About Taste of China
Taste of China is located Vancouver, Washington, we’ve been serving authentic Chinese cuisine since 2013, but our story began even earlier with our family’s first restaurant, Taste of Asia. Now run by three generations, we’ve built our reputation on delivering delicious food, exceptional service, and a deep connection to the community we love.
As a family-owned restaurant, we take pride in more than just our food. We are dedicated to giving back and supporting our local community. Over the years, we’ve actively partnered with local charities, schools, and organizations, helping to make a positive impact in Vancouver. Our family’s military service also influences our commitment to community and country, as we understand the importance of serving and supporting others in any way we can.
Our loyal customers know us for our hearty portions and friendly service. Whether you’re dining in or ordering takeout, you’ll experience the same warm welcome and attention to detail that have made us a local favorite. For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, our fast and reliable delivery service, with our own fleet of vehicles, ensures that your food arrives hot and fresh.
We offer a wide selection of traditional and modern Chinese dishes, catering to all tastes. From our signature General Tso Chicken to flavorful stir-fries, there’s something for everyone at Taste of China. At Taste of China, we’re not just about great food—we’re about family, service, and community. We’re proud to serve the people of Vancouver, and we look forward to welcoming you to our restaurant, where great food meets great values.
About our Chinese Food Delivery Service
Since 2013, we’ve proudly offered fast, reliable Chinese food delivery with our own fleet of vehicles—making us the only Chinese restaurant in town with this unique service. If you live nearby, you’ve likely seen our branded Toyota Prius vehicles on the road, ready to deliver fresh, hot meals directly to your door. With five dedicated drivers on standby daily, we guarantee timely delivery within a 5-mile radius to maintain the highest standards of efficiency and freshness.
A Brief History of Chinese Food in America
The history of Chinese food in America dates back to the mid-19th century, when Chinese immigrants first arrived during the California Gold Rush in the 1840s. These immigrants, mostly from the Guangdong (Canton) region, introduced Cantonese cuisine to the U.S., and opened small restaurants to serve their communities.
As Chinese immigrants settled in cities like San Francisco, New York, and later across the U.S., Chinese food became more widely available. Early dishes like Chop Suey and Egg Foo Young were adaptations of traditional Cantonese recipes, modified to suit American tastes and available ingredients. These dishes became popular with non-Chinese customers in the early 20th century, leading to the rise of “Chinese-American” cuisine.
By the 1960s and 70s, Chinese food had become a mainstream favorite in America, with dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, and Egg Rolls gaining widespread popularity. The immigration reforms of 1965 brought more diverse Chinese immigrants to the U.S., introducing new regional flavors from Sichuan, Hunan, and other parts of China.
Today, Chinese food is an integral part of American cuisine, with thousands of Chinese restaurants across the country offering both authentic dishes and Americanized favorites like General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken. This evolution has shaped Chinese food in America into a unique culinary tradition, blending authentic flavors with American influences.
Chinese Food Questions and Answers
1. What is Chinese-American food?
Chinese-American food is a fusion of traditional Chinese cuisine adapted to American tastes and ingredients. It includes popular dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, Egg Rolls, and Chop Suey, which are often sweeter, fried, or adjusted to fit American palates.
2. How is Chinese-American food different from traditional Chinese cuisine?
Chinese-American food tends to use more sugar, starch, and frying techniques compared to traditional Chinese cuisine. Many dishes in the U.S. are also tailored to be sweeter, saltier, or have larger portions than those found in China.
3. What are some of the most popular Chinese-American dishes?
Popular dishes include General Tso’s Chicken, Orange Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Egg Rolls, Lo Mein, Kung Pao Chicken, and Fried Rice.
4. What is the history behind Chinese-American food?
Chinese-American cuisine emerged in the mid-19th century when Chinese immigrants came to the U.S., particularly during the California Gold Rush. Early dishes were adaptations of Cantonese food, modified to suit local tastes and available ingredients.
5. Is General Tso’s Chicken an authentic Chinese dish?
No, General Tso’s Chicken was invented in the United States. While inspired by Hunanese flavors, it was created to appeal to American tastes with its sweet, tangy sauce and fried chicken.
6. What is the significance of fortune cookies in Chinese-American restaurants?
Fortune cookies, often served at the end of a meal, are a Chinese-American invention, likely originating in California. They are not typically found in China but have become a fun tradition in U.S. Chinese dining.
7. Why are there so many variations of Chinese-American food across the U.S.?
Regional preferences in the U.S. influence the flavors and styles of Chinese-American food. For example, New York-style Chinese food may differ from what’s served in the Midwest or on the West Coast, due to local tastes and ingredient availability.
8. What is Chop Suey?
Chop Suey is a stir-fry dish made with meat, vegetables, and a savory sauce, often served with rice. It was created in the U.S. by Chinese immigrants and is not typically found in China.
9. What is the difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?
Lo Mein uses soft, boiled noodles, while Chow Mein features stir-fried, often crispy noodles. Both dishes can be made with vegetables, meat, or seafood.
10. Are Egg Rolls an authentic Chinese dish?
Egg Rolls are an American adaptation of spring rolls, a traditional Chinese dish. They are typically larger, filled with cabbage and meat, and fried to a crisp.
11. Why is rice so commonly served with Chinese-American meals?
Rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is often served as a neutral base to balance the rich flavors of saucy or stir-fried dishes in Chinese-American food.
12. What is the difference between Americanized Sweet and Sour Chicken and the traditional version?
In Chinese-American cuisine, Sweet and Sour Chicken is usually battered, fried, and coated in a sticky, red sauce that is sweet and tangy. In traditional Chinese cuisine, the sauce is less sweet, and the dish is often sautéed rather than fried.
13. What is Moo Shu?
Moo Shu is a Chinese-American dish that typically consists of stir-fried pork, vegetables, and scrambled eggs, served with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce.
14. Why are wontons popular in Chinese-American food?
Wontons, often fried or served in soup, are dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. They are a popular appetizer in Chinese-American restaurants due to their crispy texture and savory fillings.
15. Is fried rice an authentic Chinese dish?
Yes, fried rice originates from China, where leftover rice is stir-fried with vegetables, meat, or seafood. In the U.S., it often contains a mix of peas, carrots, and soy sauce, adjusted for American tastes.
16. What is the origin of Orange Chicken?
Orange Chicken is a Chinese-American dish created in the U.S. It features crispy fried chicken in a sweet, tangy orange sauce, popularized by chain restaurants like Panda Express.
17. Why do many Chinese-American dishes use so much soy sauce?
Soy sauce is a key ingredient in both traditional Chinese and Chinese-American cooking. It adds depth, umami flavor, and saltiness, which enhances the taste of stir-fried dishes, noodles, and marinades.
18. What is the cultural significance of Chinese takeout boxes?
The iconic Chinese takeout box, commonly used in the U.S., was originally designed for oysters, but became associated with Chinese food due to its practical design for takeout. It’s not used in China, but has become a symbol of Chinese-American dining.
19. How has Chinese-American food influenced broader American cuisine?
Chinese-American food introduced Americans to new flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques like stir-frying and using soy sauce. Over time, it has become a beloved and integral part of American dining culture.
20. What is Kung Pao Chicken, and how does the American version differ from the traditional?
Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy stir-fry made with chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers. The American version tends to be sweeter and less spicy than the traditional Sichuan dish from China.