Enjoy Asian Cuisine in Puerto Vallarta

Mexico’s love affair with Asian cuisine can be traced back to the 19th century, when the government began encouraging Eastern European workers to immigrate. By the early 20th century, Asian communities had been established in many parts of the country, including Mexico City. As these communities began introducing their customs, traditions and cuisine to Mexico, the country took to the latter with zeal. A century later, a wide variety of Asian restaurants can be found throughout Mexico, and our destination is no exception.

The three cuisine areas of Asia—South West, North East and South East—are well represented throughout Banderas Bay. With a broad range of available options, from inexpensive takeout eateries in residential neighborhoods to elegant gourmet restaurants in luxury resorts, it is virtually impossible not to satisfy your craving for Chinese, Thai, Japanese or Indian food throughout Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.

For the uninitiated, these cuisines provide a fine range of unique flavors and experiences, from Thailand’s strong aromatic components and spicy edge to sushi and other Japanese specialties. And for the curious foodie, we offer nine interesting facts about them:

• In Japan it is not uncommon to eat rice at all meals, even breakfast.
• If you slurp your food in Japan, it is considered a sign of appreciation. It also cools your food as you eat it.
• According to traditional Chinese medicine, food has five key flavors that must be balanced: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy.
• Food is such a priority in Thailand that whenever you meet a Thai person, the first thing they will say is “Gin khao yung,” meaning “Have you eaten yet?”
• Thai culture considers eating alone bad luck. All dishes are shared and enjoyed with others, always.
• Thai cuisine is a perfect blend of four flavors: salty, sweet, sour and spicy. Almost every Thai dish combines all four.
• According to Indian food theory, there are six different tastes: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent.
• 70 percent of all the world’s spices come from India.
• Chicken tikka masala, popular at Indian restaurants, allegedly originated in Glasgow and is among the UK’s most popular dishes.