Suey

/ˈsweɪ/ adjective

Definition

In the phrase 'chop suey,' referring to a Chinese-American dish of mixed ingredients stir-fried together.

Etymology

From Cantonese 'sui' or 'chop sui' meaning mixed, combined with English. The term 'chop suey' was popularized in the late 1800s as Chinese immigrants adapted their cuisine to American ingredients.

Kelly Says

Chop suey was invented by Chinese immigrants in America who had to improvise with available ingredients—it's a perfect example of fusion food created by people adapting their traditions to new circumstances, not a 'real' Chinese dish but definitely real history!

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