Continental Shuffle

The story behind the world’s first fusion cuisine

By: Aditya G

Fusion food is a combination of flavors from around the world, with a rich mixture of cultures, perspectives, flavors, and stories. Although the term was first coined by chef Norman Van Aken in 1988, the movement itself was led by a group of international chefs such as Austrian-American chef Wolfgang Puck. The spirit of fusion, however, goes back thousands of years and can be traced to the ancient Fillipine Islands.

The Philippines, a major island nation in the Indo-Pacific, has long been influenced by people from all over the world, from its historic Tamil and Chinese connections to its roots in the pacific, even extending toward the middle east and Spain.

Trade routes and military campaigns stretching from Madras to Manila have left a significant impact on the Filipino language, culture, and food. South Indian spices were often traded with Filipino merchants, and introduced into staples like Kurma, Putta, and Achaar.

“Filipino curry”, or Kare Kare, is traced to 18th century Tamil soldiers, who introduced dishes using native substitutes such as coconut milk and Annatto.

CHENNAI