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Fortune Cookie

The Fascinating Journey of Fortune Cookie: Tracing its Origins and Cultural Impact

Whenever Americans go to Chinese restaurants, we expect fortune cookies to be brought out with our check. If you go to China, you probably won’t find any. So, is it something we created in America? Not quite.

Evidence shows that it originated in Kyoto, Japan, during the 19th century. Makoto Hagiwara was a Japanese immigrant who worked as a caretaker of the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco since 1895. Between 1907 and 1914, he began serving fortune cookies to guests.

Fortune Cookie

The cookies were based on Japanese senbei (grilled rice wafers). According to sources, the cookies contained thank you notes instead of fortunes. Hagiwara was once fired by a racist Mayor, but was later rehired. Many believe this was his way of thanking the public.

David Jung’s Claim and the Court’s Ruling

David Jung, founder of Hong Kong Noodle Company in Los Angeles, claimed that he is the original inventor of the the cookie. In 1983, San Francisco’s Court of Historical Review attempted to settle the dispute. During the proceedings, one of the key pieces of evidence was a message inside the cookie that read, “S.F. judge who rules for L.A. Not Very Smart Cookie.” A federal judge from San Francisco determined that the cookie originated from Hagiwara, and the court ruled in favor of San Francisco.

Traditional fortune cookies go by many different names: tsujiura senbei (“fortune crackers”), omikuji senbei (“written fortune crackers”), and suzu senbei (“bell crackers”). In Japan, they aren’t nearly as popular as they are in America. They even taste slightly different than American’s because they are flavored with miso and sesame, rather than vanilla-butter. Traditional fortune cookies were also shaped by hand with chopsticks. By 1964, the Lotus Fortune Cookie Company invented an automatic machine that helped fortune cookies reach mass production.

The big questions is…if the cookie is Japanese, why are they in Chinese restaurants? This has been a hot debate since it has been hard to pinpoint the exact answer, but this is what we found.

Introduction in the 40s: During World War II

We can trace the answer back to World War II. When over 100,000 Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps, the bakeries that produced the cookies came to a halt. Chinese entrepreneurs quickly stepped in to fill the gaps. Regional Chinese restaurants in California began to make and sell the cookies, but they were called “fortune tea cakes.” Military personnel discovered them on their way home from the Pacific Theater. When the men returned home, they asked their local Chinese restaurants why they didn’t serve authentic fortune cookies like the restaurants in San Francisco.

Big and Rapid Production by Chinese Bakeries in the late 50s

Soon, restaurants learned about the cookie, and it rapidly spread throughout the country. By the late 1950s, small Chinese bakeries and cookie companies were producing around 250 million cookies each year. Today, Wonton Food Inc. of Long Island City ships out 60 million cookies each month! While the flavor of the cookie isn’t what makes it so popular, the fortune inside sets it apart.

Became a Hit in the 60s with the Fortune Cookie’s Messages

Early fortunes featured biblical sayings or quotes. Later, they started suggesting lottery numbers and giving advice. By 1960, fortune cookies became so popular that they were used in 2 presidential campaigns: Adlai Stevenson’s and Stuart Symington’s. Some people have even customized fortune cookies for weddings or birthday parties. Today, fortune cookie messages are mostly cryptic, feel-good, or philosophical.

Ultimately, we can say fortune cookies were invented by the Japanese, popularized by the Chinese, and heavily consumed by Americans.

“Next time you crave the delightful combination of Chinese cuisine and the anticipation of cracking open a fortune cookie, visit Alings Chinese Bistro. Our authentic dishes will transport you to the flavors of China, while our homemade cookies add a touch of whimsy to your dining experience. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying meal or simply want to indulge in the joy of a perfectly crafted cookie, Alings Chinese Bistro is the place to be. For reservations or more information, please contact us at +1 281-242-0432. Embark on a culinary journey where the enchantment of the Fortune Cookie awaits you at Alings Chinese Bistro.”

from china to houston

From China to Houston: A Vibrant Tapestry of Asian Culture and Community

Houston is right up there with New York as one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the United States! The Asian population is Houston’s fastest-growing ethnic group. In fact, it is the fastest growing in America – ahead of Hispanics. The small city of Sugar Land (home to Aling’s Chinese Cuisine) is even 37.5% Asian. China is the most heavily populated country in the world.

So what exactly brought the large Asian community to Houston – more specifically, the Chinese community?

The Early Immigrants from China to Houston: Residents and Business District

In 1870, 250 men from China come to Houston for construction work. 30 years later, there were only 7 Chinese residents in Houston. In the early 1900s, the very first Chinese business district opened. Some Chinese residents in Mississippi left to move down here to Houston. The Great Migration left many of them without their steady clientele of African-Americans. By the 1930s, there were less than 50 Chinese living in Houston. Many of them owned restaurants and small grocery stores while they lived directly behind their business or on the second floor.

from china to houston

The Impact of World War II and the Chinese Merchants’ Association

World War II slowly brought the Chinese population up to 121 because of Houston’s attractive economy. By 1950, the population still hadn’t even hit 1,000. The Chinese Merchants’ Association moved into what is now East Downtown and became a booming Chinatown by the 1970s. Today, many call it the “Old Chinatown.”

