"Silky" Road

Most New Yorkers have had General Tso Chicken, Beef Lo Mein, Dim Sum, and every variety of egg rolls. However, if you asked most Americans to identify which part of China their favorite dish comes from, you might get a blank stare. As the influence of Chinese culture increases in America, more New Yorkers are seeking out authentic Chinese food.

Why You Should Consider Authentic Chinese Food

1. Culture – When you explore different variations of Chinese food, you’re also learning about a new culture. Many authentic Chinese food dishes have unique stories behind them. Learning more about your favorite dish may send you on a journey.

2. Real Chinese Food – Believe it or not, but most of the Chinese food that we have in New York City is based on alterations that many Chinese restaurants made to accommodate Western pallets. This is why you won’t find Chicken Wings and French Fries on any menu in Beijing (I looked) but you’ll find it on every Chinese food menu in every urban community in New York City.

When you eat at an authentic Chinese restaurant, you’re getting recipes that haven’t been altered or watered down!

3. Style – New Yorkers pride themselves on being cool, stylish and following trends. Any cornball can say “I want Chinese food!” But it takes someone with swag to specify the type of Chinese food they want. Count on impressing your friends when you tell them you want Hunan Chinese food because it is spicy and also because Chairman Mao was from Hunan and he loved spicy food.

4. Language – Many New Yorkers are studying Mandarin (the courageous study Cantonese) and visiting a traditional Chinese restaurant will enable you to interface with many native speakers. It is also a great way to impress someone. Can you imagine your date’s face when you segue into a Mandarin conversation? Talk about badass.

5. It Tastes Great! – New Yorkers pride ourselves on not only knowing what good food is but seeking out the best restaurants in the city. Authentic Chinese food taste much better then the American Chinese food we’ve been raised on.