What I learned eating at 8,000 Chinese restaurants

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18. Different experiences (all positive) w Chinese food.

In the mid-late '60's the Chinese takeout places near me used to slather their fried rice in soy sauce.

Much to my surprise when I ate at a Chinese friends house a simple pork and white rice but with a very light hand in the soy sauce. Oh, so it's not just always slathered on.

Her mom also made sticky rice in banana (not lotus) leaves for her which I tried, and mostly liked! It'd be almost 15+ yrs before I actually had sticky rice in lotus leaves. Love it, and try to get it as often as I can.

Sechzuen was coming into NYC when I was in collage early '70's. A mixed group of us white, and Chinese American friends went one. About 10 of us. A big pot of soup with all kinds of stuff, including ?glass noodles. Then a whole lazy Susan filled with dishes. I loved just about everything although could only eat s tiny bit if the spiciest items.

I was the only left hander using chop sticks which I'd already gotten good at.

I absolutely love going for dim sum!!! Love the translucent shrimp, shrimp & pork stuffed rolls, pork bao, shui mei, pork with fermented black bean, and more! My favorite vegitable one is turnip cakes!
Also going to their stores for roasted pork to take home.

My tradition has been when ever I visit a city for the first time I try to go to their Chinatown for dim sum: Philadelphia, DC, and SF so far.