Fortune cookies. Often served at Chinese restaurants in the States . . . are anything but Chinese.
The term "fortune cookie" is definitely American. The recipe of flour, sugar, vanilla and oil is based on the recipe for a traditional Japanese cracker.
No one knows for sure how they got started, but various immigrant groups in California claim credit. They've been summarized as being "introduced by the Japanese, popularized by the Chinese, but ultimately . . . consumed by Americans."
The largest manufacturer is Wonton Foods, Inc. headquartered in Brooklyn, NY making over 4.5 million each day.
Of course, the best part is the fortune inside. "Faux wisdom or vague prophecy". And if you're really fortunate, pun intended, it will also contain lucky numbers guaranteed to win the next lotto. I mean, your chances are pretty good anyway.
Although mostly consumed by Americans, they are sometimes seen in other countries. Like Belgium.
We have a Thai grocery store here in Hasselt that sells fortune cookies. I've never seen them at any local Asian restaurant so I don't know who buys them (besides me).
They are definitely covering most bases with "fortuinen/vermogen/fortunes" in Dutch, German, English and . . . something Asian.
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I once got the perfect "fortune" and I kept it magnet-ed to our refrigerator in Ruston for years. I'm not sure where it is now, but it read something like this . . .
A new pair of shoes will do you a world of good.
True story.
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