New York style Chinese food is a type of Chinese cuisine that has been adapted to suit the tastes and preferences of New York City’s diverse population. It is a fusion of traditional Chinese recipes and American ingredients, resulting in dishes that are unique to the city.
New York style Chinese food encompasses a wide variety of regional Chinese cuisine, including Cantonese, Sichuanese, Hunanese, Shanghainese, and more. Some of the most popular New York style Chinese foods include dishes like dim sum, roast duck, soup dumplings, noodle soups, scallion pancakes, and hot pot.
Here are some examples of popular New York style Chinese foods.
General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s chicken is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in New York style Chinese cuisine. The dish is said to have originated in Hunan province, where it was named after General Tso Zongtang, a military hero from the Qing dynasty.
However, the version of the dish that is served in New York City is typically sweeter and spicier than the original. The dish consists of crispy fried chicken that is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and chili paste. It is often served with steamed rice and steamed broccoli.
Lo Mein
Lo mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that has been adapted to suit the tastes of New York City’s residents. The dish is made with soft wheat noodles that are stir-fried with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meats, and sauces.
Some popular versions of lo mein include chicken lo mein, beef lo mein, and vegetable lo mein. The dish is often seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, and is served hot and fresh.
Crab Rangoon
Crab Rangoon is a popular appetizer that is often served in Chinese-American restaurants in New York City. The dish consists of a filling made from cream cheese, crab meat, and seasonings that is wrapped in wonton wrappers and deep-fried until crispy.
The dish is said to have originated in San Francisco in the 1950s, but it quickly became popular in New York City and other parts of the United States. Crab Rangoon is often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce and is a favorite among Chinese food lovers.
Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is another popular dish in New York style Chinese cuisine. The dish is made with crispy fried chicken that is coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. The dish is often garnished with toasted sesame seeds and is served with steamed rice and steamed broccoli.
The origins of sesame chicken are unclear, but it is believed to have been developed in New York City in the 1970s.
Beef with Broccoli
Beef with broccoli is a classic stir-fry dish that is often found on the menu of Chinese-American restaurants in New York City.
The dish consists of tender beef that is stir-fried with broccoli and other vegetables, such as carrots and mushrooms. The dish is often seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic, and is served hot and fresh with steamed rice. Beef with broccoli is a comforting and satisfying meal that is popular among New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Dim Sum
Dim sum is a style of Chinese cuisine that originated in the southern provinces of China and has become popular in New York City. It consists of small portions of food, such as dumplings, buns, and small plates, that are served in steamer baskets or on small plates.
Some popular dim sum dishes include siu mai, har gow, char siu bao, and cheong fun. Dim sum is often enjoyed as a brunch or lunch item and is typically served with tea.
Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a popular soup in Chinese cuisine that has been adapted to suit the tastes of New York City residents. The soup is made with chicken or pork broth, along with a variety of ingredients such as tofu, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, and scallions.
The soup is typically seasoned with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili paste, giving it a tangy and spicy flavor. Hot and sour soup is a popular appetizer or side dish in Chinese-American restaurants.
Scallion Pancakes
Scallion pancakes are a savory pancake that is popular in Chinese-American cuisine. The pancake is made with flour, water, and scallions, and is typically pan-fried until crispy.
The pancake is often served as an appetizer or snack and is sometimes paired with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. Scallion pancakes are a crispy and flavorful dish that is a favorite among Chinese food lovers in New York City.
Ma Po Tofu
Ma Po Tofu is a spicy and flavorful dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China and has become popular in New York City. The dish consists of soft tofu that is cooked in a spicy sauce made from fermented black beans, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili oil.
The dish is often garnished with minced pork and scallions and is served with steamed rice. Ma Po Tofu is a spicy and satisfying dish that is popular among lovers of Sichuanese cuisine.
Wonton Soup
Wonton soup is a popular soup in Chinese cuisine that has been adapted to suit the tastes of New York City residents. The soup consists of wontons, which are small dumplings filled with ground pork or shrimp, that are cooked in chicken or pork broth.
The soup is typically seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions and is often served as an appetizer or side dish. Wonton soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is a favorite among Chinese food lovers in New York City.
In sum
Overall, New York style Chinese food is a unique and delicious blend of traditional Chinese recipes and American ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy Sichuanese cuisine or sweet and savory Cantonese dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the city’s vibrant Chinese food scene.
FAQ: About New York style Chinese foods
Yes, New York is known for having a thriving Chinese food scene, with a wide range of Chinese cuisine available throughout the city. Some of the most popular areas for Chinese food in New York include Chinatown, Flushing, and Sunset Park.
New York’s Chinese food is considered to be particularly good for a few reasons:
Diversity: The city has a large Chinese population, which has led to a wide variety of Chinese cuisine and regional specialties being available.
Quality Ingredients: Many of the Chinese restaurants in New York use high-quality ingredients to prepare their dishes, which can make a big difference in taste and overall quality.
Competition: With so many Chinese restaurants in New York, there is a lot of competition, which can push restaurants to constantly improve and innovate their dishes.
Cultural Exchange: New York has a rich cultural history, and the Chinese food scene has been heavily influenced by the city’s diverse population and culinary traditions. This has led to some unique and delicious fusion dishes that are only found in New York.
