Asian Food Has Become More Popular with Asian Restaurants of Most Every Type Available (Naomi Leone)

The popularity of Asian food and Asian restaurants in the United States has exploded in the last twenty years. Even more so the diversity of the types of Asian food, originally Chinese was the only type of Asian restaurant you could find in a town or small city but today there are restaurants representing most every Asian culture in small towns across the country. Yet many diners could not readily tell you the difference between the different types of Asian food, nor do they understand the ingredients, how it is prepared or why it is so good for you. Following is a primer on Asian food so you can know what to expect and how to identify the kind you like the most.

In general terms there are three main types of Asian food; the southwest style that includes cuisines from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Burma: the northeast tradition, comprising China, Korea, and Japan: and finally the southeast style, which includes Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.

The southwest has its roots in Persian-Arabian civilization and incorporates nan bread along with mutton, kebabs and the use of hot peppers, black pepper, cloves, and other strong spices, along with ghee. Curry also became a staple in this dietary culture. You will not find beef in this style as it is rooted in Hinduism. In addition to rice, chapati made from wheat or barley are also a staple part of the diet, and beans also play an important role in meals.

The northeast style emphasizes fats, oils, and sauces in cooking. In this culture, the foods, spices, and seasonings go beyond being mere foodstuffs as they are also used as medicines to promote a long and healthy life. In addition, food became associated with religion and the traditions associated with it. Many of this type of Asian cultures frequently used food as symbolic offerings to worship their ancestors.

The southeast tradition emphasis is on aromatic and lightly-prepared foods, using a delicate balance of quick stir-frying, steaming, and/or boiling, supplemented with discrete spices and seasonings, including citrus juices and herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint. You will also find fish sauce, along with galangal, lemon grass, and tamarind for additional flavor instead of soy.

Most all Asian cuisine is exotic and flavorfull no matter which region it is from. The clever use of cooking techniques, which is comprised simply of a wok, a clever and chopsticks, is artistic in a sense. Most importantly spices has transformed what were originally humble peasant food dishes into specialties that are now known the world over. One place that has perfected such use of spices is Kenichi Asian Restaurant in Dallas America's increased sophistication with food has been fueled by new tastes acquired while traveling overseas, and by the growing number of immigrants living and bringing with them an expertise in the different styles of Asian food. The popularity of vegetarianism has also sparked interest in Asian cooking as many Asian dishes do not rely on meat yet provide a complete nutritious meal with great flavor.

Kenichi Dallas is a modern restaurant and lounge voted "Best Sushi in Dallas" by Citysearch 3 years in a row that features contemporary Asian cuisine and world-class sushi. We are located in the heart of Victory Park, under the South Tower of The W Hotel.

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