Eating in Chinese Takeout Boxes is No More a Symbol of Fashion

In this modern world of science and technology dealing with the world is rather difficult. To keep up with the world one must work hard day and night. To stand out of the crowd people work 24/7 they probably spend more time working than with their family. Taking out time from this busy routine is rather difficult. One can hardly spare time for eating and drinking. To save time and money as much as possible people prefer canned or frozen food. Different companies use different style of boxes for their food as per their convenience. One of the most popular containers in this case is Chinese takeout box.

Chinese Takeout Boxes

These boxes are made up of paper or soft cardboard and are usually used for storing and transporting food. These boxes come along with a steel wire handle. Chinese boxes are actually single piece of paper creased into segment and folded to make a box coated with plastic or waxes. They were originally invented to carry oysters as they are water proof. They are usually white in color and are seldom printed. They are most commonly printed with pagoda and a “Thank you” usually in red color as Chinese consider red color a symbol of good luck. They are available in great versatility and have amazed millions on users throughout the world.

History

These very boxes were invented in the later 19^th century. In 1880’s oysters were very inexpensive and were easily accessible. As shucking oysters required some skill, it was common that oyster sellers opened the oysters and people took these opened oyster home for use in cooked dishes. These boxes were invented to carry the oyster meat as they were easy to carry and provided protection against water as well. These boxes were patented in 1894 in Chicago by Frederick Weeks. These boxes gained popularity after Second World War as people grew interest in food that could be picked from restaurants and heated at home. These boxes were the ultimate answer for these problems and gained success as soon as they were invented.

These boxes were common all over the world but as the name says Chinese boxes they are not very common in China or Asia rather they are more common in Europe and America. These boxes were regarded as the representatives of eastern cuisine in west even though they were not very widespread in China. They are used specifically for Chinese dishes like fried rice or lo-mien. People prefer eating Chinese food in these boxes as they associate these boxes specifically with China.

A symbol of fashion and style in the beginning

These boxes were a symbol of fashion and style in the beginning and people preferred their food in these boxes. Folks with high eminence were very fond of these boxes. Eating in take out boxes was considered as status symbol but with the passage of time and especially during 1950s the popularity of Chinese food boxes sky rocketed. In America where Chinese food is one of the most popular foods these boxes come in handy. People prefer eating their favorite food in traditional boxes rather than plates or cans. These boxes gained immense popularity as soon as they were invented and became a fashion all over the world immediately. Eating in one of these boxes was considered a symbol of extravaganza and pomp and show.

The reason these boxes became popular overnight was due to their usefulness. These boxes were less expensive as compared to other alternatives in the market. The reason due to which they were so popular was that they were durable and leak proof as well. They were made up of paper and their top could be folded to enclose the food. They could be used as plates when the folds were opened and flattened. They are microwave friendly and food can be eaten directly from it. One good thing about them is that they are made up of cardboard which are environmental friendly and easy degradable. They can be recycled and used again and again.

Emanation of Chinese-American Cuisine

The traditional Chinese cuisine was started in America during 19^th century in California when many immigrants from china start exhibiting their food in china towns near suburbs of major cities. Chinese food was considered as the substitute of local food and got customer recognition during 1950s. Now a day’s these Chinese restaurants and takeaways are more than 40 thousands in USA which are more than the number of McDonald’s chains. Basically the Chinese food is very good for health and most of the working class loves to eat Chinese food. For the purpose of food delivery, first choice of all restaurants, food stalls, and takeaways is Chinese Take out Boxes.

The use of Chinese food and takeout boxes is very common in USA, Europe, and Australia. Takeout box is designed in such a way that only single piece of paper is used and avoid any kind of liquid leakage. These boxes are not only primary choice of consumers but many restaurants and fast food chains are buying Chinese food containers at wholesale cost and also in bulk. These boxes are very easy on pockets and fulfilling customer’s needs efficiently. With the popularity of Chinese cuisine; the uses of take out boxes also increase customarily. In most parts of the world, there are actually two universal foods that need a delivery: Chinese food, and Pizza. It is not because of symbolism but due to the usefulness of food which is not available with pizza and hamburgers. The challenge came with fast food is to control the environment. But in case of take out boxes, after throwing some noodles or rice in a box and someone takes a bite or taste it, you can replenish it.