You may find it hard to believe these days, but once upon a time in the West, there were very few Asian restaurants. Kids growing up in the 1960s in the USA might visit a Chinese restaurant if they were lucky enough to have one in their town or a nearby city. The food was always fantastic, even though the recipes were often tailored to be more palatable to a populace used to eating steak and potatoes where spaghetti was the most exotic thing their moms ever made for dinner!

It's a different world now thanks to globalization and speedy air travel, and stopping in for a quick and delicious bite at an Asian restaurant franchise is just as common as grabbing a cheeseburger, and a lot healthier, too! Of course, there are many countries and cuisines under the very wide "Asian" umbrella, but they all share a penchant for sensible portions of meat, very fresh vegetables, and rich-tasting spices and sauces. In this article, we dive into the fascinating evolution of Asian cuisine in America, exploring its intricate journey from humble beginnings to its current status as a beloved and influential culinary force.

No. 1

The Rise of Chinese Restaurants

The first Chinese restaurants in the US were established during the gold rush of the mid 1800s when scores of Chinese immigrants were shipped in to perform hard labor in the mines and on the railroads. Many of them settled in San Francisco and founded their famous Chinatown where the first Chinese restaurants on American soil opened. The Chinese diaspora slowly moved to other parts of the US and by the 1940's most larger cities and even a few small towns in the Midwest had at least one Chinese restaurant.

A fun example of this is in the classic holiday movie A Christmas Story in which the holiday meal is ruined by accident, so the family goes to a Chinese restaurant for their Christmas dinner! It's a rousing success, and the roast duck tastes as good as, or better than, any old turkey!

No. 2

Expanding Horizons: Japanese and Korean Cuisine

Chinese restaurants were eventually joined by Japanese restaurants after the end of WWII. They were hard to find at first, but began to spread thanks to a populace that quite often relished a break from those meat and potato meals!

After the Korean War, all one had to do was visit a nearby military base to find a row of Korean restaurants on their outskirts, catering to the servicemen who brought home Korean girls as their wives. Nowadays it's almost hard to believe that there are so many Korean and Japanese restaurants around—they have all prospered!

No. 3

The Impact of Southeast Asian Immigration

The story doesn't end there, though. The Vietnam War and its aftermath heralded the immigration of thousands of Southeast Asian refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Although you can find their wonderful cuisines on offer here and there, somehow they never seemed to achieve what their predecessors did in establishing wide popularity—that is, not until the Thais later came onto the scene!

Thailand was where the American GIs went to party during the Vietnam War and they fell in love with the food along with the girls serving it! The Thai population in the US blossomed, and suddenly Thai restaurants began sprouting up like daises after a spring shower. You can't walk down a street in America now without seeing a Thai restaurant—it was a love that would last and a testament to the enduring love for this flavorful cuisine.

Takeaways

The evolution of Asian cuisine in America not only allowed for the fusion of flavors and ingredients but also played a significant role in challenging stereotypes and promoting cultural understanding. Today, Asian cuisine stands as a testament to America's multicultural identity, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that highlights the importance of culinary exchange and the shared human experience.

The next time you find yourself exploring a vibrant new city, take the time to truly immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine that is waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. From the aromatic street food to the beautifully presented dishes in intimate restaurants, each bite offers a unique taste of cultural heritage and culinary artistry.

Looking for Travel resources?

Looking to embark on a transformative journey to discover new cultures, expand your horizons, and reconnect with yourself? From soul-nourishing destinations to transformative experiences around the globe, let us be your companion on the path to self-discovery through travel. Explore, learn, and awaken your wanderlust with our travel partners designed to support you on your next getaway.