[Photo/VCG]

"No government - Chinese or American- had any intention to introduce it to US diners," Chen said. "In the first half century after its initial arrival, it was rejected and even despised by Americans."

By 1980, Chinese food had become the country's most popular ethnic cuisine. The spread of Chinese restaurants started a quiet but revolutionary change to America's palate while transforming the nation's dining experience.

"The extraordinary impact of Chinese food on American culture can be measured in a couple of ways. First, this is reflected in its ubiquitous presence throughout the United States since the turn of the 20th century," Chen said. "Second, Chinese food’s spread played a significant role in the transformation of American culture and lifestyle: Chinese food was the first cuisine to be available for mass consumption across the nation. As such, it democratized the dining-out experience, making it possible for almost everyone in the US."