Asian food is a significant statement in American Cuisine. In North America one of the most popular and sought-after types of Asian food is sushi, and it has become one of the most popular international dishes in the last century. Sushi is a dish made up of rice that sometimes includes additions like seaweed, vegetables, eggs, or seafood to change it up and give new flavors. In the West, however, like in the U.S., sushi is a little bit different from traditional Japanese sushi.
Sushi originated in China, not Japan, where it is sometimes mistaken for starting. It started in 500-800 B.C. and was brought to Japan in the 8th century. In the 18th century, three famous restaurants opened in Edo, Japan. It was then brought to America in the 1920’s when the Japanese began to immigrate. It became popular post-WWII in the 1960s. A restaurant called Kawafuku in Los Angeles’s Little Tokyo is credited for the beginning of Sushi in America.
There are many different types of sushi. Some of the most popular are Nigiri, a Rice base topped with raw seafood and wasabi, Sashimi A piece of cut-up raw seafood, sometimes with rice, Oshi Seawood (nori) wrapped and rolled with rice, seafood, and vegetables; and Chirashi: Ingredients are not formed and instead strewn together with rice and seafood, this is usually considered the homestyle version.
At Kung Fu Sushi, some featured items are the California roll, hibachi steak, and shrimp. When asked what is your most popular item at Kung Fu Sushi, employee Amy said, “Lots of people get sushi.” This makes sense, considering that the restaurant has sushi in the name but also serves hibachi. Kung-Fu-Sushi is located in Hatfield, PA, and when Jason (a worker from Kung Fu Sushi) was asked how this place (Kung Fu Sushi) differs from other Asian food places, he said, “I like the all-you-can-eat part, I mean-I recommend it.” Jason was also asked if he had ever noticed a difference in food quality, and his response was, “No, it has always been consistently the same.” Knowing this, Kung fu sushi is a great option for eating Asian food. Not only do they have sushi and hibachi, they also have bento boxes, teriyaki, salads, soups, noodles, and many appetizers.
To conclude, the popularity of Asian cuisine, particularly sushi, in America highlights the dynamic nature of culinary traditions and their ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Sushi, with its origins in China and subsequent refinement in Japan, has evolved significantly since its introduction to the United States in the 1920s. Today, it stands as a testament to American cuisine’s rich cultural exchange and adaptation. Restaurants like Kung Fu Sushi in Hatfield, PA, illustrate sushi’s enduring appeal, offering various options that cater to diverse tastes. Whether it’s the traditional Nigiri or the American-influenced California roll, sushi continues to captivate the palates of many, cementing its place as a beloved international dish in North America.
