How Asian Cuisine Makes its Way into the Stomach of Americans

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Asian cuisine is currently one of the most popular dining options out there in America. For the last decade there has been a steady increase in Asian fusion cuisine restaurants as well as in traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai style food trends. But how has this marked shift in preference for flavors of the East impacted American food culture? First of all, Asian influenced dishes have entered the mainstream consciousness - they are no longer considered to be particularly exotic or unusual to most people. Sweet and sour sauce for example, can be found everywhere from commercial burgers to BBQ meats to salads and vegan items. Ramen has also gained quite the haute popularity - one can find this household staple everywhere from sandwiches to pizza, to salads. Sushi has also become a mainstay of the American palate. Once a specialty food found only in large metropolitan cities like Los Angeles or New York City, sushi spots can now be found at seemingly every corner. The bottom line is, Americans are now craving Asian cuisine and lots of it at that. Not only is Asian cuisine a major part of successful restaurant fair these days, but it is also making Americans more adventurous in what they will or will not try. Now that kimchi, rooster sauce, and udon noodles are just parts of an ordinary lunch, people are beginning to think outside the box of your average pizza or fries. As a result of the increase in Asian cuisine, many other foods have had the chance to gain recognition as well. Middle Eastern, South American, and even African cuisine have all begun to make an appearance on many of our plates. Asian cuisine has also helped to create entirely new sub-genres of American food. Asian-American, Mexican-Asian, and Asian inspired desserts have all been developed here inspired by these unique Eastern flavors. There are more and more combinations of classic fare available to munch on each day. Overall Asian cuisine has given Americans a wider and more interesting array of choices to enjoy, has created new dishes which might otherwise not exist, and has helped to create a generation of Adventurous eaters willing to experience and accept exciting new things in their dinners and lives -