Evolution Of Fusion Cuisine

Though purists may criticise fusion food for compromising traditions there is little doubt that it is ubiquitous all over the globe. Fusion cuisine is not only becoming a rage in restaurant storefronts, but also in food trucks. It is noted that some classic foods are also joining the mix-and-match party. The popularity of this cuisine could be due to the freshness of ingredients, the unique uses of spices in Asian cuisine, or the creative introduction of new elements. Most fusion dishes incorporate familiar elements, which appeal to the human love of the familiar and the affection for comfort food. Ashok Malkani views the Fusion food scenario and finds that joining together of different cultural influences remains a major part of the culinary scene today.Though purists may criticise fusion food for compromising traditions there is little doubt that it is ubiquitous all over the globe. Fusion cuisine is not only becoming a rage in restaurant storefronts, but also in food trucks. It is noted that some classic foods are also joining the mix-and-match party. The popularity of this cuisine could be due to the freshness of ingredients, the unique uses of spices in Asian cuisine, or the creative introduction of new elements. Most fusion dishes incorporate familiar elements, which appeal to the human love of the familiar and the affection for comfort food. Ashok Malkani views the Fusion food scenario and finds that joining together of different cultural influences remains a major part of the culinary scene today.

Fusion food is popular all over the globe. Cronut (a croissant-doughnut pastry), waffle taco, Pad Thai Pizza are only a few of the fusion food dishes popular abroad. Mention fusion food in India and the first thing that comes to mind is the Indi-Chinese. But that isn’t all. Have you ever tried Cheese and Jalapeno Stuffed Kachoris or Avocado Chicken Kebab or Idli Burger or Coffee Marinated Mutton Chops? Well these are just a few of the fusion food dishes dreamt up by our chefs.

Fusion food is a deliberate combination of elements of two or more distinct cuisines to create something different and delectable. It transcends the conventional geographical and historical boundaries to come up with a unique gastronomical fare for today’s post modern world.

Although the term “Fusion Food” is relatively new the concept has been around for centuries. If one takes a look down the culinary history, one finds that every nationality borrows food ideas, changing them in the process. Fusion cuisine, today, is distinct from historical combinations of cuisines, such as those that occurred in the sixteenth century when foodstuffs from the New and Old worlds mixed.

Popularity of Fusion Food

So how popular is fusion food today, is it popular only in India and why do people prefer it are questions that nag one’s mind.

Rajesh Shetty, Executive Chef, GVK Lounge by Travel Food Services, at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai, Terminal 2, stressed, “Fusion food has always been popular and will continue to trend in 2019. The practice of blending flavours, ingredients and cooking techniques from different cuisines makes it very interesting and is not going to go away any time soon.