Two American sisters were left gobsmacked by the contents of their Chinese takeaway order in the UK, asserting that it bore little resemblance to its US counterpart.
Brits have been causing a stir online with their unboxing videos of Chinese takeaway meals. It is not just the quantity of food that has left viewers flabbergasted, but also the actual dishes included.
UK favourites such as salt and pepper chips, chicken balls and sweet and sour sauce meals appear to be a far cry from what’s typically served up in America. As often depicted in TV shows and films, American Chinese food usually comes in upright white square boxes, complete with a fortune cookie.
Furthermore, Brits raised eyebrows when they referred to their meal as “a Chinese”, a shorthand for “a Chinese meal”, while Americans would say they’re “getting Chinese food”. Neither version is superior or more authentic than the other – both representing a fusion of history and cultural identities.
Olivia Maher, a popular TikToker, was recently visiting the UK and decided to sample a British Chinese takeaway – the differences left her astounded. Olivia captured her reactions on camera as she and her sister, Olympic medallist rugby player Ilona Maher, unpacked their takeaway order.
Olivia recounted: “Let’s have a Chinese takeaway in England. At one point British Chinese takeaways were all over TikTok because people could not believe what that cuisine looks like, over here specifically and it was one of the things we had to come and get. Curry sauce, chips, all the stuff that does not, to us as Americans, belong to Chinese food, but we’re here to experience.”
The duo were taken aback when provided with complimentary prawn crackers along with their meal – a gesture less common in American Chinese eateries, where such crackers don’t usually come as a bog-standard freebie.
Their order featured a diverse selection including sweet and sour prawns, chicken in black bean sauce, crispy beef, special chow mein and an array of curry and sweet and sour sauces. Diving into another British-Chinese delicacy unknown in America, Olivia sampled the salt and pepper chips, saying: “Oh that’s quite yummy”, while also adding “The chips, delish.”
Upon inspecting the chicken in black bean sauce, Olivia exclaimed: “That looks good, wow,” and they both agreed the dish was “pretty nice”. As for the crispy beef, Ilona shared her doubts: “Yeah, I’m not positive there’s meat in it. It’s very sweet. Ours make them so different.”
Olivia chimed in with disappointment, saying: “The crispy beef was severely lacking beef so less delicious.”
“I just tried the prawn and it was like being at the country fair,” she enthused. “Deep fried and sweet, I mean arguably delicious but like…” The duo were taken aback by the bright hues on their dish, yet conceded the food was “pretty delicious”.
The viral video has set tongues wagging in the foodie community, amassing over a million views. An American viewer commented: “This almost looks better than American Chinese food, especially the ones in Los Angeles so gross and overpriced here.”
Another Stateside observer remarked: “I’ve never seen so much colour or veggies in British Chinese takeaway. I think you found a unicorn.”
The absence of prawn crackers with her take-outs left viewers astonished. One person questioned: “You don’t get prawn crackers in America?” Meanwhile, another suggested: “Prawn crackers are best when you put a bit of everything in, like a mini food boat.”
A Brit expressed eagerness to sample American Chinese cuisine: “Really need to try American Chinese food!” Another congratulated the women, writing: “Salt and pepper chips are elite. Well done girls, I love your commitment to the British culture!” Yet another welcomed them, saying: “You’re one of us now.”
In response to the pair’s observation about the vivid food, a British commenter humorously noted: “You guys can’t say anything about the colour of sweet and sour sauce consider you’ll stick red 40 in ANYTHING.”
An individual highlighted the regional adaptation of cuisine, explaining: “Chinese food outside of China is tailored to the country it’s sold in, that’s why American Chinese food will be different to UK Chinese food.”
Another person shared their contentment, adding: “There isn’t a Chinese place round me that isn’t owned by a lovely Chinese family so I’m not complaining.”
Echoing this sentiment, someone else reflected: “This is what I’m thinking, this is being criticised as ‘British Chinese takeaway’ but every Chinese I’ve been in has been run by a Chinese family.”
From Down Under, someone added: “Australian Chinese is different as well,” showcasing the global variations of this popular cuisine. Missing home flavours, another stated: “I miss this so much. I live in Australia and they only have real Chinese food here.”
