Who Invented Fortune Cookies?
Discover the fascinating and disputed history of fortune cookies. From Japanese tea gardens to Chinese restaurants, explore the true origins of this iconic American treat.
The Short Answer
Fortune cookies were most likely invented in California in the late 1800s or early 1900s by Japanese immigrants, not Chinese. The two main claimants are Makoto Hagiwara of San Francisco and David Jung of Los Angeles. The cookies have roots in Japanese 'tsujiura senbei' but evolved into a distinctly American creation.
Who Claims to Have Invented Them?
Makoto Hagiwara
Claim: Served fortune cookies at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park
Historical records show he served cookies with thank-you notes to garden visitors. A federal judge ruled in San Francisco's favor in 1983.
David Jung
Claim: Founder of Hong Kong Noodle Company, claimed to invent fortune cookies to give to poor people
Jung distributed cookies containing inspirational messages to homeless people near his shop. Los Angeles claims this as the true origin.
Seiichi Kito
Claim: Japanese immigrant who may have introduced fortune cookies to the U.S.
Some historians believe Kito brought the recipe from Japan where similar cookies called 'tsujiura senbei' existed.
Fortune Cookie History
Japanese 'Tsujiura Senbei' Documented
Similar fortune-telling crackers are documented in Kyoto, Japan, containing 'omikuji' (fortune slips).
Makoto Hagiwara's Tea Garden
Fortune cookies reportedly served at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
David Jung's Claim
Hong Kong Noodle Company in Los Angeles begins distributing fortune cookies.
Japanese Internment Impact
During WWII, Japanese Americans were interned, and Chinese-owned businesses took over fortune cookie production.
Automated Production
Edward Louie invents the automated fortune cookie machine, enabling mass production.
Official Ruling
A mock trial at the Court of Historical Review rules in favor of San Francisco as the birthplace.
3 Billion Annually
An estimated 3 billion fortune cookies are produced each year, mostly in the United States.
Fun Facts
Not Actually Chinese
Despite their association with Chinese restaurants, fortune cookies were invented in America by Japanese immigrants.
Rare in China
Fortune cookies are virtually unknown in China. When introduced there, they were marketed as 'Genuine American Fortune Cookies'.
WWII Connection
The association with Chinese restaurants happened because Japanese-Americans were interned during WWII.
World Record
The largest fortune cookie ever made weighed over 100 pounds and was created in 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fortune cookies Chinese or Japanese?
Fortune cookies were invented in America, most likely by Japanese immigrants in the late 1800s or early 1900s. They have roots in Japanese 'tsujiura senbei' crackers but evolved into a distinctly American creation.
Why are fortune cookies served at Chinese restaurants?
During WWII, Japanese-Americans were interned, and Chinese-American entrepreneurs took over fortune cookie production. This led to their association with Chinese restaurants in America.
Do they have fortune cookies in China?
Fortune cookies are extremely rare in China. They're considered an American invention, and when they were introduced to China, they were marketed as 'American Fortune Cookies'.
Who invented the fortune cookie machine?
Edward Louie of San Francisco's Lotus Fortune Cookie Company invented the automated fortune cookie machine in the 1960s, enabling mass production.
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