The Original GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN!! How It Became #1 American Chinese Fast Food!!

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TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Welcome to Taiwan and today is special because we are going to eat the original recipe for General Tso’s Chicken - a Chinese Hunanese dish that’s had a significant impact on Chinese restaurants around the world!
The story all begins with Chef Peng Chang-kuei, originally from Hunan, China, who later moved to Taipei, Taiwan. He came up with the recipe for General Tso’s Chicken on the spur of the moment when he was cooking for United States Navy Admiral Arthur Radford and other officers.
Today it remains one of the standard Chinese dishes that you’ll find in nearly all Chinese and Chinese American fast food restaurants and take outs. Few other dishes have such an incredible story and impact!
Peng's Gourmet & Banquet - goo.gl/maps/Q5Gn9r8VYHkZZQV8A
Price - 3,894 NTW ($127.29 USD) for everything
Attributions:
- Photo of Chef Peng Chang-kuei: By Department of Civil Affairs, Taipei City Government, Attribution, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
- Hunan Map: TUBS, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- General Tso’s Chicken: Ser Amantio di Nicolao via Wikimedia Commons
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[@sonyaballard4922]

I really enjoyed the story behind the General TSO Chicken. All of the food looks delicious. Taiwan is on my bucket list to visit.

[@MarkAbroad]

Thank you so much, hope you can visit Taiwan soon!

[@slucas6303]

Sonya Ballard, if you don’t like heat and humidity, make sure to visit Taiwan between November and March. It’s wintertime in Taiwan but the temperatures are very mild and generally not cold at all.

[@scottsmit1115]

Food and History. How awesome is that.

[@andersf324]

Thank you Mark for providing the history and context of this dish. I've known since the 80s that it wasn't a traditional Chinese dish, but didn't know the rich history. I thought it had been invented in the US. As always, very informational content from your videos.

[@MarkAbroad]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@hotbrianwu3827]

Another story: Mongolia BBQ was created by a Taiwanese comedian.

[@jinparksoul]

You or and probably all American's would barely recognize Peng's original recipe as what you are familiar with in the US today. Research the origins and you will see Tsung Ting Wang in New York City took Pengs recipe and modified it to suit American's by adding sugar and making the sauce sweet. He also made the batter crispier.

[@jamesyhsu]

Thank you so much for the love of Taiwanese cuisine. As a Taiwanese living in the US I didn't even know this dish originated from Taiwan. Now I gotta pay a visit when I go back this summer. Great video as always!

[@kevinhu3515]

If an Italian chef moved to the US, opened an Italian restaurant and created an Italian dish, Is it considered an US cuisine or an Italian Cuisine? Mark already stated PengYuan is a Hunan-style Chinese Restaurant. Please enlighten everyone here by pointing to where Hunan is on the map of Taiwan! In case your knowledge of geography is like the average American, I’d advise you to freeze the video frame @1:12 to take a close look… 😂

[@kcenzer4128]

Mark, General Tso's History cannot be erased. I have had his MAGNIFCENT recipes all my life. Thank You!

[@nigel8499]

Care to share the recipe....

[@MarkZimmerman]

@@nigel8499go to panda express lol

[@MarkAbroad]

Great to hear that!

[@stephaniebryant9055]

I've always heard that it is not a real Chinese dish. Thank you for giving us the history behind this delicious dish!

[@deziking]

some places don't even have real chicken lol

[@2075vj]

Mark, this was a great video. General Tso’s has been one of my favorite dishes for many years. Now I know the history of it. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@MarkAbroad]

Cool to hear that, thanks!

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

Glad we can now confidently say that this is NOT an American invented dish. Great to know. It is authentic Taiwanese-Chinese.

[@thatonedish]

OMG 1952??? WoW, that’s awesome… I Love General tso chicken!!! Thank you Mark. Always learning new things from ya.

[@giovannalbradley]

Oh WOW that's some great looking General TSO chicken! Thanks for the amazing history lesson about it Mark Weins. Yummy yum yum 😋

[@ricecakejohnson]

Its crazy I heard the story a couple of times, but never knew the actual chef's name. What an awesome and successful story for Chef Peng.

[@Jonathan_Yip_Cambridge_MA]

It is so nice to learn the historic background of the dish!!

[@TheDive99]

Taiwan is a treasure.

