January 18, 2008

Fortune Cookie Mystery

Jennifer 8. Lee ’99, a former Ledecky Undergraduate Fellow at this magazine, explores research on the provenance of the fortune cookie...

In an article in the New York Times, Jennifer 8. Lee ’99, a former Ledecky Undergraduate Fellow at this magazine, explores research on the provenance of the fortune cookie. Apparently this staple of Chinese restaurants actually originated in Japan. Who knew?

Related topics

You might also like

Former Harvard President Lawrence S. Bacow in a red academic robe gestures passionately at a podium, with seated audience members behind.

Phi Beta Kappa Speakers Call Out a ‘Deeply Troubling’ Moment

Former Harvard President Lawrence Bacow and poet Meghan O’Rourke urge graduates to focus on character and “radical attention.”

An image of three of the fellows from the Radcliffe Institute selected to be 2026-2027 fellows

Radcliffe Institute Announces 2026-2027 Fellows

Scholars will tap Harvard’s intellectual resources during the coming academic year.

An image of a hand holding a microphone, representing a journalist

Is the Press Still Free?

A Harvard alumni panel discusses New York Times Co. v. Sullivan and threats to journalists today.

Most popular

Group of seven individuals in academic regalia, smiling outside on a sunny day.

Harvard Confers Five Honorary Degrees at 2026 Commencement

O’Brien joins journalists, a scholar of AI, and a Broadway star.

Ronny Chieng wearin a suit speaks passionately at a wooden podium outdoors.

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Three smiling individuals in business attire, standing outdoors with greenery in the background.

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

Explore More From Current Issue

Colorful illustrated map of Colonial Cambridge and the Harvard College campus featuring buildings of the campus, houses, Cambridge Common, and the Charles River

Harvard Celebrates America’s 250th

250 Years Ago, Harvard Was Home to a Revolution

A look at the sights, sounds, and characters that put the University on the frontlines of history

Historical scene in colonial Boston depicting British soldiers confronting civilians, with smoke rising, in a city street.

Museums & Collections

Houghton Library Displays Revolution-era News and Propaganda

A new exhibit reveals how early Americans learned about the war.

Woman with long hair, smiling, wearing a black sweater, in a textured beige background.

For This Poet, AI Is a Writing Partner

Sasha Stiles trained a chatbot on her manuscripts. Now, her poems rewrite themselves.