What’s the Beef with Asian taste for American food?

The cultural answer to the East Asians’ low tolerance for Western food will take a whole chapter. In short, the Chinese palate and stomach is unaccustomed to a protein heavy American diet. Furthermore, a dairy rich diet (think alfredo sauce, cream of whatever soup, and cheese lovers’ pizza) can cause discomfort and embarrassment for many Asian travelers. According to National Institute of Health (NIH), 70-100% of East Asian adult population is lactose intolerant, while only 5% of adults of Northern European descent is. On the other hand, steaks are the stuff dreams are made of. In many countries outside of the US, beef is an exceptionally expensive meat. Caterwings UK’s meat index calculates the number of hours local residents of top meat-producing countries have to work at minimum wage in order to afford 2 pounds of each meat type. See chart below. (for the full article, go to Actually, Meat in the US is Among the Most Affordable in the World). The American minimum wage earner can afford a burger and still have change leftover.  The Chinese worker would have to work over 17 hours! Japan may be well known for its exquisitely massaged Kobe beef, but only a tiny part of the Japanese population can actually claim that they eat it quite often. Europeans might enjoy beef more regularly, but the affordability of steaks places them as a special occasion extravagance. Steak restaurants are in the premium class of US dining, and for European and Asian visitors, it is a no brainer. A 30 oz prime rib, nearly a kilogram, on your plate is definitely something to Whatsapp about.  For further reading about cultural differences in food preferences, go to previous blogs: Don’t be Afraid of the Dark (Meat) and The Meat Rock Rocks.Don’t be Afraid of the Dark (Meat) and The Meat Rock Rocks.