"Silky" Road

I grew up on chicken wings, french fries, and the occasional egg roll. When I felt adventurous, I’d try General Tso’s Chicken, Won Ton Soup or Beef Lo Mein. It was all good and although I didn’t realize it, I wasn’t eating authentic Chinese food. I didn’t realize that many Chinese restaurants in America have become Americanized over the years and they cater to what people want.

Regional Chinese Food

All Chinese food isn’t equal. Many of your favorite Chinese dishes actually come from specific regions in China. Wonton soup is actually from the south of China and typically associated with the region known as Canton.

Would you believe that General Tso’s Chicken was originally sour and spicy? The chef who created the dish is actually from Hunan, a province in China known for its proclivity for spicy food. Over the years, it traveled to Taiwan and eventually made its way to America where it became a popular sweet chicken dish.

Like egg rolls? Would you believe that the vast majority of people in China have never had an egg roll? Some sources indicate that egg rolls were created in Hong Kong or southern China, while some experts on Chinese cuisine believe that egg rolls were created in America!

Do you enjoy an occasional fortune cookie? There are many that believe that fortune cookies actually started out in America, on the streets of San Francisco.

Which Chinese Restaurants Should I Visit?

When I visited China, I could not find one restaurant that served chicken wings and french fries. Trust me I looked. What I did find were tasty regional dishes, that I wish I had more familiarity with.

If you’re looking for authentic Chinese food, look for a restaurant that specializes in a specific type of cuisine. For instance, at Silky Kitchen, we specialize in Hunan style noodles. Our dishes are best served with extra amounts of spice, so our customers can get the Hunan style experience.