Chinese People Try Panda Express

[EgoDeath]

Panda Express is ass for the most part.
Their eggrolls are phenomenally disgusting. The spring rolls are as well...Greasy AF, for no goddamned reason.

Panda Express is the Hot Pockets of Chinese takeout.

Hm, interestingly, actual Chinese folks seem to disagree with you.

I don't think Panda Express is anything to write home about, but it's generally fine for some quick Chinese take-out. Greasy, filling and inspired by real-life Chinese cuisine. Eh, it's fine.

There is a generational difference.  

Older Chinese people typically grew up during the time of Maoist communism, when China was poor, material goods including good food scarce, and indulgences such as high cuisine considered bourgeoise,  which was a dirty word.  At that time the zeitgeist was making do with whatever is available and not ask for more.   Having more material riches than the average, at least publically, was shameful.

Younger Chinese people typically grew up when China has become much more wealthy.   Materialism, so long as one continues to pay lip service to orthodox Marxism, is encouraged at every level in the society.  Having the wherewithal to indulge in high cuisine is considered a mark of success.  Being Bourgeoise is a sign of refinement.   The zeitgeist is to not be satisfied with anything other than the most modern, opulent, and ostentatious.   To be rich is to be proud, to be rich is to be glorious.

Add to that, the younger Chinese people typically grew up as the only child when the government impose rigid one child policy.  So the younger generation has become accustomed to not only being lavished with indulgences when growing up, but also pressure to exhibit success as befitting the contemporary zeitgeist.

You seem to be assuming a lot about how these people grew up considering that they never said how long the people lived in China or whether the younger Chinese people were born here or whatever. But okay, it's an interesting take for sure.

I think the older Chinese people were pretty clear that some of the dishes were at least close to something they'd eat in China.

Once again I don't think Panda Express is anything to write home about, but it's generally fine for some quick take-out. I just thought it was interesting how the younger Chinese adults seemed to want to "posture," in a sense, making it very clear that this is NOT authentic Chinese food, whereas the older Chinese people were like yea it's pretty close - even though they didn't like all the dishes either.

It was funny because nobody liked the egg rolls lol