Chapter
The History of Fortune Cookies in America
12:19 - 16:14 (03:54)
A Cantonese immigrant from China is credited with inventing the fortune cookie, and although they initially included proverbs and scripture, they became more Americanized over time. In 1983, a San Francisco mock court ruled that San Francisco was the birthplace of the fortune cookie.
Clips
A Cantonese immigrant from China invented fortune cookies, originally placing bible scriptures on each one to cheer up unemployed Americans during the Great Depression.
12:19 - 13:44 (01:24)
Summary
A Cantonese immigrant from China invented fortune cookies, originally placing bible scriptures on each one to cheer up unemployed Americans during the Great Depression. Later they became popular as an appetizer at Chinese restaurants.
ChapterThe History of Fortune Cookies in America
EpisodeShort Stuff: Fortune Cookies
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Chuck Klosterman recalls performing at a strange comedy show in San Diego with a lack of proper facilities and a suspicious man filming the entire performance.
13:44 - 14:25 (00:40)
Summary
Chuck Klosterman recalls performing at a strange comedy show in San Diego with a lack of proper facilities and a suspicious man filming the entire performance.
ChapterThe History of Fortune Cookies in America
EpisodeShort Stuff: Fortune Cookies
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Fortune cookies originated in Japan and were fairly plain in the US until the 1930s when they began including English phrases and lottery numbers.
14:25 - 16:14 (01:48)
Summary
Fortune cookies originated in Japan and were fairly plain in the US until the 1930s when they began including English phrases and lottery numbers. Wanton Food Company, the world's largest maker of fortune cookies, ironically had to infiltrate the market of Japanese bakers in San Francisco in the mid 1990s.