Fortune Cookies: Cultural Appropriation or Fun Tradition?

Fortune cookies have long been a staple of Chinese-American restaurants, often handed out at the end of a meal with a cryptic message tucked inside. For many, the crisp, sugary treat is synonymous with Chinese cuisine. However, the fortune cookie’s origins have sparked debate, with some arguing that it is an example of cultural appropriation, while others see it as a harmless and fun tradition. Despite its popularity in the U.S., the fortune cookie is not a part of authentic Chinese culture. Its creation in California, commercialization, and perpetuation of stereotypes about Chinese culture have raised concerns. While fortune cookies have become a cherished tradition in Chinese-American restaurants, they ultimately represent cultural appropriation, as they are not rooted in Chinese culinary heritage and serve to distort and simplify Chinese culture for entertainment purposes.

The fortune cookie, often thought of as an essential part of Chinese dining, has little connection to traditional Chinese culture. Contrary to popular belief, fortune cookies were invented in the United States, not China. According to historian Jennifer 8. Lee, “fortune cookies were first made in San Francisco in the 1910s, later commercialized by Chinese-American restaurants in the 1920s and 1930s” (Lee 2008). These cookies, filled with fortunes or jokes, were invented not as a Chinese tradition but as a marketing tool to give customers a novel experience after their meal.

Though there is some debate about the exact origins—some claim they were created in Los Angeles by a Chinese-American baker—the fact remains that fortune cookies have no historical or cultural significance in China. Lee highlights that the cookie's creation in California reveals how it was shaped by the immigrant experience, adapting Chinese-themed products to suit American tastes. By claiming the fortune cookie as a symbol of Chinese culture, many Americans overlook its true origins and its detachment from authentic Chinese culinary practices. As Lee notes, “The fortune cookie was an invention of California, not China” (Lee 2008).

The commercialization of fortune cookies further distances them from Chinese culture, as they are used to reinforce stereotypes rather than celebrate the complexity of Chinese traditions. In Chinese-American restaurants, the cookie is often presented as part of the overall dining experience, but this experience is heavily influenced by Westernized ideas of Chinese culture. As cultural historian Homi Bhabha explains, cultural appropriation often involves “the consumption of symbols of culture detached from their original meanings and repackaged for commercial purposes,” a process evident in the way fortune cookies are marketed as an exotic yet easily digestible part of the dining experience (Bhabha, 1994). The fortune inside each cookie is typically a vague, fortune-teller-style message, often emphasizing luck, fate, or mysticism—elements that do not reflect the true diversity of Chinese philosophy or culture.

A fortune cookie rests on a neutral background, ready to reveal its hidden message.

In fact, the fortune cookie plays into a broader trend of simplifying and commodifying Chinese culture for entertainment. By making Chinese food synonymous with fortune-telling and luck, the cookie reduces an entire culture to a stereotype of exoticism. This is especially problematic because it perpetuates the misconception that Chinese culture is mysterious and magical, overlooking the true depth and history of Chinese customs. Rather than providing any insight into Chinese philosophy or cuisine, the fortune cookie has become an object of amusement that reinforces shallow cultural representations. As cultural theorist Homi Bhabha argues, cultural appropriation often occurs when “symbols of culture are detached from their original meanings and repackaged for commercial consumption” (Bhabha 1994). Fortune cookies, with their whimsical fortunes and simplistic design, serve as a prime example of this process. They offer a superficial taste of Chinese culture, stripped of context and history, and redefined for the pleasure of American consumers.

While the commercialization and stereotyping of fortune cookies are problematic, many argue that they are simply a fun and harmless tradition in Chinese-American cuisine. Fortune cookies are viewed by many restaurant-goers as a lighthearted way to end a meal. Chinese-American restaurant owners often emphasize the fun aspect of the cookie, and many people enjoy cracking open the cookie to see what fortune they will receive. In fact, some argue that fortune cookies, regardless of their origin, have become an essential part of the dining experience in the U.S., symbolizing the fusion of Chinese and American cultures.

Supporters of fortune cookies as a tradition argue that they have become so ingrained in American dining culture that they are no longer viewed as cultural appropriation. For many, the cookie is seen as a quirky and charming feature of Chinese-American restaurants, contributing to the unique dining experience. Chinese-American restaurateurs, such as those interviewed by Lee, point out that the fortune cookie helps create a sense of enjoyment and curiosity at the end of a meal, and most customers have little concern for its origins. As Lee notes, “For many Chinese-Americans, the fortune cookie is just part of the tradition, a small gesture of fun and humor” (Lee, 2008). For some Chinese-Americans, the cookie is simply part of the cultural landscape, a reminder of the playful side of their cultural experience in the U.S.

While the argument for fortune cookies as a fun tradition is valid, it overlooks the critical issue of cultural appropriation. The fact remains that fortune cookies misrepresent Chinese culture by distorting its practices and turning them into a product for entertainment. Even if fortune cookies are enjoyed by many, their commercialization only serves to reinforce simplistic and reductive views of Chinese culture. The playful nature of the cookie should not excuse its role in perpetuating cultural stereotypes, especially when it comes at the expense of the genuine cultural significance of Chinese traditions.

Moreover, the argument that fortune cookies are an example of cultural fusion fails to acknowledge that fusion should be based on mutual respect and understanding. Fortune cookies, in their current form, were not created with Chinese cultural values or input. Instead, they were appropriated and adapted for American tastes without consideration for the rich cultural context from which they were taken. This reduces Chinese culture to a commodity for Western consumption, undermining the complexities of the culture it claims to represent. As Lee observes, “The fortune cookie is a product of the American imagination” (Lee 2008), highlighting its detachment from the authentic cultural experiences of China.

In conclusion, while fortune cookies have become an ingrained part of the Chinese-American restaurant experience and a beloved part of American pop culture, they ultimately represent cultural appropriation. Their invention in California, detachment from Chinese culinary traditions, and role in perpetuating stereotypes about Chinese culture highlight the ways in which cultural symbols can be commercialized and simplified for mass consumption. While they may seem harmless or even fun to some, fortune cookies reinforce misconceptions about Chinese culture and serve as a reminder of the complexities of cultural exchange in a globalized world. To truly appreciate Chinese culture, we must look beyond the fortune cookie and engage with its authentic traditions, free from commercialized simplifications.

References

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