Fusion foods: a blend of cultures

Fusion food can be traced back to the beginning of culinary history. When cultures blended so did their foods, and from that, came fusions: blends of cultures and their cuisines that have been passed down through the ages. In the ‘80s, fusion foods rose in popularity with chefs like Roy Yamaguchi and Wolfgang Puck, creating dishes that fused together different cultures. The recent surge of fusion cuisine in Athens brings us quality restaurants like Taqueria Tsunami, PONKO Chicken, New Red Bowl, and Cali N Tito’s.

Taqueria Tsunami – Latin-Asian Kitchen

With locations downtown and in the Epps Bridge shopping center, Taqueria Tsunami has become a fusion favorite. Serving a delightful blend of Latin and Asian foods, Taqueria Tsunami has hardy portions consisting of bowls, tacos, quesadillas and more. Their range of food consists of both experimental food items and safer options, which creates a menu where anyone can find a satisfactory meal. 

Along with the food, Taqueria Tsunami has an extensive drink menu with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options, including one of the best pink lemonades in town. Most items at Taqueria Tsunami contain fresh produce that brings color and flavor to their food, while never tasting bland or artificial. The bright food and drinks match the environment of the establishment. With the slick wood interiors and their signature bright green accents, the foods’ fusion blend translates to the architecture of the restaurant. 

Whether you are a rookie or a regular, a solid go-to option would be the “The Quatro,” which includes the choice of three tacos 

from their list of 14 options along with a side. “The Quatro” allows the chance to explore the menu widely for the reasonable price of $14. 

Expect an extensive menu, fair prices, friendly service and a welcoming environment from Taqueria Tsunami.

4/5

Ponko – Japanese-American

A new addition to the Athens food scene is the new chain PONKO Chicken. Starting as a catering business in Chamblee, Georgia, PONKO expanded to Atlanta the next year. They have now amassed 10 locations throughout Georgia and Alabama as well as a food truck. The Japanese American restaurant claims to be “an Atlanta favorite” with their “secret” being their use of rice bran oil to fry their chicken. The architecture matches their food’s Japanese American style, with minimalist accents and sleek wood.

PONKO’s menu is short with few options to decide between, most meals consisting of chicken and a choice of side. A surprise when eating at PONKO is when you get your chicken or rice it comes with sauce, but not on the side. Rather it is already incorporated in your food. While this gives a fun unexpected flavor to your meal, it leaves you without any dipping sauce, which leaves the chicken tasting slightly dry. The breading on the chicken is unique with a thin batter that still packs a crunch all while being healthier from the rice bran oil. 

A fancy fast food chicken and rice joint that is still at the level of a more upscale catering business, PONKO does have unique flavors. Still, it fails to set them apart from other competing chicken spots around town, especially when Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is just a few doors down, a genuinely deserving Athens favorite.

5/5

Cali n Tito’s – Latin American fusion

Cali n Tito’s has been serving up a blend of Latin American food at their West side location since 2006 and the East side La Puerta Del Sol restaurant since 2014. With a fast and vibrant environment, Cali n Tito’s can accommodate any type of gathering. Various plants and a water fountain fill the inside of the East side restaurant, with picnic table seating both inside and outside. Screens playing old films and loud music, making Cali n Titos is the place to go any day of the week, except Monday when they are closed.

Along with the environment, the food reflects the aesthetics. Their menu has a vast selection of foods reflecting cuisine throughout Latin America. Rather than just offering food from different countries, they blend it all together in a delicious way. All of the portions are very generous at Cali n Tito’s, especially considering the low prices.

A favorite at Cali n Tito’s is the “Sandwich Cubano” with your choice of protein between grilled steak, grilled chicken, pork, or chorizo along with egg, lettuce, grilled onions, cheese, jalapenos and mayo. Together makes the Cuban sandwich in Athens.

Cali n Tito’s is a true Athens landmark where patrons pay reasonable prices for an excellent environment and adventurous flavors.

5/5

New Red Bowl – Asian Fusion

Hidden in the Green Acres Shopping Center between AutoZone and Mutta Financial Services is New Red Bowl. With an array of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Sushi and Hibachi dishes New Red Bowl has served the East Side since 2017. While the bland storefront is like most of the others in the shopping center, the inside opens visitors up to a slack wood interior and flat screen TVs showcasing sports and news. The extensive menu supports a spread of both more Americanized Asian food such as Sesame Chicken as well as more authentic meals like Shredded Pork Soup and Wonton in Chili Sauce. Huge portions accompany any selection, and their Bento boxes include a roll, starter and choice of rice and protein.

New Red Bowl also has a huge selection of both raw and cooked rolls and sushi and some of the best egg and spring rolls in town. Whether you’re in the mood for top tier Lo Mein noodles, white, brown, or fried rice to go with their selection of protein, New Red Bowl has it. All food is served by the kindest wait staff in town who never fail to put a smile on your face or give a suggestion on what to eat.

With such an expansive menu New red Bowl truly has something for anyone who likes hardy servings of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Sushi or Hibachi food.

4/5