photo: Grated cheese
Cheese is traditionally associated with western dishes – pizzas and pastas to name a few. However, this dairy product is gaining traction amongst consumers across Asia. According to the United States (US) Diary Export Council, top importers of US cheese include South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Today, restaurants and eateries are introducing Asian consumers to the pleasure of cheese. It is not difficult to find this dairy ingredient used in many Asian cuisines.
Buldak from South Korea which literally translates to Fire Chicken is one such dish. Historically, it is made by grilling or stir-frying cubes of chicken breast or thigh covered with a special spicy sauce – hot pepper paste and red pepper flakes. It is known for its intense heat and rich flavor. However, in recent years, restaurants are adding a western twist to this classic dish by topping it off with a layer of melted cheese. It adds a rubbery sweetness and tones down the spiciness.
photo: A plate of Omurice
Omurice is a beloved staple of Japan cooking. It is a simple meal made with fried rice, wrapped with a thin layer of egg omelet, usually topped with ketchup. There is a rising popularity of adding cheese to this dish as well. At the newly opened Japanese restaurant – Omurice Keisuke – in Singapore, customers can watch chefs melt and prepare cheese to pair it with their main omurice dish.
Fried wonton is a popular Chinese appetizer. The wonton skin is traditionally wrapped around ground pork, shrimps, and chives. They are subsequently deep fried till crispy. However, a new fusion of this dish has emerged – Cream Cheese Wonton. The wonton skin is wrapped around cream cheese fillings – cream cheese and green onions – fried and served with mayonnaise or sweet and spicy sauce.