Globalization of Food

Globalization covers a broad array of possible topics with Western influences adapted to the East, with its architecture, its fashion, and technology. Yet, the one topic that I could write for days about would be centered on food. There have been some famous examples in history where Marco Polo’s journey to China and discovering noodles there lent itself to the introduction of pasta back to Europe, and to recent times with the introduction of MacDonald’s and Starbucks Coffee to this part of the world. Seeing familiar establishments like these makes me forget that I am in a foreign country, trying to acclimate and immerse myself in a new culture. However, those differences are blending together, through Japan’s adoption and adaptation of other nations’ foods and the readily availability of Japanese food outside of Japan.

‘Fusion’ cuisine back in the United States carries an air of the exotic with European or Asian food often being combined together to create a new taste in order to allure its customers. Yet, here in Japan, this idea of ‘fusion’ seems quite difference. In fact, it is more of an adoption of the Western food that I have had before or ‘yoshoku’ (Japanized Western-style dish). For example, when I was in Dotunburi Street in Osaka (One of the most famous streets in Osaka, Japan, known for its neon lights brightly glowing at night) I tried ‘doria’ for dinner. We ate at a Western Style restaurant (For reasons that we were poor, but not to stray) and found that this restaurant had adapted its ingredients and dishes to match the Japanese palette. Indeed, here in Japan, expect to see a Teriyaki Burger from Mickey D’s on the menu versus a ‘Big and Tasty’ you would find in the United States. The former addresses the adaptation of a burger to Japan, the latter exemplifies the idea of 'big is good' in the West.

Nowadays, thanks to technology and the Internet, accessibility to other types of cuisine has become easier and more readily available. Mitsuwa Marketplace is a growing chain of supermarkets which sell various kinds of Japanese ingredients and food in the United States. Here, you can easily find some Japanese crackers and snacks, and pick up ingredients to make your favorite Japanese dishes. I visited Mitsuwa Marketplace shortly before my arrival to Japan. This visit whet my palette for Japanese food and I realized how easy it was to pick up the same snack I would find here in Osaka. Furthermore, there is an ‘Online Shopping’ section of their website. You could have the order shipped to your home if you lived in the United States! This surely would not have existed over 15 years ago.

(Picture credit to: The Hiroshima Brand)

Though you could obtain famous local treats such as Miyajima’s Momiji manjus (small waffles shaped like a maple leaf with various types of filling) by ordering them from outside the country, I would never trade the experience of eating one that was freshly made by one of the shops diligently producing them every hour. Perhaps it’s more than the idea that I readily buy it elsewhere in the world, but I wouldn’t be experiencing Japan, sharing in those opportunities at its epicenter.

You can find out more here:

Momiji Manju: This blog shares more information about Momiji Manjus

Mitsuwa Marketplace : The website is written in English and you can also place an order for some Japanese treats!

Doria : After some searching, it is actually a French food which was adapted into Japanese cuisine.