This is The BEST Chinese Food We've Had in America!

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Wing Lam and his father, Mr. Lee introduce us to some of the best Chinese American food we've ever had at John Wayne's favorite Chinese restaurant, New Shanghai Pine Garden on Balboa Island in Newport beach. From orange chicken, to General Tso's, to fried rice and fortune cookies, we learn where Chinese American food comes from, why it was made, and who makes it best.
SerpentZA and Laowhy86 know and love Chinese food. But if you are like most Americans, you may have never had real Chinese food. From Chow Mein to fortune cookies, American Chinese food has been altered to fit the American tastes and palate. But what if you want real Chinese food? Can you find it in America? Winston and C-milk take to the streets on a 3000 mile road trip along the USA's west coast, on a Quest for the Best Chinese food in the USA.
Shanghai Pine Gardens Restaurant
300 Marine Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92662
www.yelp.com/biz/shanghai-pin...
Wahoo's Fish Tacos
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LA Times story about Mr. Lee
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Living in China for so long, we would like to share some of the comparisons that we have found between China and the west, and shed some light on the situation.
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[@ADVChina]

Support the show with the Quest For The Best T-Shirt! - advchina.saltycustoms.com/ Shanghai Pine Gardens Restaurant 300 Marine Ave Newport Beach, CA 92662 www.yelp.com/biz/shanghai-pine-gardens-restaurant-newport-beach

[@KB-dd9xr]

Hey guys - very good series so far. Are you planning on going east or staying in Cali? I've been curious about "Chinatown" areas in Chicago and other large cities. Wonder how they might fare on your ratings. Keep up the good work!

[@laowhy86]

we will do a season 2 on the east coast!

[@MrPoffersher]

If you're still in the area you can try "Samurai Burrito" in Huntington Beach, they make sushi burritos.

[@wrathofvaughn9309]

ADVChina Sitting there and eating with the owner of the establishment at your table adds a new dynamic to the situation, does it not? If the food was awful, would you hesitate to tell them the food was awful?

[@Beblue1337]

Great series guys, would've even bought/rented this if it was available like your Conquering ones!

[@hardknox1917]

SerpentZA is the transporter , nobody can convince me otherwise !

[@StochasticUniverse]

@Mycel Reality beats make-believe like rock beats scissors. I'd much rather watch a man of flesh and blood than a fictional character.

[@brian9670]

I know this might sound odd, but it seems like when Winston is in the US, he is way more relaxed and laid back...and Matt is more hyper.

[@MrTruth-yn7pq]

Well, Winston visiting the US puts him in a place where he doesn't have to "watch his back" 24/7 like in South Africa, and Matt (even though he would never admit it) is happy to be back home so yea... your observation sounds pretty accurate and not "odd" at all.

[@Mavidyatunes]

Winston is in a real white land and Matt is going to be selling tires or some shit in a few months when he moves out of China with his wife and cant get a decent teaching job.

[@ztezmaxim2683]

Mavidyatunes MikeRoweWorks will give him a scholarship to learn jet aircraft maintenance. It will be like his work at Churchill Customs on motorcycles. He will make $100,000 a year anywhere in the USA fixing jets.

[@Mavidyatunes]

There's a huge difference and time of length for education and training that comes from fixing jet airplanes over strapping together some achy breaky china bike.

[@ztezmaxim2683]

Mavidyatunes Not really, it is a 2 year community college degree. And if you can already fix engines, you just have to learn how jets are different. I know of a high school that has for years taught students their junior and senior years the same courses and they get an FAA license at high school graduation. And high school students are fecking morons

[@HoosierRallyMaster]

At the little neighborhood Chinese restaurant I frequented 35 years ago in a Chicago suburb - the owner said Chinese food is much better in America because of the quality of ingredients. On the other hand, you're not going to get a meal for 7 yuan.

[@dwightturner3070]

HoosierRallyMaster --- For sure Chinese food in America does not use gutter oil.

