February 11, 2010

Fortune Cookies


Do you know fortunate cookie is an American invention? How do I know? Because I am Chinese and I never tasted one until I came to the U.S. Not only it wasn't originated in China, according to Wikipedia, Japanese Americans claimed they first introduced and made them in the 19th century. Then how did fortune cookies become associated with Chinese restaurants? It was believed that the Chinese overtook the business during WWII when all the Japanese were put away in the intern camps!

History aside, I have my own theory about fortune cookies. I suspect the fortune cookie was invented because it was a business idea. Americans love deserts. Although traditionally Chinese meals don't end with deserts, the earlier Chinese restaurant owners must have figured it out that - if they wanted to attract and keep American customers, they better serve up something sweet. The fortune was just an afterthought.


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2 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 14, 2010 at 9:07 PM

    I was in China Town today. I was given a fortune cookie, but I think it was meant for Xiao Pan: Romance will slip away if you devote all your attention to work.

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  2. The Wondering LotusFebruary 17, 2010 at 6:41 AM

    My fortune cookie says : Romance will slip away when both of you are unemployed and worry about money all the time." Look on the bright side. Now the romance has slipped away you can focus on your real life's work.

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