National Chinese Takeout Day

Celebrating the Wok-and-Roll of America’s Favorite Takeout

On November 5th, the aroma of sizzling stir-fries and savory dumplings fills the air as we celebrate National Chinese Takeout Day! This unofficial holiday is dedicated to the time-honored American tradition of cozying up with a box of fried rice, a side of spring rolls, and possibly a fortune cookie or two. Chinese takeout has been a staple of American cuisine for well over a century, blending authentic Chinese flavors with American tastes to create a cuisine that’s as beloved as it is versatile. So grab your chopsticks (or a fork if that’s more your style), and let’s dive into the history, popularity, and sheer joy of Chinese takeout.

A Brief History of Chinese Takeout

Chinese food first arrived in America during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s. Chinese immigrants, who had come to the West Coast seeking prosperity, opened small restaurants to serve their community and introduced traditional dishes like stir-fried vegetables, noodles, and rice. However, these meals weren’t exactly what we think of today as Chinese takeout. The cuisine was largely regional, based on Cantonese recipes with some adaptations to local ingredients.

The real Chinese takeout boom didn’t start until the early 20th century. With the rise of Chinatowns in major American cities, Chinese restaurants began to attract a broader, non-Chinese clientele, eager for flavors beyond meatloaf and mashed potatoes. By the 1920s, these restaurants had begun “Americanizing” their menus to appeal to local tastes, adding dishes like chop suey and sweet-and-sour pork. Fast forward a few decades, and Chinese takeout became a household name.

Today, there are over 45,000 Chinese restaurants in the U.S., outnumbering McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King combined. From bustling cities to small towns, Chinese takeout has become an enduring part of American food culture. Whether you’re craving Kung Pao chicken, a heaping plate of lo mein, or just some good old-fashioned egg rolls, Chinese takeout has something for everyone.

A Modern Icon

No discussion of Chinese takeout is complete without mentioning the iconic takeout box. You know the one: white, with red pagoda illustrations, and a metal handle. Originally designed in the 1890s by an American inventor, Frederick Weeks Wilcox, the box was initially intended to transport oysters. By the mid-20th century, the foldable paper box had found new life in Chinese takeout, thanks to its ability to keep food warm and stack neatly.

One of the fun quirks of the takeout box is that it unfolds to form a plate. This ingenious design may come as a surprise to anyone who’s just eaten directly from the box their entire life, but it’s a useful trick for those impromptu picnics or late-night snacks in front of the TV. Some say it’s a metaphor for Chinese takeout itself: unassuming on the outside but packed with surprises on the inside.

A Mouth-Watering Lineup

Chinese takeout menus may vary by restaurant, but some dishes have become quintessential to the experience. Here’s a look at a few staples:

• General Tso’s Chicken – Sweet, tangy, and delightfully sticky, General Tso’s chicken has dubious ties to any actual Chinese general. Instead, it’s a wholly American invention, likely crafted in the 1970s to satisfy a demand for deep-fried, saucy chicken. It’s often paired with broccoli, which serves as a sort of garnish and a half-hearted nod to vegetables.

• Egg Rolls and Spring Rolls – Wrapped, fried, and utterly addictive, egg rolls and spring rolls are the appetizers you can’t say no to. Egg rolls are a bit thicker, packed with cabbage, pork, and spices, while spring rolls are lighter and crispier. Both pair beautifully with duck sauce or spicy mustard, adding to their irresistible allure.

• Chow Mein – Often confused with lo mein, chow mein noodles are stir-fried until slightly crispy, offering a textural delight with every bite. Tossed with veggies and protein, chow mein is endlessly customizable and perfect for those who like a little crunch.

• Fried Rice – Perhaps the ultimate comfort food, fried rice is a humble blend of rice, eggs, vegetables, and sometimes a smattering of pork or shrimp. Legend has it fried rice was invented as a way to use up leftovers, but it has since become a standalone masterpiece. And yes, there’s always someone in the group who just orders fried rice as their main meal.

• Fortune Cookies – Though not authentically Chinese, the fortune cookie has become an integral part of the Chinese takeout experience. Originally from Japan and popularized in California, these cookies come with a “fortune” (or, let’s face it, a vague life lesson) inside. Whether you get a profound prediction or just a lucky number, no Chinese takeout experience is complete without one.

The Ultimate Feast

National Chinese Takeout Day is a fantastic excuse to indulge in your favorite dishes without worrying about cooking or cleanup. Here are a few ways to celebrate this mouth-watering holiday:

Order a Little of Everything: If you’re unsure of what to order, why not get a bit of everything? Chinese takeout is made for sharing, so grab a few friends, order several dishes, and have your own Chinese buffet right at home. You’ll get to try a variety of flavors and textures, from the tang of orange chicken to the savoriness of Mongolian beef.

Practice Your Chopstick Skills: For the uninitiated, chopsticks can feel more like tiny torture devices than utensils. But National Chinese Takeout Day is the perfect time to brush up on your skills. Just remember: it’s all in the grip, not the wrist! And if that fails, nobody will judge you for using a fork.

DIY Fortune Cookies: Add a bit of extra fun by making your own fortune cookies. Plenty of kits and recipes are available online, and it’s surprisingly easy to make your own unique fortunes. Write something fun or absurd like, “You will receive a great fortune… in the form of more Chinese takeout.”

Fun Facts About Chinese Takeout

• It’s One of the Healthiest Takeout Options – While it may seem indulgent, Chinese food is often lighter and lower in calories than other takeout options like pizza or burgers. Many dishes are stir-fried with vegetables, making them a good source of fiber and vitamins. Just remember to go easy on the soy sauce!

• The Most Popular Dish? It’s Broccoli! – Believe it or not, broccoli is one of the most commonly ordered vegetables in Chinese takeout. Whether it’s part of beef and broccoli, mixed into fried rice, or just a garnish, broccoli sneaks its way into many popular dishes.

• The Fortune Cookie Origin Story – Fortune cookies are not Chinese, nor are they eaten as a dessert in China. These crisp treats were actually created in California by Japanese immigrants. Today, about three billion fortune cookies are produced each year, making it a must-have for Chinese takeout in America.

Chinese Takeout Beyond the Box

Chinese takeout has cemented itself in popular culture, from the iconic takeout boxes in movies and TV shows to the countless jokes about greasy leftovers in the fridge. Who hasn’t seen characters in a sitcom digging into Chinese takeout during a late-night stakeout or “impromptu therapy session”? Chinese takeout has become synonymous with a night off from cooking, a moment of relaxation, and a little indulgence.

For many, Chinese takeout is about more than food—it’s about comfort. There’s something endlessly satisfying about knowing you can order a meal and have it ready, hot, and delicious in under 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate “treat yourself” moment, whether you’re eating with friends or binge-watching your favorite show solo.

On National Chinese Takeout Day, take a moment to appreciate the blend of flavors, cultures, and history packed into each takeout box. Whether you’re savoring sweet and sour chicken, tackling some crispy spring rolls, or delighting in that final fortune cookie, Chinese takeout is an experience that brings people together.

So go ahead, order a bit of everything, savor every bite, and celebrate the iconic dishes that have made Chinese takeout a national favorite. Because at the end of the day, Chinese takeout isn’t just a meal—it’s an institution, a tradition, and above all, a delicious reason to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the cooking!

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