[@Dowlphin]

Globalization leads to an increasingly unified standard for value. If there's any kind of exploitable difference, it will be leveled. If food in China is cheap, there's a reason for it. The reason why you may find cheap and healthy food in rural China is because globalization hasn't reached there so strongly. ... Why not? ... Because globalization follows big money opportunities. Someone offers to sell something, he agrees on a price with the buyer, both are happy with the price, then a globalist barges in and says he's getting ripped off, he's paying way too much for it. It would be so much cheaper to ship it bulk from the other side of the world and distribute it to a thousand other people who want that item. Remember the pioneer days when there were bargains on Ebay? You also see this phenomenon in in-game markets, like WoW auction house. If someone offers a product for less than usual, this will not make someone happy who needs it, because a parasite will buy it up and resell it for the market-normalized price, i.e. the maximum they can get for it. ... Efficiency culture kills the heart's spirit. For good reason is there the saying: Some of the best things in life are free. Because they are not tainted by a bad spirit.

[@upallnight888]

The protein tastes different because the beef, chicken, and pork are all fed GMO infused corn.

[@samuelr8174]

@@Dowlphin well said

[@tk421dr]

the way you guys talked about "crack noodles" gave a great insight in your relationship. I assumed you guys were business partners/ friends but anyone who can toss back a few, get sauced, have hour long conversations and seek out crack noodles show you guys are closer than I thought. i can respect that comradery

[@yourneighbor2567]

I don't think it's any secret that they are in love. I truly hope it work's out for them. They make such a cute couple.

[@BothHands1]

I ship it

[@phangirlable]

Danielle, we just know there's some fanfic out there. lol

[@BothHands1]

phangirlable lol! If you find one, let me know xD

[@phangirlable]

Sure thing! lmao Rule 34... XD

[@MrTruth-yn7pq]

This series is the culinary version of an edible treasure hunt. It's SO different from your usual content yet the familiar tie-in to China brings it all home and makes for compelling viewing!

[@waverider01]

Awesome episode guys. A true American dream story from this family. BTW, when Mr Wing is talking, turn on the close caption for added entertainment.

[@user-py7mz8oj7o]

Sushi burritos are totally a thing. There are so many sushi burrito specialty restaurants now.

[@William_Hada]

I'm with you Winston. Screw the food police. Who cares if it is 100% authentic. I just love the taste of Americanized Chinese food also! Interesting food series guys!

[@zombieat]

the scenery in the outro and the the music mindbogglingly gorgeous. this show is so high quality it's hard to compare to anything on the web or out

[@ZamanSiddiqui]

mohammed6649 Seconded. Matthew and Winston are terrific at their craft.

[@momoyome]

Oh my gosh I had no idea Wahoo's was owned by a Chinese guy!

[@cfriedel123]

Now you know and knowing is half the battle. Go Joe!

[@ghostcar]

There’s a Wahoos a block and half away from me here in Santa Monica. I love the spicy fish burritos.

[@TriegaDN]

Ethnically Chinese, sounds like he grew up in brazil much of the time before moving to socal, and according to the wiki, their food is described as "Mexican food mixed with Brazilian and Asian flavors." Really sounds like a beautiful mix of his personal background.

[@theresathekid8261]

Their Paleo bowlsare amazing.

[@TheForeignCitizen]

I just loved this episode. I know you guys were really worried about it being "too Western", but the family had such a great story and your discussion at fusion food at the end really just topped it off.

[@jaredwarmack3943]

This was my favorite episode in the series thus far! What a great narrative by Wing Lam and his dad!

[@laowhy86]

thank you!

[@TexasBoyRob]

I love how literal SerpentZA is lol. You can tell by the way he jokes or tells jokes he is for sure South African lol

[@Sn0wdawgz]

Can't wait for the next one. Good series guys.

[@icyhot1782]

Another great addition to the series. Love you guys!

[@chuffer3d564]

Awesome episode! I loved the chat with the family at the beginning and the history. For me that's what keeps me coming back for more, good banter and information blended together in a entertaining way. Keep it up guys 🍜

[@winnysneece694]

These episodes are great! Thank you for sharing.

[@PAgirl790]

Loving this series 👍

[@GiveMeStren]

Really enjoying this series. Thank you!

[@abrown3286]

Another great video thank you for posting it.

[@hoyinwong]

Matt's comments at the end of the meal - - insightful and a little bit profound. Masterful.

[@goprohealthwalks9499]

I really, really, really enjoyed this episode. Well done guys!

[@mohammadnagati5682]

Great video guys! Keep them coming

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

Love the family and the restaurant! Thanks for showcasing some of the good guys. Many thanks for the quality work. Stay Awesome!

