National Chop Suey Day celebrates the iconic Chinese-American dish that consists of meat, eggs, and vegetables in a thick sauce, typically served with rice. This beloved fusion dish represents the cultural intersection between Chinese and American cuisines.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: August 29th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Cultural Celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalChopSueyDay
- When was it founded?: Exact founding date unclear
- Who founded it?: Unknown
History of National Chop Suey Day
The term “chop suey” comes from the Cantonese “tsap seui,” meaning “miscellaneous leftovers.” The dish originated in Taishan, Guangdong province, where many early Chinese immigrants to America came from. While many origin stories exist, including tales of drunk miners and diplomatic visits, historical evidence suggests it was brought to America by Chinese immigrants in the mid-1800s.
Timeline
- 1840s: Chinese immigrants arrive during California Gold Rush
- 1884: First documented mention in Brooklyn Eagle newspaper
- 1896: Widespread popularity in American restaurants
- 1903: Dish becomes commonplace in Chinese-American establishments
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Aug 29 | Friday |
| 2026 | Aug 29 | Saturday |
| 2027 | Aug 29 | Sunday |
| 2028 | Aug 29 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | Aug 29 | Wednesday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by eating at Chinese restaurants, cooking chop suey at home, or learning about Chinese-American culinary history.
Fun Facts About Chop Suey
- Chop suey becomes chow mein when served with noodles instead of rice
- The dish can include various proteins like chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp
- It was once marketed as “the national dish of China”
- Early American menus listed it as a “Chinese hash”
Quiz
- What does “chop suey” mean in Cantonese?
- In which Chinese province did chop suey originate?
- What makes chow mein different from chop suey?
(Answers: 1. Miscellaneous leftovers 2. Guangdong 3. The addition of noodles)
FAQs
Q: Is chop suey Chinese or American?
A: It’s a Chinese dish adapted for American tastes.
Q: What’s the main difference between chop suey and chow mein?
A: Chow mein includes noodles, while chop suey is served with rice.
Importance of National Chop Suey Day
This celebration honors Chinese-American cultural contributions and the evolution of fusion cuisine in America.
Related
- National Chinese Food Day
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- National Noodle Day
- World Food Day
- National Fortune Cookie Day