Overheard a guy at the dumpling shop say 'authentic is overrated' and it got me thinking

I was at this small spot in Flushing, not even a real shop with tables, just a window with a counter. This older Chinese guy told the lady making dumplings that he doesn't care if they are authentic, he just wants them to taste good. That stuck with me because I spend way too much time reading online about what is 'real' Chinese food. Like, maybe we should just care if the food is actually good instead of fighting over traditions. Anyone else feel like the authenticity debate gets in the way of just enjoying what you eat?

2 comments

2 Comments

baker.ben13d ago

Heard this food writer on a podcast say authenticity is basically a marketing gimmick and it kind of blew my mind. The best dumplings I've ever had were probably some uncle's weird experiment with unexpected fillings.

victor21913d ago

Man fr that's a solid take. I've been guilty of gatekeeping food online like it's some kinda contest. But honestly who decides what's "authentic" anyway? Your grandmas recipe is different from some other grandma's recipe across town. Real talk I'd rather have amazing tasting fusion food over boring "authentic" stuff that sucks. The best meals I've had were some random chef just doing their own thing with flavors they actually like.