[@StalwartShinobi]

Great series guys I love the food aspect of China more than any other, stay awesome!!!

[@matthew739]

Enjoying these so much!

[@douglaskim8365]

Really enjoying these food videos. Keep them up!

[@LemonSapphie]

Love this!

[@forrestandocean4612]

You guys are still my inspiration y’all keep it up❣️ I’ve learned a lot and can’t wait to show you through my art

[@bobdebohemian8890]

Great series.

[@theaveragejoe5781]

This series is just so good. Can't wait for east coast version!

[@nightmaster5593]

outstanding series! I love seeing you in my home state! LA here, sending all my thanks for making such a rad show! I'm learning about a ton of new spots thanks to you both

[@MD-ve9eh]

Man these videos always make me hungry.

[@ddegn]

This one is worse than usual. I think I'm going to have to have some Americanized Chinese food tonight. Great video guys!

[@mjc42701]

Yes, I want to go get some take out now!

[@theresathekid8261]

Me too I always end up cooking by the end.

[@ofeklangleben7822]

I just LOVE the tune in the intro!

[@mjc42701]

Bf turned me on to SerpentZa video's, love them, I also love the video's with Laowhy86, all around good quality, more interesting to watch than any cable program of this nature, just wanted to add, no need to justify reasons for rating food, I like that you give two ratings for authenticity and taste, simple enough, if we didn't trust your comparisons we would not watch, keep them coming and stay awesome! = )

[@ADVChina]

Super happy you like the videos!

[@Nemo_Anom]

I agree. We don't need like 5 different detailed categories, just taste and authenticity from some guys who have been in China.

[@Onemattressatatime]

Great program

[@JLOParanormalAZ]

I've been waiting for the next episode of this little series from you all! I very much enjoy your food tasting videos, they are my favorite. You guys are my fav channels to watch on KZbin, you have some mad editing skills! Keep it up and looking forward to episode 5!

[@castridvd]

Very very good video guy's! Loved it!

[@stevendee2831]

Wow thank you so much for sharing that my grandfather used to pilot for Marion Morrison down to South America and back in the fifties and early sixties on his Catalina pby. STAY AWESOME!!

[@TurboJohn74]

Outstanding video guys! Thank you for being a positive international influence. I look forward To each new video with excitement!

[@chipdfc]

that old fellas in-depth life story is probably fucking amazing.

[@jeff61177]

Awesome series guys! Really really good! I can't wait till you do one in New England!

[@majorcalvary6515]

Great video guys. I can comment a little about this. I came to the States in early 80s, and my family were all in Chinese Restaurant business in Orange County. So called Americanized Chinese food is also based on a couple factors. First is of course American Palate. I still never understood the why sweet and sour sauce is so popular. It goes with egg roll, fried wontons, lastly hot and sour soup? One time I was on a business to Pittsburgh, the Chinese Restaurant already had sweet and sour sauce in the hot and sour soup along with fresh tomatoes that make the soup more of a tangy sweet and sour soup rather than hot and sour soup. I guess they used the hot as temperature hot rather spicy hot. The other reason is that in the old days, authentic Chinese ingredients, sauces, and condiments were not easy to come by. We used whatever was there. Your mapou tofu was light on taste is because authentic Szechuan soybean spicy paste would be impossible to find in the Old days. Also American don’t tend to order tofu anyway. Couple other popular items are BBQ spareribs and Shrimp in Lobster sauce. There is no lobster sauce. It’s just a fancy egg sauce. Also another dish you missed a true American invention, Chop Suey. Just throw all the available veggies with meat. Either lightly sautéed with garlic and salt, or heavy with soy sauce. Tried PF Chang yet? The whole concept is American Chinese Cuisine. Happy hunting guys.

[@jldonnell1]

I lived in Sichuan - learned to love Mapu Tofu - that's almost the only thing I order... interesting accounts on the origins of those so-called American Chinese food dishes - you are right-on - American palate = lot's of sugar and less spicey!

[@Zuomen]

what a great review epic, keep awesome work!

[@raymondmccune6830]

The comparisons uou both make between present day Chinese food in China versus Western style/traditional style Chinese foods is fascinating. I like the way you two emphasis differences in the ingredients and preparation that is used in making each dish. Keep up the excellent and honest work! Thanks for sharing the awesome.

[@jstravelers4094]

Really well done video. Unique perspective. Adding restaurant to my list for next California trip.

