Asian Cuisine, Its Popularity Growth in the US

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Despite being available in the US since the middle of the 19th century the popularity of Asian foods did not become popular until the mid to late 20th century. Entering the 21st century the popularity of Asian foods remains high, with many consumers viewing it as a healthier alternative to traditional, deep-fried or red meat based American foods. Many consumers in the US feel that choosing an Asian meal option, whether it be Chinese, Vietnamese or Thai means they are taking the healthiest option of restaurant of homemade meal. Traditional Asian food in College Park contains less protein than is traditionally found on an American menu, and generally a smaller portion size more beneficial to good general health. In fact, when the first Cantonese restaurants opened in California in the mid-19th century the first Americans attending theses eateries were unhappy with the small portion sizes. Instead of protein, larger amounts of rice, noodles, and vegetables are generally found in Asian recipes. One of the main reasons for the growth in popularity of many Asian meals in the US is the variety of flavors used in Asian cuisine. Unlike US dishes that generally rely on a few herbs, spices and tomato based sauces, Asian cuisine brings with it flavors including ginger, coriander and star anise that were not originally common in US cooking. A growing number of flavors and choices has seen the national cuisines of Vietnam, Thailand and different regions of China enter the US and become popular. To ensure the popularity of Asian cuisine in the US the chefs and restaurant owners have always seen the need to create dishes friendly to the palate of American diners. The average dish eaten by Americans is not the same as the food eaten in the country of origin of most forms of Asian cuisine. American versions of Asian dishes are usually sweeter and in the case of Cantonese dishes based on the soy and sweet and sour sauces. The Americanization of dishes has made them more appealing to the average American diner, resulting in more and more Americans enjoying these dishes. American diners are now looking at being healthier as they search out dishes perceived as being linked to a healthier lifestyle, meaning Asian cuisine should only grow in popularity -