Peng Chang-kuei

Peng Chang-kuei

Peng Chang-kuei (Chinese: 彭長貴) was a renowned Chinese chef from Hunan province, best known for creating the world-famous dish, General Tso's Chicken. Born in 1918, Peng began his culinary journey at a young age and quickly rose to prominence due to his exceptional cooking skills and innovative recipes.

Early Life and Career

Peng was born in Changsha, the capital city of Hunan Province. He started his culinary career as an apprentice when he was just 13 years old. Peng's talent was quickly recognized, and he was promoted to the position of executive chef at the age of 20. He worked for several high-ranking officials in the Nationalist government, where he honed his skills and developed his unique style of cooking.

Creation of General Tso's Chicken

In the 1950s, Peng created his signature dish, General Tso's Chicken, named after a famous military leader from Hunan. The dish, featuring crispy chicken in a sweet and slightly spicy sauce, quickly became popular and is now a staple in Chinese restaurants around the world.

Move to Taiwan and the United States

After the Chinese Civil War, Peng moved to Taiwan where he continued to cook for government officials and opened his own restaurant, Peng's Garden. In 1973, he moved to New York City and opened a restaurant named after himself, Peng's, which became a hit among food critics and celebrities.

Legacy

Peng Chang-kuei passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on through his iconic dish and the many restaurants he inspired. His innovative approach to Chinese cuisine has had a lasting impact on the culinary world, and his story continues to inspire aspiring chefs around the globe.

See Also

• Chinese Cuisine
• Hunan Cuisine
• General Tso's Chicken
• Chinese Restaurants in New York City

References

• Peng Chang-kuei's Obituary in The New York Times
• Peng Chang-kuei's Biography on Food & Wine
• Peng Chang-kuei's Profile on Eater