[@duh4572]

Lucky you! I live in oz, 'sigh'.

[@babayaga26]

yet another great episode, love this series! :)

[@amigoal1254]

amazing video quality

[@waltonsteve3]

Great video, that was some serious editorial...and it worked. Great job.

[@ieb994]

The interview with the restaurant owner family was so cool. Really interesting story!

[@alistairbarnes898]

This is really good content. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.

[@ThomasPowersTxSigEp13]

good job guys. love the energy.

[@cuzcohusky3533]

I need to go eat there one day thats amazing thank you for sharing

[@mbrx5jk4]

Another awesome series guys!! Cool to see you comparing the classic American Chinese dishes with their traditional counterparts from China. Cheers guys! :)

[@monicauyeno7368]

I love this episode!

[@pyromannyac]

Great job fellas!! Keep up the good work👍

[@russrh]

2:59 is my favourite part of the whole series so far - another great video, this made me order chinese food

[@rafspitfire]

Great job guys

[@jeffmorse645]

The Chinese restaurant in my small town in Northern California has been open for 110 years. The family came during the Gold Rush and stayed. Its definitely Chinese American but the quality is very good.

[@Brimannn1]

The problem with tofu prepared in America is that they don’t drain the tofu of its water. Once you press the water out of it, it soaks up the flavor of what you cook it in. It’s delicious!

[@TkyoSam]

Holy fuck guys! This is sooooooooo good! I honestly for a second forgot I was watching your guys channel in the background and thought I was watching something like a bbc documentary! God damn, if this is the quality you guys are going for from here on out then fuuuuuuck you guys have such a farther way to go at this point with so much more content. I noticed all the small production details, multiple cameras, wireless mics, the awesome super crisp B-roll, the cool aftereffects label pop ups, the blurry background but fore ground is clear commentary shots. I'm just so happy to see you guys upping the game with each vid. Setting the bar guys, you keep setting the bar.

[@ADVChina]

Thanks mate! We’re always trying to improve and we’re more than willing to share how we did everything

[@Igeeckow]

again nice video guys, keep it up!

[@mikehueter3982]

Thanks for making the link to the theme music available. I just purchased it.

[@laowhy86]

Awesome on you for supporting a self producing musician. You are awesome.

[@kaedron17]

Another awesome video. I want to try those burritos!

[@brian9670]

BTW, sushi burritos are a real thing. There is a resturaunt called Sushi Burrito in Chicago, and I have seen them in other cities. Absolutely delicious.

[@ADVChina]

Have to try that!

[@Luciddream150]

Brian W yeah, there’s one out here in Riverside California, too!

[@FalloutConspiracy]

Agreed. There's a famous local chain in San Francisco called Sushirrito that has some amazing sushi burritos. If you're ever in downtown SF you should stop by one and check it out.

[@Kratatch]

It is basicly a roll they did not chop up in pieces. Really good and very good for eating outside.

[@tibvastag]

Is that the place in Evanston? Is it any good?

[@bobsamurai]

those noodles and chinese burrito looked great. looking forward to the next episode

[@blondegaijin]

Very nice shallow depth-of-focus shots on the food, u really know what you're doing.

[@RSxMVxSN]

agreed!

[@jasonevans4970]

I'm really a big fan of western chinese food, mainly because I grew up with it. But the comparisons in this series are really useful and its good to know where things come from.

[@michaelcerda5514]

what a great video

[@Vito_993]

Love the music

[@ramsessilent]

Awesome! I know this was your first time filming and editing everything yourself. so i have tried to comment on each episode where you can do better but this one was bang on! like 10 times better then the first episode! really loving the series its making me miss the west cost! thanks for sharing another fantastic meal with us!

[@blah979]

Great video seems like a lot of effort goes into them.

[@noahss9048]

Very nice experience. I liked the story of this Chinese family. The world is full of unique stories.

[@NamaJapan]

I just ate and as always, I still manage to get hungry when I watch your videos. Damn!

[@ravneet10]

My fave ep so far! I think it's because I learned some history behind it :D I live in the U.S. but I remember when I was visiting Canada fortune cookies were served there too :)

[@pip6896]

great episode well done

[@keriezy]

I seem to have to wait extra long for your channels to post, but it is worth it everytime.

