In this article, we will find out the other ethnic cuisines contributing to the variance of American food. These cuisines are products of some particular ethnic enclaves, including Koreatown, Little Saigon, and Little Italy.
Ethnic enclave: Koreatown
The location of the first and largest Koreatown in America is Los Angeles. It was the fruitage of the first Korean who arrived in the city in 1904. At that moment, Koreans worked as farm laborers and railroad employees. Throughout the 1930s, as the number of immigrants rose, the neighborhood moved westward along Jefferson Boulevard, eventually becoming the hub for Korean Americans.
Until now, the Korean population has been growing significantly. There are about 2 million residents of the Korean diaspora living in the US. They compose 9% of the Asian American people. Korean is among the top 6 origins, making up 85% of all Asian races.
Along with the Korean population explosion, Koreatowns have also undergone profound development. Locating in around 18 different states in America, Koreatowns are a popular hub for food and entertainment. With more than 50 new projects currently under construction, Koreatown has seen a massive increase in big-ticket development over the last ten years. In addition to the rising popularity of Korean cuisine, spas, and restaurants, the neighborhood is seeing an increase in the number of young, trendy renters renting affordable flats.
Ethnic enclave: Little Saigon
Little Saigon is the name given to the Vietnamese enclave in Arlington, Virginia’s Clarendon area that provided housing for the vast number of refugees that emigrated after Saigon fell on April 30, 1975. The area developed into a thriving center of social and commercial activity for Vietnamese people, reaching its zenith between the late 1970s and the middle of the 1980s.
An ex-employee of the Vietnamese Embassy founded the first Vietnamese enterprise, the grocery store Saigon Market, in 1972. The Vietnamese wife of a CIA agent founded the second grocery store, Vietnam Center. Clarendon soon became the center of the East Coast Vietnamese community as more Vietnamese people opened stores and restaurants there.
At the moment, the population of the Vietnamese race has increased significantly. As of 2019, there were 44.5 million immigrants living in the United States, with 1.4 million Vietnamese. They are one of the largest foreign-born populations in the country. This race is also one of the six origins that make up 85% of the Asian American population.
The profound increase in the Vietnamese population is a solid foundation for the development of Little Saigon. There are around seven official and many “unofficial” Little Saigons around the country. Although Little Saigon is younger and smaller than Koreantown or Chinatown, it is quite reputable. In addition to Vietnamese food, Asian markets, live music, and vendors are also in Little Saigon.
Ethnic enclave: Little Italy
The extended time of living in America is an excellent base for the Italians to develop their community. The number of Americans with Italian ancestry is 15.7 million. About 26 million Italians came to the United States between 1876 and 1976. The northern region of Italy was the primary source of the initial Italian immigrants.
North end of Boston is among the ideal places having profound Italian characteristics. With more than 80 restaurants, pubs, bakeries, and cafes—stunning architecture, Italian art, and entertaining feasts and festivals—the area has steadily developed its Italian roots, reinforcing the culture and food.
Although there are a few official Little Italy in America, Italian is still Americans’ favorite cuisine. According to an analysis of Google Trends data by Chef’s Pencil, Italian food is in the second rank of the most popular ethnic cuisine in America. Italian food is most prevalent in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Around 100,000 of the 800,000 restaurants in the United States, today serve Italian cuisine.
Extending the Concept of a “Town”
Koreatown, Little Saigon, and Little Italy significantly contribute to American diversity. Firstly, they are the bridges that bring Asian and European food to the US. As a result, American citizens have more chances to try and savor cuisines from different continents worldwide. These ethnic places have broadened and enriched the American culinary adventure.
Moreover, these enclaves also attract visitors by their unique characteristics embedded with their distinct cultures. Visitors have opportunities to explore different cultures and traditions just by observing the decorations, smelling the scent of a particular type of food, or hearing the conversations between salespeople. These activities all unravel some aspects of a new culture and bring a completely novel experience for visitors.
Diversity and delivery.