[@emary711]

So glad you went to Taiwan, I've really enjoyed your series of videos there. Without getting too much into politics (as I admire how you so skillfully avoid it) it actually kind of brings a tear to my eye to think that someone might try to strip away the beautiful culture that has evolved here. Your videos over the years are one of the things that brings me hope in this crazy world, and I thank you for all of them. Some, for whatever reason seem to hit home more than others, this series of videos has really made an impact on me... Thank you!

[@MarkAbroad]

Thank you so much for your incredible support, happy to share a little bit of positivity through food!

[@PradeepRaajkumar1981]

I had most of these dishes in Melbourne... TOFU and TSO Chicken WOW Yes mate..

[@samirdelicious8916]

It’s been 10 years watching you and your expression of pleasure when eating good food has remained same mate

[@lita46pooh]

That looked delicious 😋 😍. So much history

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

Thank you so much for this one! I am super stoked to watch it. Chef Peng~ what a very special gift to give to the entire World!!! Hope you and you family are having a great spring!

[@MarkAbroad]

Thank you very much!

[@yanghsiao6920]

WOW, I am glad everyone likes this General Tso's Chicken.

[@ricecakejohnson]

Mark, you should put this video on your main channel.

[@cherylclosson893]

Very cool, I will be trying General Tso's chicken next time I eat Chinese food❣️

[@TheBradylands]

one of the best videos not only great food but a super history lesson.

[@pav504]

What a beautiful story so beautiful. That chicken soas looked so good 😍

[@bobross5580]

You can tell right away how tasty these dishes are by Marks big glowing eyes! I have to find some GT tonight!

[@fleshtaffy]

Those eyes have stared at dismemebered babies, mark my words

[@jameswatson2894]

I think overreacting makes his channel more popular. Just how react videos are popular people seem to love people being over animated

[@candiballard72]

I love that you dive into the history of dishes. Thank you for sharing.

[@michaelsandoval1882]

I love to eat while watching Marks videos at least this way I don't feel silly about chewing along with him

[@nethvirusenanayake4161]

Same bro😅✌️

[@SDEBOP-]

Same here 😂

[@MarkAbroad]

Haha, great!

[@michaelajala5891]

I do that too. Wow! 😗

[@amiraa2875]

Mark your talking way too much re: General Tso Chiken history too much its boring cut it out too much blah,blah

[@FernZepeda]

Mark, you are so blessed. Thanks for sharing your experiences!! Send me food!

[@PROLIFIC_TRAVELS]

Thanks for all the videos Mark 😊

[@brianmoody2549]

Cooking great food takes time,but when times short it always works out for the best.

[@TheMoonKingdom]

Thank you Chef Peng, for many happy food memories:)

[@GeorgeInShanghai]

These Taipei food videos have been epic, thank you for sharing

[@DrTM-VideosEveryday]

General Tao chicken over rice is one of my favorite take out dishes from a Chinese restaurant. Love spicy ! Great Video from Taiwan !

[@1life1kitchen]

Mark i love when you keep up with all your channels. I also loved when you would show the places you stay

[@Kerly9M]

This look absolutely delicious! Thank you Mark for this video! ❤

[@christothak]

This is the comfirmation I needed in my life. Thank you Mark!

[@TennSingtsuan9697]

I'll give you a tip that almost no other creator knows, the vegetarian food at the Buddhist temple in Taiwan is superb!

[@Dajindaeat]

Ohhhh that little Jinhua Ham sandwich appetizer you tried was actually a very famous dish in the chinese food history --- During the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912 AD), the production of Jinhua ham was standardized and improved, with strict regulations put in place to ensure quality and authenticity. Today, Jinhua ham is recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product in China, and is highly prized for its distinctive flavor and texture.--the the little "ham" in the sandwich was the main actor that's why the bread was so thin ingredients are barely any. เมนูแฮมซานด์วิชที่คุณลองนั้นเป็นเมนูที่มีชื่อเสียงในประวัติศาสตร์อาหารจีน ในช่วงสมัยอันเป็นช่วงของราชวงศ์หมิงและชิน การผลิตแฮมจิ้นหัวมาถูกมาตรฐานและปรับปรุงให้ดีขึ้น โดยมีกฎระเบียบที่เข้มงวดเพื่อให้ได้คุณภาพและความแท้จริง ในปัจจุบัน แฮมจิ้นหัวมาถูกยกย่องเป็นผลิตภัณฑ์ระดับป้องกันชื่อสิทธิ์ภูมิภาค (Protected Geographical Indication - PGI) ของจีน และเป็นอาหารหรูหราที่มีรสชาติและส่วนประกอบเฉพาะ โดยชิ้น "แฮม" ในแฮมซานด์วิชนั้นเป็นตัวแสดงหลักที่ทำให้ขนมปังบางเพราะวัตถุดิบอื่นๆน้อยลง

