The Fortune Cookie’s Surprising Origins

The iconic Chinese-American treat was invented in San Francisco in 1914.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The fortune cookie, a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, was actually invented in 1914 in San Francisco by a Chinese restaurant owner. While the concept was inspired by a similar Japanese tradition, the fortune cookie as we know it today originated in the United States, not China.

Why it matters

The fortune cookie has become a ubiquitous part of the Chinese-American dining experience, but its true origins are often misunderstood. Tracing the cookie’s history sheds light on the evolution of Chinese cuisine and culture in the United States.

The details

The fortune cookie was created by a Chinese restaurant owner in San Francisco in 1914. While the idea was inspired by a Japanese custom of including a small paper slip with a message inside a baked treat, the modern fortune cookie format was an American innovation. The cookies quickly became a popular addition to Chinese-American restaurants across the country.

  • The fortune cookie was invented in 1914 in San Francisco.

The players

Chinese restaurant owner

The anonymous Chinese restaurant owner in San Francisco who invented the modern fortune cookie in 1914.

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The takeaway

The fortune cookie, a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, has its origins not in China but in early 20th century San Francisco, where a creative restaurant owner adapted a Japanese tradition into the iconic treat we know today.