Chinese takeout

[Bob_McMillan]

Is it even good? It's like the most constant western TV/movie/game stereotype ever. I tried some once in San Francisco, and I hated it. I live in Asia, so I know how Chinese food is like.

 

[ItouKaiji]

The greatest thing on gods green Earth. I could live off the stuff.

 

[madwarper]

I tried some once in San Francisco, and I hated it.

Because, one meal from one restaurant is good enough sample size to judge an entire category of food...

I live in Asia, so I know how Chinese food is like.

So... Would you like a (fortune) cookie?

You're used to Chinese food, this is American Chinese food [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Chinese_cuisine]. It may be similar in concept, but adapted to appeal to American tastes, because "When in Rome, do as the Romans."

 

[Lilani]

Knowing how real Chinese food tastes is not at all helpful in knowing whether or not you'll like Chinese takeout The only place you're going to find "real" Chinese food in America is gourmet restaurants. Otherwise, your typical takeout places are Americanized dishes designed to be cheap guilty pleasures.

 

[Zontar]

It's like asking if pizza or hamburgers are good, it's not the actual type of food that is in question but the specific restaurant in question.

I know that there is a place which I take takeout from on a regular basis.

 

[Hoplon]

Is it even good? It's like the most constant western TV/movie/game stereotype ever. I tried some once in San Francisco, and I hated it. I live in Asia, so I know how Chinese food is like.

That's because it's not really Chinese food. it's a westerised version of things that might once sort have been Chinese food.

That said still love it to pieces. Chu sia bun are the fuckin best.

 

[Bob_McMillan]

I tried some once in San Francisco, and I hated it.

Because, one meal from one restaurant is good enough sample size to judge an entire category of food...

I live in Asia, so I know how Chinese food is like.

So... Would you like a (fortune) cookie?

You're used to Chinese food, this is American Chinese food [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Chinese_cuisine]. It may be similar in concept, but adapted to appeal to American tastes, because "When in Rome, do as the Romans."

I never actually said Chinese takeout is bad, which is why I asked you guys about it.

And according to the Mandarin from Iron Man 3, fortune cookies are actually an American invention, so I find that offensive. >:|

 

[Hoplon]

I never actually said Chinese takeout is bad, which is why I asked you guys about it.

And according to the Mandarin from Iron Man 3, fortune cookies are actually an American invention, so I find that offensive. >:|

There are grades of anything, you could of eaten is a really horrible place, or just been unlucky with that place. while they can be similar, no two really seem to be the same with the independent places.

 

[Lil devils x_v1legacy]

Personally, I only like Chinese food from places where they barely speak English, and am particularly fond of Hong Kong food and don't even consider the food from the other restaurants even edible. Their sauces are not the same at all, and you cannot really compare the two. Most of the time the places that call themselves Chinese food are not even really Chinese food. If they are using that crap soy sauce you can buy in the grocery stores here, it isn't even the right sauce. The Chinese food I like is spicy, not sweet at all. If their food is sweet, I would rather throw it in the bin than eat it.

EDIT: I hate American Chinese food, the Authentic Chinese food places are the only way to go. I am not even sure how people eat that other stuff. LOL
If you are making it at home it is better to either buy your ingredients online, or go to an actual Chinese market, most grocery stores are not going to have what you need.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Yes for the most part but in saying so I know the right people (I'm Chinese so my most of my parent friends own take aways). Granted I pretty much grew up on those so my taste bud may varies when compared to some people.

 

[KyuubiNoKitsune-Hime]

And according to the Mandarin from Iron Man 3, fortune cookies are actually an American invention, so I find that offensive. >:|

I'm offended that you're offended by that! Just kidding, though really. Fortune cookies are the invention of a Chinese-American if I recall correct, and they're just something kitchy, they're nice fun kitch, and really an American thing of silliness.

I like Chinese takeout, from places that actually know how to make good stuff, authentic Chinese on the other hand can be a bit hit, or miss for me depending on my mood.

 

[Thaluikhain]

And according to the Mandarin from Iron Man 3, fortune cookies are actually an American invention, so I find that offensive. >:|

Minor spoilers, but didn't that character lie to people a lot?

 

[Hoplon]

And according to the Mandarin from Iron Man 3, fortune cookies are actually an American invention, so I find that offensive. >:|

Minor spoilers, but didn't that character lie to people a lot?

Actually, the story about being a Japanese recipe popularised in the USA but not seen in China is pretty much true.

 

[Kotaro]

Very much depends on the restaurant from which you get the food; I've had really terrible Chinese food before, but I've also had really great Chinese food before.
As it stands, there's a tiny hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant literally next door to my workplace that looks a bit sleazy, but has some damn good food (seriously among the best Chinese I have ever had), and I end up getting takeout from them when I'm on the job at least twice a week.
OT: You just need to find a quality place to get from. Though I don't recommend chains, like Panda Express (eugh).

 

[kyp275]

Knowing how real Chinese food tastes is not at all helpful in knowing whether or not you'll like Chinese takeout The only place you're going to find "real" Chinese food in America is gourmet restaurants. Otherwise, your typical takeout places are Americanized dishes designed to be cheap guilty pleasures.