[@jasenliu]

I am closed to the Peng family and this is not the oringal restauant, Chef Peng went to US during 70s and open restaurants in New York, Atlanta and etc., but decide return to Taiwan after many years then open this restaurant. Now, they have about 8-9 restaurants in Taiwan and this is the first one of those. If you ever go to the one in XinDan, his oldest son still in charge that one and he has a lot of stories to tell.

[@mesaman86]

Fascinating insight into the history of the dish

[@angelinaparodi9721]

My family loves General Toes chicken but woukd of loved to have tried the original from where it all started!! Thank you for sharing that wonderful story!!

[@weil9525]

Mark, thank you for the multi-series videos on your delicious food tour in Taiwan. My friends and I are going back to visit Taiwan again, so we are definitely going to check out your recommendations.

[@zandeery2969]

LOVE when you give us so much history, Mark...! Great twist and you handle the details wonderfully....and relay them so easily and clearly....THX ALWAYS

[@user-x57620fzmt]

Thank you for that story! The fish and shrimp look amazing!

[@Rose258V]

Thank you! It’s so nice to know its history, being my favorite dish.

[@rafiki1494]

The food looks so amazing

[@jninim0320]

You're one of the Best Food Vlogger. Informative and a go to vlogger for a Must Eat food on a Country.Thank you❤

[@billydong9640]

What a great series on the delectable delights from that tiny little island known as Taiwan, Mark..you’re a wonderful story teller and to share that with Ying and Micah is the topping on it all 🙏🙏

[@rudevalve]

Certified Gold!!!!!

[@mfdoom7620]

Interesting food history. Thanks a lot Marki.

[@rasamo9264]

I would love to try the original version to compare. Everything looked so good.

[@deanzaZZR]

Exactly. I have never tried it here in the US because people say it's too sweet.

[@deanzaZZR]

@@MarkZimmerman Yes, I certainly have seen it there. Is it good?

[@MarkAbroad]

I was actually surprised how good the original version is!

[@chucktz469]

So is it called orange chicken in America?

[@alexchainey.]

I was enjoying the video with the thought , these dishes look strikingly similar to Chinese entrees ( my wife is Chinese) and then read the title “Human Restaurant”. Very enlighten; its a Chinese Restaurant in Taiwan..cool!

[@peacelizard]

Very cool. Would love more of these types of things, if possible, please

[@amyjesko9434]

GREAT segment ❤️😋❤️

[@ibjm]

loved the history of the dish!

[@ue9r6]

The whole story of that dish and the chef who created it is wonderful...craving a good bit of takeaway now

[@LorelLa22]

Thank you for providing this special story!

[@rickymartinme]

I love to order General Tso's Chicken everytime, it looks so delicous, thanks Mark for sharing the story of this famous meal.

[@mikepette4422]

I've known of the dish since forecer but I've never really ordered it myself After this video I'm going to make sure I do at a couple of places to see who makes the best in my town.

[@Migzter05]

I love how the storytelling is intertwined with the showcase of food right out of the kitchen! History of flavor indeed!

[@ejaygood]

Awesome Mark! Please do this more! By more I mean, telling the history of food you are eating.

[@rossward8825]

Very informative video 😊❤

[@MrTraveller.]

Great to learn the history of this dish

[@Kiymee]

My favorite episode ever!

[@ryanmarkley1979]

I had no idea about this channel, been watching the main for quite a while. Very glad I found this! Great video as always!

[@maryreedmartinez9427]

Nice piece of history to know where the dish comes from, thanks Mark.

