Multimedia

As American as Chop Suey

Chinese food has become a staple of American culture, yet most of us know very little about the lives of the people who work in the industry. Through more than two dozen interviews with delivery men, cooks, and waiters, photographer, and writer Katie Gee Salisbury offers a glimpse into the harsh, daily realities of what it’s like being a Chinese restaurant or takeout worker in New York.

Oral Histories from Descendants of Chinese Immigrants

Working in the Chinese restaurant industry is a common narrative among Chinese Americans, yet one that doesn’t often get told outside of the community. These oral histories from first-, second-, and third-generation Chinese Americans offer a glimpse into what it is like to grow up in and around Chinese restaurants. The audio recordings have been edited and condensed for clarity. If you’d like to share your own story, get in touch via this form.

Photo Gallery

Browse through some of the photographs from the exhibition