When you think of Chinese takeout in the U.S., popular dishes like General Tso’s chicken and chow mein come to mind. But over in the UK, the story is quite different.
British Chinese takeout is a unique culinary experience that often surprises Americans. Social media, especially TikTok, is filled with videos of Americans trying British Chinese food for the first time. Many express shock, with comments highlighting the flavor combinations and culinary differences.
One TikToker noted how curry is often paired with noodles. This has been a hot topic online, where posts reveal how many folks are baffled by the presence of fries and curry sauce alongside traditional Chinese dishes. It’s like a taste of history that residents cherish, yet many outside the UK find puzzling.
The first Chinese restaurant in Britain opened in London in 1908, likely serving a limited menu influenced by Cantonese cuisine. Today, you’ll see a blend of flavors from various regions, with iconic dishes like crispy duck and sweet and sour chicken.
Helen Tse, owner of Manchester’s Sweet Mandarin, explains how the British Chinese food scene has evolved. For many, a typical takeaway might include salt and pepper chips with curry sauce, merging British comfort food with Chinese flavors. Some dishes like crispy seaweed and chicken satay are distinctly British Chinese as well.
Interestingly, local specialties vary across regions. For instance, in London, you can find jar jow—a honey-glazed barbecue pork. In Ireland, the spice bag has gained a following, combining fried chips, chicken, and vegetables with spices.
Despite sharing some dish names with American Chinese food, the taste and presentation are often different. Dishes like kung pao chicken and spring rolls exist, but many Americans might not recognize names like crispy chili beef or egg fried rice.
This culinary swap reveals the rich history of the British Chinese community. Diana Yeh, a senior lecturer from City St. George’s, points out that the rise of TikTok has created a space for discussions about this often-misunderstood tradition. She believes that recognizing this cuisine can highlight the Chinese community’s important role in British society, especially amid rising anti-immigration sentiments.
The British Chinese takeaway has a deep and rich history linked to early Chinese migrants. These individuals often opened standalone shops in less populated areas, which usually resulted in isolation from the larger community. In the late 1800s, the first Chinese sailors arrived and opened noodle shops in port towns.
Fast forward to today: surveys consistently rank Chinese food as one of Britain’s favorite takeout options. Yet, the chefs and families behind these dishes often remain unrecognized. The divide is stark when compared to American Chinese food, which has a more visible and celebrated history.
In the late 20th century, British Chinese food reached new heights, with thousands of takeaways across the country. By the 1980s, the number had jumped to about 7,000, while there were only about 200 McDonald’s outlets at the time, illustrating the profound impact of Chinese cuisine on British culture.
The British Chinese community and their culinary contributions are becoming more acknowledged today, thanks to social media and emerging trends. The history, flavors, and resilience of these communities deserve recognition as they reflect a unique blend of cultures in Britain.
So the next time you think about Chinese food, take a moment to appreciate its diverse expressions around the world, from the U.S. to the UK, and the stories and traditions woven into each dish.
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