EMPERIO, KC Lee Villegas

GARCIA, Alyssa Mae

01 Homework 1-ARG

Instruction:

 Pair up with a classmate and research the following items:

o Give two (2) food items and explain its cultural and traditional aspects.
o Analyze the cuisine in your locality and determine the factors that shaped it. Explain
how these factors shaped the cuisine and give examples or situations.

Dim Sum (China)

A traditional Cantonese dish with Chinese roots is dim sum. It describes a little bite-sized serving
of food that is placed in a tiny steamer basket or on a tiny plate. In Chinese cuisine, dim sum is a
common morning or brunch item that is frequently served with tea. Being a symbol of a social gathering
of family and friends, dim sum has special cultural importance in China. It is frequently distributed
among the group and served at a circular table. Depending on the area and the diners' preferences,
there may be a different range of Dim Sum dishes.

Dim Sum is a popular meal at Chinese restaurants in the Philippines and has gained widespread
acceptance there. Steamed chicken feet, hakaw, and pork siomai are among the localized versions of
dim sum. Due to the rising number of Chinese expatriates and the love of Chinese food among Filipinos,
demand for Dim Sum has grown over time. Being a go-to comfort food, dim sum has become a mainstay
in the local culinary scene and has been ingrained in Philippine culture.

References:

"A Brief History of Dim Sum in China". Culture Trip. Retrieved on February 28, 2023 from
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/a-brief-history-of-dim-sum-in-china/

“The Chinese Cultural Influence on Filipino Cuisine”. Repository USF Scholarship. Retrieved on February
28, 2023 from https://repository.usfca.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1334&context=thes

Sushi (Japan)

Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish made of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients
such as raw seafood, vegetables, and egg. It is frequently served with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy
sauce. Fish was preserved in fermented rice in Southeast Asia around the second century AD, where the
dish has a lengthy tradition. Since the rice and fish were gradually ingested together, sushi as we know it
today was created. Sushi is a dish that was popularized in Japan and is typically cooked with fish from
Tokyo Bay. As sushi gained popularity, chefs started experimenting with various fish and methods, which
resulted in the creation of new sushi varieties. Currently, sushi is a widely consumed food that is
frequently connected to Japanese cuisine.

In the Philippines, Sushi has become a popular dish in Japanese restaurants and is widely
available in supermarkets and convenience stores. The local adaptation of Sushi includes California
Maki, Ebi Tempura, and Spicy Tuna Roll. The popularity of Sushi in the Philippines can be attributed to
the increasing number of Japanese expats and tourists and the growing interest in Japanese culture
among Filipinos. Sushi has become a go-to food for Filipinos who are looking for a healthy and flavorful
meal.

References:

"Discover the History of Sushi". The History Kitchen. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/food/the-
history-kitchen/history-of-sushi/

"The Sushi Revolution in the Philippines". Philippine Tatler. Retrieved from

https://ph.asiatatler.com/dining/the-sushi-revolution-in-the-philippines

Factors that shaped the given two (2) food items in the Philippines:

Migration of Chinese and Japanese Nationals - The migration of Chinese and Japanese nationals to the
Philippines has led to the introduction and adaptation of their cuisine. The Chinese and Japanese
immigrants have established their communities in the Philippines and have brought with them their
traditional dishes such as Dim Sum and Sushi.

Globalization and Cross-Cultural Influences - The increasing globalization has led to the cross-cultural
exchange of food and culinary practices. The popularity of Dim Sum and Sushi in the Philippines can be
attributed to the growing interest in Chinese and Japanese culture and the increasing exposure to
international cuisine through media and travel.

Local Adaptation - The local adaptation of Dim Sum and Sushi has led to the creation of new dishes that
cater to the local taste and preferences. The adaptation of Dim Sum and Sushi in the Philippines has led
to the creation of new dishes such as California Maki and Pork Siomai.