National Chop Suey Day

Order take-out or go to a Chinese restaurant and get plenty of chop suey, or “assorted pieces”, a flavorful dish associated with Chinese-American food.

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Drive takeout and dine-in traffic to Chinese restaurants and food delivery platforms by celebrating the heritage and versatility of chop suey with limited-time promotions and cultural storytelling.

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'Chop Suey Challenge': Share your favorite chop suey order and tag local Chinese restaurants for a chance to win free meals
Behind-the-dish: Explore the 1896 origins and Chinese-American fusion story of chop suey with customer testimonials
August special: 'Build Your Own Chop Suey' promotion highlighting protein and vegetable customization options
Nostalgia angle: 'What's your go-to chop suey order?' user-generated content campaign on TikTok/Instagram

History

To this day, it is still debated where this delicious dish actually came from. Some argue that Chinese immigrants created the dish after they arrived in America, and others will argue that it is a traditional Chinese dish. Either way, you can get it on the takeout menu at your local Chinese, which is all that really matters!

If you head down to your Chinese, you will find that there are probably a few options when it comes to the meat that you can have in your dish, and it would be an awful thing not to enjoy this sumptuous meal when it has a whole day dedicated to it!

Now, National Chop Suey Day might not have been around since 1896, but that is when the dish was invented so this is a pretty important date to know!

The dish was traced back to this period by E.N. Anderson, an anthropologist and scholar of Chinese food. He traced the dish back to Taishan, which is a country in the Guandong province. It was known as tsap seui, which basically translates to miscellaneous leftovers.

Other people have reported knowing of this dish in that area in the 1890s, include Li Shu-fan, a doctor from Hong Kong.

However, it is worth noting that there are a lot of myths and tales about the creation of this dish. It seems that everyone wants to be credited with this incredible creation, and who can blame them?

FAQ

Did Chop Suey inspire fashion trends?

Chop Suey’s popularity in the 1920s and 1930s coincided with a rise in interest in Chinese-inspired fashion. Women wore qipao-inspired dresses to Chinese restaurants, blending Chinese and Western styles. The dish became not just a meal but a cultural symbol in urban nightlife.

Why was Chop Suey associated with late-night dining?

Chop Suey gained fame in American cities as a late-night meal after theater performances. Chinese restaurants often stayed open longer than others, drawing actors and patrons. This tradition helped cement its connection to urban entertainment culture.

What role did Chop Suey play in the temperance movement?

During Prohibition, many Chinese restaurants thrived as they served flavorful food without relying on alcohol. Chop Suey became a centerpiece, drawing diners who craved excitement without drinks. Its affordability also attracted working-class patrons.

How did the dish become a political statement?

In the 1940s, Chinese-American communities used Chop Suey as a way to combat anti-Asian stereotypes. They promoted it as an example of their contribution to American culture. It became a culinary ambassador during a time of heightened xenophobia.

Why was Chop Suey considered exotic yet approachable?

Unlike other Chinese dishes, Chop Suey used ingredients familiar to Americans, like celery and meat. This combination made it exotic enough to excite diners but not so foreign that it intimidated them. Its mild flavors bridged culinary gaps.

How did soldiers spread Chop Suey’s fame?

American soldiers stationed in Asia during World War II brought back stories of Chop Suey. It reinforced the dish’s exotic charm back home, further popularizing Chinese-American cuisine. Soldiers’ nostalgia kept demand high post-war.

What’s the story of “Chop Suey houses”?

In the early 20th century, cities like New York and Chicago were filled with “Chop Suey houses.” These restaurants offered affordable meals and neon-lit signs that symbolized urban vibrancy. They were iconic landmarks of immigrant entrepreneurship.

Is Chop Suey part of holiday traditions?

In some Chinese-American families, Chop Suey is a go-to dish for Lunar New Year. Its mix of ingredients symbolizes harmony and unity. This modern tradition connects cultural roots with new practices in the diaspora.

Why did Chop Suey become a pop culture reference?

In addition to songs like Irving Berlin’s “Chop Suey,” the dish appears in early Hollywood films. Its mention often symbolized multicultural curiosity or urban sophistication. It even became shorthand for Chinese food in early TV shows.

How is Chop Suey viewed internationally today?

In places like the Philippines and South Africa, Chop Suey is now part of local cuisines. Each country tweaks it to fit regional tastes, such as adding spicy sauces or local vegetables. Its adaptability keeps it globally relevant.