I think the joke is that Americans like to adopt foods or cooking techniques from other cultures, then change them to fit local tastes. This is how a lot of “traditional American” foods came to be. There is also a stereotype that American cultural practices (gastronomy included) are “not real” or that American culture as a concept doesn’t exist because it comes as a fusion of cultural practices from other countries. The meme is poking fun at people who may hold that belief.
People also have a habit of describing the American versions of things to be “not real”, even if it never really claims to be. For example, fettuccine Alfredo in the US is an adaptation of fettuccini al burro (a real Italian dish), but is described as “not real Italian food” because it isn’t actually eaten in Italy. Or that orange chicken is “not real Chinese food” because it isn’t eaten in China. Which, to be fair, is true, but most American diners are aware that Panda Express, Olive Garden, and Taco Bell aren’t accurate representations of food eaten in China, Italy, or Mexico. They’re Americanised versions of food inspired by Chinese, Italian, and Mexican cuisine.
American fried rice is a Thai fried rice dish with “American” side ingredients like fried chicken, ham, sausages, raisins, and ketchup.[1] Other ingredients like pineapples and croutons are optional.
At least in any part of America I’ve been to, this is certainly not something you can get here.
I learned about it from a story I heard of someone who traveled from the US to Thailand, saw it on the menu at a restaurant and ordered it, expecting it to be the sort of fried rice you’d get in the US at an Asian restaurant. They were unpleasantly surprised.
I’m pretty sure all cultures adapt and learn from other cultures. That’s just how human culture develops. Vietnamese takes on French favourites resulted in bahn mi and Vietnamese coffee, both of which are very good. Poor Hongkongers wanting to eat like Brits resulted in Hong Kong’s famously weird “Cha chaan teng” food and Hong Kong-style milk tea. And, of course, Europeans went crazy over Mesoamerican chocolate and created a cornucopia of confectionery products made from the cacao bean.
You’re right, this is normal. Off the top of my head:
tempura originated because of the trade between the portuguese and japanese
portuguese monopoly on cinnamon trade with Sri Lanka and India, allowed Europe to get it for cheap and it became a main ingredient in a lot of desserts and confections
the UKs tea culture came from a portugese noblewoman, who learned it from China
Cultures are constantly taking ideas from each orher
Americans like to adopt foods or cooking techniques from other cultures
It’s not “americans” (as in people whose families have lived there for a few generations), it’s immigrants who brought their culture and then adapted it to the locals. You can find this in almost every country.
The definitionition of “American” is pretty flexible. If you move here, live here, and want to consider yourself an American, then you are an American. Some loud zealots may say otherwise (typical in any country) but most Americans literally do not think about this at all.
I mean Chinese and Mexican people have been in America for almost two centuries. I’m usually the first one to shit on Americans, but at this point Chinese-American stuff and Tex-Mex are theirs.
I think the joke is that Americans like to adopt foods or cooking techniques from other cultures, then change them to fit local tastes. This is how a lot of “traditional American” foods came to be. There is also a stereotype that American cultural practices (gastronomy included) are “not real” or that American culture as a concept doesn’t exist because it comes as a fusion of cultural practices from other countries. The meme is poking fun at people who may hold that belief.
People also have a habit of describing the American versions of things to be “not real”, even if it never really claims to be. For example, fettuccine Alfredo in the US is an adaptation of fettuccini al burro (a real Italian dish), but is described as “not real Italian food” because it isn’t actually eaten in Italy. Or that orange chicken is “not real Chinese food” because it isn’t eaten in China. Which, to be fair, is true, but most American diners are aware that Panda Express, Olive Garden, and Taco Bell aren’t accurate representations of food eaten in China, Italy, or Mexico. They’re Americanised versions of food inspired by Chinese, Italian, and Mexican cuisine.
Notably, Americans are not the only culture that does this.
There’s a Thai dish called ‘American Fried Rice’ for instance.
At least in any part of America I’ve been to, this is certainly not something you can get here.
That actually sounds disgusting, also something you mind find in 4th grade lunch dare
Raisins???
I learned about it from a story I heard of someone who traveled from the US to Thailand, saw it on the menu at a restaurant and ordered it, expecting it to be the sort of fried rice you’d get in the US at an Asian restaurant. They were unpleasantly surprised.
I’m pretty sure all cultures adapt and learn from other cultures. That’s just how human culture develops. Vietnamese takes on French favourites resulted in bahn mi and Vietnamese coffee, both of which are very good. Poor Hongkongers wanting to eat like Brits resulted in Hong Kong’s famously weird “Cha chaan teng” food and Hong Kong-style milk tea. And, of course, Europeans went crazy over Mesoamerican chocolate and created a cornucopia of confectionery products made from the cacao bean.
You’re right, this is normal. Off the top of my head:
tempura originated because of the trade between the portuguese and japanese
portuguese monopoly on cinnamon trade with Sri Lanka and India, allowed Europe to get it for cheap and it became a main ingredient in a lot of desserts and confections
the UKs tea culture came from a portugese noblewoman, who learned it from China
Cultures are constantly taking ideas from each orher
Pasta and noodles
We’re the ones who get shit over it though.
Umm, wtf lol
I felt the same way, and I’m sure its the same feeling when “they” come over “here” and see how we do “their” food
If Olive Garden isn’t real, then why are their breadsticks pure joy? :)
Haven’t been to an Olive Garden in decades, but aren’t they just like long, thin, crackers? They’re barely bread.
They are definitely bread, not cracker like at all.
Na man, the salad is where it’s at! Tell em light on the dressing, and I go heavy on the pepper.
Haven’t been to an Olive Garden in decades, but aren’t they just like long, thin, crackers? They’re barely bread.
It’s not “americans” (as in people whose families have lived there for a few generations), it’s immigrants who brought their culture and then adapted it to the locals. You can find this in almost every country.
Yep, those are American’s.
The definitionition of “American” is pretty flexible. If you move here, live here, and want to consider yourself an American, then you are an American. Some loud zealots may say otherwise (typical in any country) but most Americans literally do not think about this at all.
I mean Chinese and Mexican people have been in America for almost two centuries. I’m usually the first one to shit on Americans, but at this point Chinese-American stuff and Tex-Mex are theirs.