When the West Meets the East

Taiwanese Cuisine with an American Twist

By Harene Thruna

Taiwan

Taiwan

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Illant volut aiwanese cuisine is sssssssssss a fusion of traditional ssssssss Chinese flavors with influences from Japan, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Many Taiwanese restaurants located throughout the US have embraced this fusion of cultures and are hopping on the bandwagon of this culinary trend.

In recent years, the Western influence on Taiwanese food has grown, leading to new flavor combinations. The introduction of Western ingredients and cooking techniques into Asia has brought about innovative flavor profiles that are attracting foodies from all walks of life.

“Taiwanese cuisine is slowly gaining traction around the world, and a large part of this popularity is because of the fusion of authentic Taiwanese dishes with American cuisine, appealing to the tastes of many of our American customers.” said George Chang, manager of Taiwan Restaurant in Seattle, Washington.

“Our restaurant blends the authentic flavors of Taiwanese cuisine with American flavors and the results are simply mouthwatering,” said Chang with a laugh, when asked about how Taiwan Restaurant is a prime example of Asian fusion restaurants.

“Taiwan is very accepting of Western culture,” said Julie Lee, the owner of The Little Basket in Austin, Texas. “We are very open to American or even Japanese cuisines and ideas. Taiwanese food is a reflection of our history and our people. We have always been open to new ideas and influences from other cultures. This is why Taiwanese cuisine is so unique and diverse.” scallion pancakes, but with a twist. Their pork burgers are substituted with tofu and veggies, making it more familiar to Western tastes while still maintaining some of the flavor profile and authenticity of the dish. Their scallion pancakes are stuffed with cream cheese, in honor of the American love for all things cheesy.

“We want to honor our Taiwanese roots while also incorporating new and exciting flavors,” Lee said. “We are constantly experimenting and trying new things. It’s important to us to stay true to our culture, but also keep up with the times.”

Peking Duck Japanese Colonial Era

A Little Basket pork chop basket with pork chops, rice, fruit salad, French fries, and milk tea is

Lee’s menu features classic Taiwanese dishes, such as Taiwanese pork burgers and

Top: A spicy scallion beef rice bowl with a sunny side up omelet is atop a bed of rice, photographed outdoors.

Bottom: Julie Lee, the owner of The Little Basket, holds a scrumptious scallion beef pancake roll in her hand, showcasing the delectable filling and golden-brown crust.

At Looking For Chai in Edmonds, Washington, one of their popular items is their Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken, which is covered with spicy pepper powder, then coated in a crispy batter. But instead of being served dry, it comes with a side of mayonnaise, a nod to the American love for fried chicken and dipping sauces, explained owner Steve Chen.

Chen stated that he wants to try to introduce Taiwanese cuisine to a wider audience.

“We want to share our love for Taiwanese food with everyone, and incorporating Western influences is one way to do that. We want people to experience the unique flavors of Taiwan in a way that is familiar and approachable,” he said.

Taiwan Restaurant has gained a following not just among Taiwanese Americans, but among a diverse range of customers as well for their fusion cuisine. Their famous bubble tea comes in a range of flavors, including matcha and taro, but also features Americaninspired flavors like pumpkin spice latte. boba has changed for American tastes. Traditionally, it’s a simple brown sugar milk tea with tapioca. But we added fruit inclusions, popping boba, and wild new flavors to appeal to our adventurous audience and modernize our dishes a little” said Chang.

A delightful picnic spread featuring popcorn chicken resting on a bed of rice, accompanied by fruit salad, French fries, and milk tea, set against the backdrop of lush green grass.

“I even regularly watch Youtube videos from American cooking channels to stay on top of trends and find a way to incorporate them into my dishes” said Lee when asked about how she remains up to date with current fads and trends.

As other Asian fusion restaurants continue to gain popularity, it is clear that the blending of cultures is here to stay. By staying true to their roots while embracing contemporary flavors, these chefs are introducing Taiwanese cuisine to a whole new audience.

“I want to share the love I have for my culture with the world!” said Chen with a smile.