Why Asian Fusion Has a Bad Reputation — But Shouldn't

Asian fusion has a reputation for being an inelegant attempt at toning down dishes from across the world to suit the bland American palate. But a stronger interest in global cuisine, plus better access to foreign ingredients, has yielded a new generation of “fusion” cooking that has sparked diners interest from coast to coast. On this episode of Consumed, host Kat Odell sits down with Fung Tu chef Jonathan Wu to learn more.

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[mugdays]

"While Chinese food came to America during the mid 1900's"
Uhhh, you mean mid 19th century? That would be mid 1800's, when large waves of Chinese immigrants started coming.

[SirPhillyLeong]

I just don't like Asian fusion/ modern places because they normally make a shitty version of a dish, place it on a nice plate with decorations and over charge you. Just go down to your Asian neighborhood and get the real stuff for half the price.

[mthmchris]

Wait... Chinese food doesn't have tomatoes or corn? There's tons of dishes that use both lol

[michellepechie]

I wouldn't say fusion cuisine is characterized by ethnic foods adapted to American palates. Fusion is a mixture of distinct food cultures. Technique and experience can be the engine that drives all good foods. All trends are watered down, including fusion. Only you can know what you like.

[breakfastcasual]

I don't know anyone who dislikes "fusion". Who actually things its bad?

[greenviper]

Asian should include Indian, Pakistani and Begali cusine as well .
They are technically a part of Asia no?

[DeanRendar]

formal dining fusion doesn't mess around with its fancy presentation, wine offering pairings, micro garnish, and controlled leaving you still hungry portions. However there and some fusion, specifically food trucks that offer a if you finish it, its free challenge are the example that gives it a bad rap because its fill you up food for hearty diets and i get that, they just shouldnt be the only examples people think.

[zueinder]

We do this for ages in Singapore & throughout several parts of Southeast Asia. There's even a whole group of people (ie. Peranakan) that reflects this in our culture. Pretty sure putting fusion & food together was something a white person thought of. Try to make good food that you will eat everyday. Maybe that will help.

[thegreenjarret]

Chop suey is an insult. "chopped little shit". Poor choice

[JohnDoe]

Cajun Sushi inc"Howard the Duck."😆

[JohnDoe]

LaChoy makes Chinese food swing American style

[festorfamine]

Asian Fusion = Couldn't compete wit the real deal but at twice the price.

[AtodaZ]

I was think about Dragon Ball Z the whole time

[owenbaylosis]

Fusion is just a cheap tactic to make weak gems stronger

[LetsGoBrandon]

Kat Odell is like someone took the charisma of a tree stump and combined it with all the enthusiasm of a statue. Voila! You've got fusion!