FOOD NEWS
The Chinese Food Myth We Should All Stop Believing
By Stacie Adams
Chinese cuisine has become one of the most popular types of food in the United States, with the number of restaurants surpassing many major fast-food chains, including Mcdonald's.
Despite its popularity,
Chinese cuisine isn't immune
to widespread myths and misinformation that can lead to some damaging beliefs about the food and Chinese culture.
One misconception is that authentic Chinese food is inexpensive, a belief that traces back to the Chinese Exclusion
Act of 1882, which saw a restaurant boom from 1910 to 1920.
The law prevented Chinese laborers from coming to the U.S. for 10 years, but certain businesses, including restaurants, were eligible for merchant visas despite the act.
These restaurants offered food at lower prices to attract American customers, leading to the harmful myth that discredits many talented chefs and restaurant owners.
Other myths have surfaced, such as the common additive in Chinese food, MSG, being harmful and that there is uniformity to the cuisine rather than having many different styles.