In French,
Shepherd's pie is known as
Pâté Chinois, which translates to
Chinese meat pie. Why? I'm not entirely sure. I have two theories however:
1. Derivation of "Chinoiserie"
Chinoiserie is an expression for obfuscation. It's not derogative (well I don't think so). It's because the French think everything that is Chinese is complicated, upside down or nonsensical.
Having that said, since Shepherd's pie is kind of "mixed up", it was named so.
2. It was invented by the Chinese
A less likely theory, but I've been told of this by a few of my friends, so I'll mention it. I was told that when the Chinese had just immigrated to Canada, they did not have much money or food, so they made a dish with potatoes and corn.
Shepherd's pie is oftenly accompanied with Ketchup, (yet another) invention of the Chinese.
And this is what it looks like from sideways:
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mashed potatoes
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corn
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ground beef
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