Chinese Food in the U.S: a story about culture adaptation

Historical Timeline

The evolution of Chinese food started when Chinese people came to America during the California gold rush in the 1850s. This is when Chinese food first introduced to the United States. The Americans thought of Chinese foods as scary, because they regarded the Chinese as competitors. In 1882, the “Exclusion Act” forced Chinese out of labor. In order to survive, Chinese have to be self-employed. Opening up restaurants and providing food is one way out. To make more money, Chinese restaurant owners adapted simple dishes to American taste and changed their menus according to the demands of the people around them.

Chinese food has always been linked with international relations between China and the United States. The timeline shows how the political decisions from the government influence the development of Chinese food in the U.S.

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