July 4, 2004
Spawned by a discussion on the SA forums regarding the best way to heat Chinese leftovers, I came to a sad realization. The folded paper carton with the metal handle, that has forever been the hallmark of take-out Chinese food, is dying.
It used to be that people could immediately tell you had Chinese food just by the take-out packaging you were carrying. Unfortunately, the convenient folded-paper box with red printing on the sides of either a dragon or a temple has given way to the styrofoam box. Yes, the very same styrofoam box you can find at any restaurant.
Unfortunately, the proliferation of styrofoam over the paper cartons has impeded convenience. The classic paper cartons were easy to hold, and easy to eat from. Simply hold it in one hand, and use your chopsticks (or fork, you heathen) with the other hand. Switch off between meal and rice. With the styrofoam box, however, you have everything in a big partitioned box that you must eat on a surface. Not only that, the partitions insist that your rice and meal are packaged together, whereas you would get separate paper cartons for your rice and meal. What the shit is that?
Then there's the leftover conundrum. Having Chinese food leftovers is a given, and comes with the territory. Reheating the food from the classic cartons was as simple as removing the metal handle and sticking the whole thing in the microwave for a minute. You simply can't do this with the styrofoam boxes! You actually have to dish it out before you can heat it. Try microwaving your food in the styrofoam box, and it'll come out with a side of carcinogens.
Fuck you, cookie-cutter food-service establishment culture. I want my paper cartons back.
(11:56)
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