9 votes

Culinary diplomacy: The surprising reason there are so many Thai restaurants in the US

2 comments

  1. EscReality
    Link
    This is my new favorite word. The idea of a foreign power using its food to promote its culture is really interesting to me. I find it even more fascinating that they take it a step further and...

    gastrodiplomacy

    This is my new favorite word.

    The idea of a foreign power using its food to promote its culture is really interesting to me. I find it even more fascinating that they take it a step further and actually take the time to award a certificate to restaurants for authenticity.

    Having that job at an embassy would be a really great gig, I would love to live in Asia just going around testing steak and burger joints for the US consulate.

    4 votes
  2. Lazarus
    Link
    Eh I feel like Americans’ love for sugar is a part of this too. Thai food is spicy and sweet- two things that go over very well here. If someone opened a Thai restaurant in a place that preferred...

    Eh I feel like Americans’ love for sugar is a part of this too. Thai food is spicy and sweet- two things that go over very well here. If someone opened a Thai restaurant in a place that preferred savory or sour items over sweet, I’m not sure it’d be as much a success.

    1 vote