I would actually argue otherwise - I've found that few gourmet restaurants ever actually have "real Chinese food", except for those found in Chinatowns in various major metro areas, but then I'm not sure if they really fit the definition of "gourmet restaurants". It is actually the small/rarely medium sized places where I've had better luck finding authentic Chinese food, but their existence is likely to depend largely on where you live.

If they are using that crap soy sauce you can buy in the grocery stores here, it isn't even the right sauce.

Psst, we actually use "that crap soy sauce" over there too you know... I'm serious, same brand and everything.

The Chinese food I like is spicy, not sweet at all. If their food is sweet, I would rather throw it in the bin than eat it.

EDIT: I hate American Chinese food, the Authentic Chinese food places are the only way to go. I am not even sure how people eat that other stuff. LOL If you are making it at home it is better to either buy your ingredients online, or go to an actual Chinese market, most grocery stores are not going to have what you need.

TBH, I find the concept of "Chinese food" as a singular entity to be a flawed one in the first place. The various regional styles vary too much to be lumped together. Being from Taiwan, I'm more partial to the style of the local cuisine, and generally find those from Hong Kong - and especially the northern provinces to be much less palatable. That said, if you ever have the chance to taste some authentic Taiwanese "xiao long bao", go for it. I guarantee you'd change your mind about sweet(granted, it's more salty than sweet, but it's still there!) Chinese food

 

[MysticSlayer]

One of my roommates this last semester was from China. I'll just quote him on a Chinese place around here, "I really liked it. It was just expensive."

As for myself, my enjoyment of Chinese food varies a lot. That said, I can always find something at a Chinese restaurant that I enjoy. Yeah, it may not always be the most authentic, but I'm hardly going to complain if I like it a lot.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Depends on the restaurant. I've had good Chinese take-out and bad Chinese take-out. The place I like best is privately owned and has only two locations, one of them being take-out only, no dine-ins. I know it's all 'Americanised', but it's damn tasty and a nice change of pace from other 'western' meals.

I don't like fortune cookies though. They're like slightly sweetened cardboard. Gross.

Captcha: talk to strangers

I think I need an adult

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

My home town of Castlerea has a lovely little place called "Ocean Palace" that not only does great Chinese food but they make better chips and chicken nuggets then all the other fast food joints in town.
I'm not into their foreign wares too much, but their take-away ham omelettes are the best, they are kinda greasy but that just makes them easier to eat ^_^

 

[lacktheknack]

I live in Asia, so I know how Chinese food is like.

Hoorah, I guess!

Next, you're going to tell me that Tex-Mex isn't like real Mexican food. Which is good, because as someone who's had both in about equal measure, Tex-Mex is WAY better. Screw your fancy mole sauces (blech), give me a over-blended Texan salsa any day.

And really, I've had both Chinese Takeaway and real Chinese food, and I can't really say I like either of them. Takeaway probably wins, if only because it's not so salty.

 

[Lil devils x_v1legacy]

Knowing how real Chinese food tastes is not at all helpful in knowing whether or not you'll like Chinese takeout The only place you're going to find "real" Chinese food in America is gourmet restaurants. Otherwise, your typical takeout places are Americanized dishes designed to be cheap guilty pleasures.

I would actually argue otherwise - I've found that few gourmet restaurants ever actually have "real Chinese food", except for those found in Chinatowns in various major metro areas, but then I'm not sure if they really fit the definition of "gourmet restaurants". It is actually the small/rarely medium sized places where I've had better luck finding authentic Chinese food, but their existence is likely to depend largely on where you live.

If they are using that crap soy sauce you can buy in the grocery stores here, it isn't even the right sauce.

Psst, we actually use "that crap soy sauce" over there too you know... I'm serious, same brand and everything.

The Chinese food I like is spicy, not sweet at all. If their food is sweet, I would rather throw it in the bin than eat it.

EDIT: I hate American Chinese food, the Authentic Chinese food places are the only way to go. I am not even sure how people eat that other stuff. LOL If you are making it at home it is better to either buy your ingredients online, or go to an actual Chinese market, most grocery stores are not going to have what you need.

TBH, I find the concept of "Chinese food" as a singular entity to be a flawed one in the first place. The various regional styles vary too much to be lumped together. Being from Taiwan, I'm more partial to the style of the local cuisine, and generally find those from Hong Kong - and especially the northern provinces to be much less palatable. That said, if you ever have the chance to taste some authentic Taiwanese "xiao long bao", go for it. I guarantee you'd change your mind about sweet(granted, it's more salty than sweet, but it's still there!) Chinese food

Which crap soy sauce is the key... Here they sell Japanese Soy sauce in the store and people think it is Chinese. People need to understand that Kikkoman is NOT even Chinese soy sauce. I mean if I want crap Chinese soy sauce, I would at least eat Lee Kum Kee, at least it tastes like Chinese Hong kong soy. Most places do not even have Lee Kum Kee here though, just Japanese and Thai soy sauce and they are not the same. They taste terrible in Chinese food..