Indulge in mouthwatering Chinese food in popular Chinese takeout boxes, designed to offer you packaging ease and keep your food hot and fresh.
Chinese Takeout or food boxes are considered a symbol of Asian pride in America. Their market value speaks for itself as the Chinese food box market was valued at a massive $109.1 billion in 2024 which is expected to grow to $163 billion by 2034, driven by a CAGR of 4.1%.
But, do you know that custom printed Chinese Takeout boxes are uniquely American? You might be aware that the Chinese food in the US isn’t quite the same as the authentic dishes, as they’re made with imported ingredients that aren’t even Chinese. This is the same with the takeout boxes. The box design was changed by a Chicago inventor after which its use became a norm due to its successful marketing. The story of this Chicago invention, representing China in America, is an interesting one so let’s get on this roller-coaster story ride.
How Chinese Food Boxes Were Made?
Rather the question should be, ‘How the American version of Chinese meal boxes was made?’ Because the original box from which the inspiration was taken is Japanese origami. Fredrick Weeks Wilcox is the person who created the first Chinese food box in 1894, which he named, ‘paper pail’.
The packaging was made of a single sheet of paper that could be folded into a box in a way that would minimize leaks. The box came with a thin wire on top that served as the handle. He patented the box which became an instant success.
From Japanese Origami to Chinese Food Boxes
You might’ve noticed in the previous section that the original box from which the paper pail was inspired was Chinese. Another fact that you need to know is that, according to an article by The New York Times, the manager of a packaging company called ‘Fold Pak’ told the agency that they don’t sell Chinese food boxes in China.
The question is, ‘When paper pail was inspired by Japanese Origami, and packaging companies didn’t seven sell these boxes in China, then why did they become popular as a symbol of Chinese culture? The answer lies in history so let’s find out.
The Story of Chinese Immigrants
In the 1850s, several Chinese migrated to the US, particularly during the California Gold Rush. Most of them settled on the West Coast and that was the start of the spread of Chinese culture in America. The locals made and sold Chinese food which became popular among the local populace with time.
Although Chinese people opened their own bistros serving Chinese food, several local bistros opened and they started making the Americanized version of the Chinese dishes. Many of the dishes they served weren’t even Chinese but only inspired by their cuisines. These foods became much more popular as they were spicier and served the taste buds of the local populace. However, all these bistros, whether American or Chinese, had one thing in common. They all used Chinese food boxes for takeout and delivery.
You may think that this might be the reason that the local populace started calling them Chinese food boxes because they were used to deliver Chinese food. But that’s just the start. The original reason is way more interesting. It was an unknown graphic designer from a packaging company called ‘Fold Pak’ who decided to add a pagoda to the side of the box and wrote ‘Thank You’ on top in Chinese font. Both were printed in red, a color which is a sign of good fortune in Chinese culture. That’s how a box made in 1894 and always sold as paper or oyster pail in the market, became popular as Chinese food boxes.
Evolution of Chinese Meal Boxes
Chinese take out boxes evolved with time however, the main box layout remained the same as Wilcox made. Brands added bleached Sulfate paperboard with poly coating on the inside walls to prevent any leakage. This formula raised the safety feature of take out boxes that were already popular for preventing leaks. That’s why bistros and food stalls prefer these boxes to pack greasy foods like curries and pasta.
Another feature that added to the usability of these boxes is that they were made safe to be heated in microwaves, unlike the old ones. However, it’s still advised to put the food first in a plate that is safe to microwave. The reason is that these boxes still have a chance to collapse upon overheating. Therefore, caution is advised.
Chinese Meal Boxes in Popular Movies
Before moving on to the topic, you need to know how pop culture played a critical role in making Chinese food boxes popular? After the boxes gained fame due to the Chinese design added by a graphic designer, top brands moved on with the idea.
They started popularizing oyster pail as Chinese meal boxes and pop culture played a big part in this marketing strategy. Here are the 10 times when your favorite takeout boxes appeared in movies:
- Se7en (1995): In one of the scenes, officers Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) can be seen eating from Chinese meal boxes while discussing their case.
- Rush Hour (1998): This famous film packed with action and comedy features many scenes where the characters played by Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan can be seen enjoying noodles and other foods in these boxes.
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018): This popular rom-com movie features many scenes where the characters indulge in comfort foods packed in Chinese meal boxes, with vibrant and rich views of Singapore in the backdrop.
- Big (1988): In this classic comedy, you can often see ‘Tom Hanks’ enjoying Chinese food in the take out box as he steers through adult life with a childlike wonder.
- Elf (2003): In this holiday comedy, you can see Will Ferrell’s character, Buddy the Elf, try Chinese take out for the first time, leading to funny yet memorable moments.
- Spider Man (2002): Peter Parker is seen eating from a Chinese take out box in various scenes, as he figures out his super powers.
- Drive (2011): In this stylish action film, Ryan Gosling’s character eats from a Chinese take out during one of the quieter moments, showing his solitary life routine amid the fast-paced action.
- Iron Man 2 (2010): Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) eats from a Chinese take out box in his studio, pondering over his chaotic life routine.
- Friends (1994-2004): One of the most famous TV shows, ‘Friends’ often features characters eating Chinese food in the take out boxes in many scenes.
- Big Trouble in Little China (1986): There are many scenes in this cult classic involving Chinese food and take out boxes, fitting its plot and setting.
Knowing these new facts, you won’t forget the true origins of custom Chinese takeout boxes next time when you order Boiled Shrimp, Kung Pao, or Broccoli Beef. And if you want to order these boxes for your brand then give Packaging Mania a call and we’ll respond swiftly with a tailored solution for your needs.
