Please Note: This program has a rescheduled date (originally February 8, 2024).

Do you know the stories behind delectable Chinese American dishes—like the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizza? Or how dumplings cured a village’s frostbitten ears? Or how wonton soup tells the creation of the world?

Drawing on her new book, Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods, Newberry and Caldecott honoree Grace Lin shares the tales behind favorite Chinese American food, from fried dumplings to fortune cookies. Rooted in history and folklore, the stories are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks.

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, join Lin in conversation with journalist Lisa Ling as they uncover the rich histories Chinese American dishes. Along the way, discover a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph behind this food, and what makes it undeniably American. Although Lin’s book is for young readers, this delicious conversation is for foodies of all ages.

Copies of Chinese Menu (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) are available for purchase.

Note: This program has a $15 student price for individuals 18 and under.  If you are interested in student tickets, call 202-633-3030 during our standard business hours.

Book Sale Information from Local Bookseller

• Bold Fork Books
• Purchase your copy of Chinese Menu : The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods by Grace Lin.
• SPECIAL NOTE: Bold Fork Books is offering a 10% discount to Smithsonian Associates ticket-holders. To claim your discount, enter the code SMITHSONIAN10 (no space between letters and numbers) in the “Coupon” line on Bold Folk Books' check-out page.

General Information

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