Tuesday’s Cupful: What is fusion food?

Two or more sexy cuisines

If you’ve heard the phrases “fusion food” or “fusion cuisine” and become perplexed then you’re in good company.  The Mixed Stew crew understands that mixing cuisines can be a hit or miss depending on the different combinations.  Fusion food encompasses using methods and ingredients of two or more ethnic or regional cuisines.  The style of cooking has roots in the 1970s when it caught on in popularity with renowned chefs.  Wolfgang Puck, for example, is famous for his Eurasian dishes that combine Asian and European cooking techniques or ingredients.  Likewise, this week’s Broccoli salad is an All-American salad with the addition of Asian Ramen noodles.  Pacific Rim and Tex-Mex dishes are now two main branches of fusion food.