Are chop suey, chow mein, egg rolls, and fortune cookies really authentically Chinese?
No, they are not. The preparation methods of chow mein, chop suey, and egg rolls in North American restaurants are far beyond the dreams of any native Chinese cook. Unfortunately, chop suey and chow mein are often mistaken as synonymous with Chinese food, the crispy fried noodles in chow mein and the batter in egg rolls were created in America by the early immigrants from China. Chow mein, traditionally, is simply stir-fried noodles. Fortune cookies are unheard of in traditional menus. An interesting fact is that fortune cookies are not served to Chinese clientele eating in Chinese restaurants.
