Chop suey is the Americanized version of a Chinese dish known as tsap seui and is traditionally made with leftovers from previous meals. In American Chinese cuisine, chop suey is a dish that’s made with some sort of meat such as beef, shrimp, pork, or chicken, quickly cooked with eggs, vegetables, and a sauce thickened by starch. It’s also a dish that’s either served with rice or stir-fry noodles. Regardless of how it’s served or with what ingredients, this dish is so popular that it has earned its own holiday, which falls on August 29th annually and is known as National Chop Suey Day.

The History Of National Chop Suey Day

Although we were unable to uncover who invented National Chop Suey Day or when they invented it, we do know why August 29th was chosen for the date. This date is when the American version of this dish was invented—at least, according to popular myth. On August 29, 1896, Chinese ambassador Li Hongzhang had his cooks create a dish for his American guests at a dinner party in New York. The dish they created was made from meat, celery, and bean sprouts cooked in a thickened sauce. It was designed to appeal to both American and Asian tastes and was supposedly a big hit. Of course, this story hasn’t been confirmed and might just be a myth.

Interesting Facts About Chop Suey

Even though the origins of chop suey are somewhat fuzzy, we do know quite a few other facts about it. Facts that we think anyone observing this holiday will really appreciate. So without further ado, allow us to entertain you with some interesting facts about chop suey.

• Interest in Chinese-American food started during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• American chop suey, otherwise known as American Goulash, is made with ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce.
• Chop suey is believed to be a variation of a Chinese dish known as tsap seui.
• Another myth surrounding this dish’s origin involves a Chinese restaurant making it to serve to rowdy, drunken miners in 1896.
• In some parts of China, this dish is marketed as Genuine American Chop Suey.

Observing National Chop Suey Day

Anyone wanting to celebrate National Chop Suey Day can do so by taking the time to visit their favorite Chinese restaurant and ordering a plate of chop suey. People can also learn how to make their own chop suey on this day, and there are tons of recipes available online that will show you how to do it. Chop suey can be made with a wide variety of different ingredients, so just about anyone can find a version they like. And while you’re enjoying chop suey, why not use the hashtag #NationalChopSueyDay on your social media accounts to let everyone know you’re enjoying this holiday