[@michelleblaylock3350]

Wow thanks so much for sharing this amazing Video 📹 His-Story I'm so glad To Know This 😊 The Food Looks Delicious 😋

[@scratchtotable]

loved general tso chix, thanks 4 sharing

[@user-pm3bx2ee4q]

I’m always amazed how blown away Mark is before he even takes his first bite. Has it ever happened that when he finally taste something for the first time, he goes “wow holy crap that’s bad”?

[@MarkAbroad]

Haha, has a happened a couple times!

[@mikepette4422]

Its not often but yes...I think Mark does a lot of research first of all and second talks to locals before making restaurant choices. So he kinda knows whats coming.

[@aL3891_]

sometimes he says "..its not my favorite" then you know its pretty bad ;)

[@ryekun1212]

the surefire way to know if mark genuinely likes a dish if he makes that trademark mark-gasm face.. if he doesnt like it, he just nods his head and say "mmmmmm" or just points to the food.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Thailand, rotten chicken gizzards from a market stall was a bad one...

[@Quita373]

Great video Mark. I am certain I am the only person who has never tasted General Tso chicken…but I have heard of it. This was a great story and the food looked amazing! ❤

[@user-fe4ks2hq4h]

Thanks for the history lesson of this dish!

[@jessyao4713]

Wow this looks so good

[@leakeywells6322]

I just love your energy

[@deenzmartin6695]

interesting and informative

[@ForeverChanged7]

I have always Gen Tso's Chicken. I love the story about it's creation and, I will remember Mr. Peng's story and appreciate it much more. Great video Mark. Thank you sooo much.🌊🌊🌊🌴🏖️😊

[@MarkAbroad]

Thank you very much!

[@dominiquefrazier00]

That was interesting learning the story of general tso chicken!!!

[@chrisyeazel9487]

Looks amazing

[@stevelawrence7782]

Thanks for an another amazing video. I wish that I too could have experienced eating the General Tso's chicken.

[@mtstailgatereviews]

Great video, what a great restaurant.

[@angeladavis2010]

No matter what, my day becomes amazing when I watch your videos. Thank you so much. It can't be easy but you bring so much joy and education to us. Be blessed, stay safe and please keep eating❤😅

[@randykinley1766]

My favorite dish is this one and thanks for sharing the history.

[@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

That's absolutely awesome and very yummy bro.

[@jedicouncil66]

I make General TSO from scratch, absolutely my favorite.

[@Patriot-up2td]

You’re killing me Mark! It all looks so good!

[@chanthafamilyvlog192]

Awesome video 👍👍👍👍 Delicious ❤❤

[@-.-aaa]

Still in Taipei? You are supposed to be in Tainan already...🤠👏👏👏

[@mustafa2010ism]

Would love more videos on the history of various dishes.

[@resonate3987]

The world needs Mark Weins! What a beautiful spirit! I love his enthusiasm for food.

[@dalingling]

Honestly.. had no idea that it was create in Taiwan!!! This video is amazing! Thank you!

[@berryschultz4708]

Great story

[@htjmartin]

I had to learn about this piece of history of my hometown from Mark.. lol. Great find, I am definitely gonna go!

[@owendrought5573]

General Tso' chicken is my favorite. I never knew the story. Ty very much for sharing

[@davidblass9808]

that looks really good

[@Tobirama_isHimju]

I swear you're the only person I know besides myself who eats the chili's. Everyone else pushes them to the side and say it's just for flavor lol. I LOVE the taste and texture.

[@mommunson]

Very interesting story thank you for sharing. 🥰🤟

[@ATAY81]

He is the master of eating!!!! Mark is awesome! Great videos as always.

[@enjoycamping7507]

That was very interesting! Looks so yummy!😮😅❤

[@pasjeihobby]

Amazing

[@kroozctrl6284]

man you can read Mark like a book. Basically if his Eyes dilate > pauses for 10 secs to savory the moment > "OH WOW" That's when you know he loves the dish. Any other catch phrase basically means its good, but he's searching for better.

[@latesometimes1866]

Really enjoyed the history of this dish. Never knew!

[@judee2578]

Thanks for sharing. I finally know the history and the origin of general tsp chicken, which is one of my Chinese take out order.

[@Alien142011]

Loved hearing the history of General Tso chicken. Awesome video mark.

[@MarkAbroad]

Thank you very much!

[@luilang7002]

Wow! So much food for 3 people!