Edward Hopper’s artwork is known for its realistic scenes that touch themes of isolation and self-being rather than a narrative context.

Chop Suey captures this concept of memory, making the viewer focus on particular elements of sensory iconography whilst depicting a theme of isolation due to self being.

According to art scholar David Anfam, one "striking detail of Chop Suey is that its female subject faces her doppelgänger.

"[4] Others have pointed out it would not be so unusual for two women to be wearing similar hats, and that it is presumptuous to claim doppelgängers when one subject's face is not visible to the viewer.

The alabaster skin with the bold rouge and painted lip suggest only the impression of a woman, similar to a doll.

[7] But Hopper negates that by making the woman’s face the same value of white as other blank features in the background, thus hollowing-out her human essence.

In a bibliography by Gail Levin, the location of Chop Suey is described as "[recalling] the inexpensive, second floor Chinese restaurant the Hoppers had been frequenting in Columbus Circle".

[2][12] A bumper played on the cable channel Turner Classic Movies, titled The Sunny Side of Life, was inspired by Chop Suey and other Hopper paintings.