Kosher Chinese food is at least as popular as Israeli food in Jewish neighborhoods. At least in New York.
I once heard a joke about to how much Jews love Chinese food. It went something like this:
According to the Hebrew calendar, it is the year 5780, and according to the Chinese calendar it’s the year 4718. That means Jews went without Chinese food for 1,062 years; this time was called the Dark Ages.
Jews first started eating Chinese food because the non-religious, but still traditional, knew that dairy isn’t used in making Chinese food dishes, and pork dishes were clearly labeled. They also likely weren’t aware of oyster sauce being used.
This is also where the tradition of Jews eating Chinese food on Christmas and go to a movie originated, since they were the only things open.
The first mention of the Jewish population eating Chinese food was in 1899, and the first Kosher Chinese food restaurant was opened sixty years later.
Today, there are many kosher Chinese food restaurants that are frequented all year-round, and especially on Christmas.
Sesame chicken is one of the most popular Chinese takeout chicken dishes. It's also surprisingly easy to make yourself at home.
Beef and broccoli is one of my personal favorites. Like many American-Chinese food dishes, beef and broccoli is an Americanized version of a traditional Chinese dish.
Beef lo mein is another popular Chinese takeout dish. If I'm not ordering beef and broccoli then I'm certainly ordering this.
Chicken fried rice is a great and simple way to repurpose leftover rice and turn it into a whole new meal.
Unlike many American-Chinese food dishes, orange chicken has no bases in Chinese food culture. It was developed by a Hawaiian Panda express restaurant.
Chicken lo mein is the chicken version of beef lo mein and a common addition to American-Chinese takeout menus.
You may be surprised to know that Lemon Chicken isn't even a Chinese-American dish. It's actually from Canada. Still, it is a popular item on their menus.
Fried rice is actually a Chinese dish, but to suit American pallets more soy sauce was added. It also is traditionally served with meat and seafood but this vegetarian version is popular in Western countries including America.
Chicken and broccoli is a delicious chicken alternative to beef and broccoli. Just add rice and your ready to eat.
Gail
Wednesday 15th of December 2021
I create egg fu yong mixing chinese veggies, eggs , and a bit of flour. Fry in oil. Could be for Hanukkah too, I suppose. Serve with rice.
ElissaBeth
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
Good idea! Thanks for sharing :)