[@Thobba89]

keriezy Pretty sure an unlisted link is given to supporters on Pateron a good while before it's listed for public to see.

[@MrTruth-yn7pq]

Timothy iscorrect. I believe Patreon Subscribers see the content 24 hours before its publicly posted here. That's why you always see some replies that were made hours before.

[@danlundfit]

This is so cool. I'm a bartender at wahoos and I know wing and Mr. Lee. Very cool to see them on the small screen. My girlfriend and I went to pine garden the night after we saw this video and ordered the burrito thing and the kung pao chicken. Good stuff!!

[@kmm129]

Lucky you. Got to experience a bit of the best. Balboa Island all fresh and crisp. Gotta love it. Hope you enjoyed the ferry.

[@EppingForest304]

As usual... Very entertaining 👍 The high quality ingredients in 🇺🇸 USA contributes to the food being extra delicious 😋

[@MissesWitch]

Every single video on my "Cooking Topic" playlist is an ADVChina video now!

[@mikeyboy8557]

This is such an great series. I wish you guys would do this in China but with the best western food.

[@bobbypodubynskyj5855]

I'm with you Winston love westernized Chinese food!! Now that place the food looks good. I watch all 4 video's and this place looks the best to my taste.

[@catholiclawyer]

Nice and informative episode. I go to Wahoo's a lot and didn't know the founder's family had a Chinese restaurant in Newport Beach. Will definitely have to check it out.

[@perrymcclusky4695]

Kind of funny that California is suffering from a very low rainfall and you guys had to show up during our first downpour. Stay awesome!

[@kalebblust7548]

You guys are my favorite KZbin channel!!

[@laowhy86]

Thank you!

[@SolCrown80]

AWESOME, I'm definitely going to go to this place!! That awesome this guy's kids own Wahoo's, I love that place!

[@lenzybluz4347]

I was born and raised in San Francisco, as was my Father. Chinese food was there in the 40's, and well before. Enjoying your channels..fascinating🖒😊.

[@robcastro2997]

Very interesting. I love how your videos are like one big cultural experiment. At one point in my life I sought out authentic foods from many cultures and I had a negative view of any type of fusion. I've felt for some time that fusion and has its place and it is something natural. I think that the most important this is that it tastes good. Some of the most "authentic" recipes most likely began as some sort of fusion or experiment. Your video depicted this perfectly. Thanks for sharing. You guys are great!

[@hemantkumarsidar5222]

Good work on vedio

[@1musicsearcher]

You prefer because it’s better food. Great video series.

[@hannakinn]

Yum!

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

Very nice family with a interesting story. The food looked fantastic!

[@nickhexum01]

I really enjoyed this one. With my job I often have a weekend off in South Gate, CA. Not far from Newport Beach. I'll have to eat here.

[@agresticumbra]

This clip causes me to think about things I used to order. Decades ago, there was a mom & pop restaurant in Highland, Illinois, and it had a dumpling dish. I loved it, and couldn’t get anywhere else. It was basically dumplings, in a white sauce, with cabbage. Such a delicate flavor, with a slight extra kick from the filling of the dumplings. It was one of those family recipes. Another restaurant, in Kirkwood, Missouri, had something slightly akin to a hot pot; I don’t know what it’s called, but it was almost like a soup. It had pickled vegetables, minced pork, tofu, and a spicy brown broth-sauce. I was told it was something that was eaten for breakfast by certain segments of the population in China, but I’ve never found anything like it when I’ve looked for Chinese breakfast foods. Wish I could remember the names of both dishes.

[@hakimhlim]

The restaurant is 15 min. Away literally. I am going to try it soon. Thanks for the review.

[@kinjiru731]

You guys are making me wish I was ever on the west coast.

[@ItsZaah]

So glad to hear this about the Chinese food in America. I always try to go the best restaurants in my city Philadelphia, and try to order authentic Chinese food. But the language barrier gets in the way. So now I know I'm not missing out!!!. What we have is a great marriage of the cuisines. We have great food, when I travel across the states I'm usually disappointed, unless we are in city where there is a china town or good size asian community.

[@littlebennie3196]

Good to see you guys taking my advice and spending more time with the Chinese culture in the USA. It seems it from time to time you have so much trouble in China, that I would move to the United States and do more videos on Chinese American cultures. Especially here in Hawaii and in San Francisco. And you can still do your Custom Motorcycles while you're here.