes.
We have an American version with lots of broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus.
That sounds delicious, Alex. I love all those vegetables.
Of all the food Chinese is my faovurite. I also cook a few dishes including the sweet corn and chicken/crab soups.
I used to make Chinese food using bamboo shoots, and other items but I have not made any in a long time, Grace.
I absolutely love Chinese food and this is a favorite.
When I moved to Latvia it was a great disappointment to find out that in Europe you have different Chinese food and very expensive. Not much delivery either., But now back in the states, I can get Chinese food anytime.