To dig even deeper, the very concept of "Chinese food" tends to he over-exoticized outside of China, a phenomenon that Chinese immigrants have duly exploited throughout history in an industrious fashion. Rather than merely cooking the food they grew up with, Chinese restaurant proprietors would cater to the widest possible array of dishes in order to maximize appeal and profit. Menus grew exceedingly long and systematic, to the point where "Chinese menu" became another cliche for any long list of numbered options.