As someone who loves to explore food, I find fusion cuisines very interesting. It is more than a trend, it is a creative movement that perfectly combines ingredients and cooking techniques from diverse cultures, giving a unique and interesting blend of flavors.
What is Fusion Cuisine?
Fusion cuisine is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “a style of cookery which blends ingredients and methods of preparation from different countries, regions, or ethnic groups; food cooked in this style.”
It takes some level of expertise and creativity to create something unique from the combination of different cultures’ ingredients and ways of food preparation.
It is a movement that helps to express the creativity of chefs around the world.
The Origin of Fusion Cuisines
Fusion cuisine was born from global fusion, which celebrates and connects diversity in food, music, art, fashion, and more. There are historical factors that contributed to the global fusion of food:
- Colonialism: Colonial masters brought their culture to the countries they colonized, introducing new ingredients and cooking methods to different regions.
- Migration: When people move, they move with their culture and lifestyle. Most immigrants bring their traditional cuisines to new lands, which fosters blends of different flavors.
- Trade: Spices were traded from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to Europe and America. This was called the spice trade, which had a big role to play in creating fusion cuisines by influencing European and American cooking.
- Intercultural Marriages: I believe intercultural marriages also contribute to fusion cuisine. A couple from different cultures are likely to introduce themselves to their local dishes which could lead to creative blends over time.
Fusion Cuisine in Nigeria
Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and Korean cuisine have become popular among many countries including African countries, including Nigeria.
Does Jollof rice pizza ring a bell? It’s a perfect example of fusion cuisine, an attempted Nigerian-Italian cuisine. Unfortunately, it did not fly because many did not agree that jollof rice and pizza were meant to be together.
So, Why Are We Embracing New Tastes?
Is it curiosity? or the thrill of exploring new things?
- Love
As I mentioned earlier, I believe intercultural marriages between people of different tribes, states, races, or countries are one of the reasons people embrace new things, including food. For example, a White man who marries an African woman, out of love and respect, would embrace African cuisine and vice versa. This union could birth new dishes that blend both cultures.
2. The Experience
Most people visit restaurants just to explore new foods and chefs are tapping into this desire by creating new, nutritious, and exciting recipes that keep customers coming back for more. The excitement of tasting new food you have heard about or only seen in pictures is unmatched. We want to be able to tell people “I’ve eaten …” and give our reviews on it.
3. Cultural Inclusivity
Fusion cuisines started way before the “woke generation” was born, but it fits perfectly with this era of inclusivity. I’m not trying to start a debate here, but I would argue that Gen Z finds fusion cuisine more interesting than the millennials. We all want to feel seen, even more in our generation, we thrive on expressions of creativity today and recognition. Fusion Cuisine brings cultures together and it says, “You are recognized and you are accepted.” To me, that is so beautiful.
4. Curiosity
This is a big one. I try new foods, 99% of the time because I am curious to know how they taste and whether I will like them. This is the same with many people (maybe not that exact percentage). Curiosity is one of the biggest reasons people try new foods and cuisines.
Conclusion
Fusion cuisine is beyond a trend, it is a movement that unites cultural diversity. We will continue to embrace new tastes whether it is because of love, the experience, inclusivity, or curiosity. While it takes skill and expertise to create fusion cuisines, you can experiment with what you have and make your own fusion cuisine. Who will judge you? I definitely would not. So, go ahead and be creative. Who knows, you might create the next globally accepted fusion food.
I would like to know your thoughts in the comments.
Till we meet again.
Your Favorite Food Writer,
Nifemi.❤️
AllDiet Food blog 
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