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Sunday, November 2, 2014

When Asian and Latin Food Collide: Spicy, Tasty or Confused?

            Asian and Latin foods have more in common than you think, and are now colliding in interesting new ways. Indian-American cookbook author, Anupy Singla, and Mexican-American chef, Pati Jinich, say that Asian-Latino food combinations have a rich history. Jinich explains that Asian influence in Mexico started in the 1560’s. After the Spanish conquered Mexico, they had been looking for the ‘Spice Islands’, and found the Phillipines, which is where they also found the spice they had been looking for.  Jinich states, “In Mexico we have Chinese cafes, and Chinese coffee shops, and Chinese restaurants galore. And the funny thing is if you go into a Chinese restaurant, you will find enchiladas alongside chop suey, and you will find forks, chopsticks are optional.” Singla says to work inside the box and learn the rules, then break them. When I was little, my mom used to make Cuban fried rice. She made it with Cuban spare ribs, bean sprouts, peas, soy sauce, and many other yummy ingredients. She also made me Cuban stir fry with Cuban steak, bean sprouts, white rice, and steamed veggies. I love the way Asian-Latino food tastes and I hope to have more of it very soon. 
Green beans with peanuts and chile de arbol

Works Cited
"When Asian And Latin Food Collide: Spicy, Tasty Or Confused?" NPR. NPR. Web. 02 Nov. 2014.

1 comment:

  1. When I traveled to Mexico, I noticed Asian restaurants. I knew there were certain restaurants that have become global, and of course, local Mexicans are Asians, but I observed there was a large quantity of Asian-based cafés and restaurants. They really tied in the extravagant flavors of both Latin and Asian food. I understood and knew the food was going to be remarkable because Latin and Asian food comprise significant measures of spices that ensures to take exotic foods on a whole, other level. Real, authentic Latin-Asian food is one of the factors I miss most on my trip to Mexico. Diffusing different cultural assets, such as food, is remarkable, and I, along with my parents, were pleased with the outcome. Being mixed, my mom tends to mix both types of foods together when my maternal and fraternal grandparents visit us. Taking both ethnicities and combining their food together just make it all the better, Fantastic blog by the way.

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