The Establishment of “New Chinatown” and Yao Ming’s Influence

By 1983, there were around 30,000 people of Chinese origin living in the Houston area. A “New Chinatown” was created, and it is the popular Chinatown most Houstonites know and love today. In the 1990s, local Asian entrepreneurs moved their businesses from old neighborhoods and the old Chinatown to this new area.

In 2002, China’s very own seven-foot-six basketball superstar Yao Ming suited up to join the Houston Rockets. Millions of people in China turned on their TVs to catch him in action and found that Houston was an international city with a booming Asian population. Before Yao Ming, many Chinese didn’t know the difference between Houston and Boston. He basically brought awareness to the city. Chinese investors and immigrants made their way over soon after.

Chinese Investors and Real Estate in Houston

Many investors left because of China’s instable economy and came here because of American real estate. In 2015, the Chinese bought the most properties and spent the most dollars out of all other foreigners in America. They became the second largest international buyer of Texas real estate, falling right below Latin American buyers. Houston has the largest Chinatown in the South – which could be the reason it has attracted so many investors. Last year, the total Asian population in Houston was up to 126,378!

Experience the rich flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine at Alings Chinese Bistro, located in the heart of Houston’s vibrant Chinatown. Indulge in a culinary journey that pays homage to the roots of Chinese gastronomy while embracing the local tastes and ingredients of Houston. Whether you’re craving traditional dim sum, savory Peking duck, or mouthwatering Sichuan specialties, our skilled chefs are dedicated to delivering an unforgettable dining experience. Join us at Alings Chinese Bistro to savor the essence of Chinese culture, right here in Houston. For reservations or any assistance, please contact us at +1 281-242-0432. Let us guide you on a gastronomic adventure from China to Houston.

General Tsao CK

Savoring Diversity: The Rich Mosaic of Chinese American Cuisine

Chinese food has become a staple in American culture, sparking the blend of the two. This combination is what we call Chinese American cuisine. Like all monumental moments in history (and yes, chicken fried rice is monumental), there are interesting stories behind it. Here is the history of Chinese American Cuisine.

The Gold Rush and the Emergence of Chinese Immigrants in America

In the early 1850’s, the gold rush attracted many people from all over the world to the bright cities of California. Rumors of the gold rush opportunities in the United States spread all the way to Southern China and began the wave of Chinese immigrants to America.

chinese american cuisine in history

The first Chinese immigrants were traders, grocers, merchants, and restaurant owners. With them, they brought their vibrant culture (including the best part of all culture, FOOD). The emergence of Chinese restaurants–known as Chow Chow houses–attracted the attention of many California residents due to not only their great flavors but also their excellent customer service and cleanliness. The formations of “China Towns” grew all around the city of San Francisco.

Fun Fact- The Rice industry began to boom and was worth over a million dollars in 1865.

Challenges and the Rise of Chinese American Cuisine

As time went on, the Chinese became a targeted reason for declining wages and the shrinking job market for American Citizens. This led to the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act that prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the United States. Prejudice groups developed and Anti-Chinese food sentiment grew. However, the “Chop-Suey” dish became popularized quickly. This dish was a concoction of meat, veggies, and many other random ingredients. This was an American take on Chinese food; however, this dish is rarely recognized in authentic Chinese restaurants.

Despite these pitfalls, people’s hunger for Chinese cuisine didn’t waver. The Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed in 1943, and Americanized Chinese grew into boneless meats, deep-fried entrees, and sweet, savory sauces.

A New Era and the Influence of Skilled Chinese Chefs

In 1967, the era of Chinese American cuisine starts where Shun Lee Palace became the first Chinese restaurant to receive a four-star review from the New York Times. This started a wave of skilled Chinese chefs to the United States. In 1972, President Nixon fueled this wave by being the first American President to visit China since its revolution. This visit was aired on television, along with all the Chinese delicacies that the president had indulged in. Thus began a demand for Chinese American cuisine, and it has since taken off.

Today commonly recognizable elements of Chinese American cuisine dining include fortune cookies, orange chicken, fried rice, and more. According to the Chinese American Restaurant Association, there are roughly 45,000 restaurants, and Aling’s is at the top of the list (not because the list is in alphabetical order).

Aling’s Hakka Cuisine: The Fusion of Chinese and Indian Flavors

In March of 2011, Aling’s Hakka Cuisine opened its doors in Sugar Land, Texas. Aling’s is unique in the fact that it effectively blends the flavors and spices of Chinese cuisine with Indian cuisine in what is popularly known as “Chindian.”

Aling’s owners, Sam and Irfan Motiwala, got the idea to bring their native flavors to Texas. Their biggest task: deciding exactly which flavors to bring. The Moitwalas knew exactly what the missing piece of the puzzle was. It was their brother-in-law, Chef Gary Yan. Chef Gary Yan has worked all over the world and brought his own native flavor to the Aling’s menu.

The Aling’s clan wanted to bring home-cooked food to their community and enlisted the help of yet another Motiwala, Lin Motiwala. Chef Gary Yan and Chef Lin Motiwala serve as Aling’s executive chefs. The restaurant has become a large part of the family and even contains dishes created in the homes of the Yans and the Motiwalas. As Aling’s continues to grow, one thing remains the same–their dedication to authenticity and unique flavor.

Discover the vibrant history and flavors of Chinese American cuisine at  Alings Chinese Bistro. Join us today and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the fusion of cultures and the artistry of Chinese American cooking. Contact us now at +1 281-242-0432 to make a reservation or to explore our menu options.

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