There is a surprising number of Chinese people who live in Mississippi, most descended from people who came here as laborers in the “after slavery” years.
Mr. Chen’s is a Chinese restaurant/ Chinese food market/ Chinese restaurant supply store here in Jackson. It gives off street bazaar vibes (that is a good thing) and the food is excellent. It manages a good blend of authenticity but also throws enough American Chinese Food fan service into the mix that your Aunt Edna who loves General Tso’s Chicken can order off the menu.
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I was a teenage runaway who was desperately trying to get her life back in order. I remember a Chinese store quite like this one – with all kinds of pots and dishware at ridiculously low prices. I outfitted the kitchen in my 2-room walk-up from there and the sparkling bowls and ceramic dishes with lovely patterns made me feel like I was somehow beating the odds. 45 years later I still have a bowl and a soup spoon. I’m forever grateful for that little shop in Toronto’s Chinatown.
I love this story!