5 ‘International’ Foods That Were Invented In The US – Chowhound

Ayush June 2, 2024

It’s saucy, crunchy, sweet, and sour. Orange chicken in an American-Chinese food classic. A staple on most takeout Chinese menus in the United States, orange chicken is nothing short of ubiquitous. It combines classic flavor combinations of Chinese cuisine, with influences of spice, sweetness, and a sour edge that pairs well with a savory scoop of fried rice or lo mein. But this Chinese take-out classic isn’t actually Chinese at all. In fact, it’s a uniquely American invention that hails from Panda Express, one of the United States’ most popular fast food chains.

Orange chicken was invented by Panda Express chef Andy Kao in 1987, and comes from one of their Hawaii locations. Kao, who is from Taiwan, is a professionally trained chef whose background actually focused on cooking French cuisine. Kao came up with the dish as a modification of one of the restaurant’s more popular bone-in chicken dishes, and Kao’s saucy (and boneless) innovations soon made orange chicken a classic at Panda Express — and beyond. In the thirty-plus years since its invention, orange chicken has made its way to almost every Chinese buffet and take-out menu across the United States.

Meanwhile, General Tso’s chicken, from which Panda Express’ orange chicken was partially inspired, is also a uniquely American dish. Both draw inspiration from the salty and sour foods of Hunan Province, which is located in the southern central region of China. However, their breaded, fried, and sugary nature sets them apart from traditional foods of the region, which tend towards cured meats and savory dishes.