History of Chinese Restaurants in New York City
New York City is no stranger to Chinese restaurants. There are 3 Chinatowns in New York City, and others popping up. Chinese restaurants in New York City offer residents dishes from Hunan, Xian, Sichuan, Beijing, Shanghai, Henan, and Hong Kong.
How did New York City become a hub for Chinese immigrants? Why are there so many Chinese restaurants?
In order to understand the history of Chinese restaurants in New York City, it is important to understand the journey of Chinese people in America.
Chinese Immigration, to America and The Mountain of Gold
Chinese immigrants came to the United States in the mid 18th century, arriving in New York City and traveling to California with dreams of making a fortune in gold. Some stayed in New York City, but many were lured by tales of a “Mountain of Gold” on the West Coast.
The decline of the “Gold Rush,” railroad work and laws prohibiting Chinese labor resulted in many Chinese settling in New York City, in Manhattan’s Lower Eastside, which would eventually become New York City’s first Chinatown. Instead of looking for employment or low wages, they created businesses catering toward their community.
Self-employment became self-empowerment, and Chinese brought their food culture with them.
According to the book FROM FARM TO CANAL STREET, as early as 1860, there was an emergence of Chinese restaurants in New York City, catering to the Chinese community, and many Americans, as reported by Cosmopolitan magazine, in 1888.
Port Arthur Chinese Restaurant
One of the most famous Chinatown restaurants in New York City Chinatown was Port Arthur, located on Mott Street, operating from 1897 to 1974.
The restaurant became a favorite due to the elaborate interior design. There was an entire floor designated to tourist, making them feel as though they were in a foreign country.
Nixon and the Chinese Restaurant Boom
Chinese food served in New York City and the rest of the country was altered to cater towards Americans taste buds. The famous fortune cookie was actually created in California and many believe Egg Rolls, are a New York creation.
Everything changed in 1972 when then-president Nixon not only went to China but could be seen on television, enjoying authentic Chinese dishes.
Chinese restaurants in Manhattan altered their menus to replicate the food enjoyed by president Nixon during his visit, and soon after, New Yorkers headed to Chinatown seeking authentic Chinese dishes. Soon after, the Chinese restaurant boom commenced.
As U.S. and Chinese relations improved, more Chinese immigrants entered the United States, from various locations within China, and they brought their cooking culture with them.
The popularity of Chinese Food in America
Collectively, the Chinese restaurant industry earns almost 18 billion dollars a year in America. There are over 43,000 Chinese restaurants across the United States, more than McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s restaurants combined.
Many Chinese immigrants from the mainland are getting into the restaurant business and opting to open restaurants in the United States instead of China, where there is too much competition.
The number of Chinese immigrants continues to grow, and restauranteurs have met the demand for, authentic regional food. New York City, will continue to be a hub from great Chinese food, but a location that is known for its diversity in Chinese cuisine.