The United States is a rich and varied blend of peoples, religions, and cultures, and this diversity is reflected in its cuisine. Succeeding waves of immigrants, including those arriving on the United States' shores today, have brought new culinary traditions and adapted them to the ingredients, kitchens, and customs they found in their new homeland — ever expanding what is called "American food.
Despite the rise in popularity of many other ethnic cuisines, it is Chinese and Italian restaurants that dominate this field.
Chinese cooks who arrived to cook for their countrymen working on the railroad in the West didn't have much to work with, but they threw together little bits of meat and vegetables in their large pans. As this type of cooking spread across the country, a whole new cuisine emerged: Chinese-American, replete with Egg Rolls, Wonton Soup, Fried Rice, Chicken Chow Mein, and Spare Ribs.