Ornaments invoking the exotic elegance of far-away Asia brought customers in the door to try new styles of cuisine, unfamiliar to most early twentieth century Minnesotans. Similar designs still pervade the decor of many local Asian-themed restaurants, incorporating the historical traditions of Asian American food culture—along with tropes that, with the experience of a century, can be interpreted as stereotypical and demeaning. We’re pondering Orientalism and Americanness (and racism and sexism) in Twin Cities restaurant culture— let us know what you think!

Ornaments invoking the exotic elegance of far-away Asia brought customers in the door to try new styles of cuisine, unfamiliar to most early twentieth century Minnesotans. Similar designs still pervade the decor of many local Asian-themed restaurants, incorporating the historical traditions of Asian American food culture—along with tropes that, with the experience of a century, can be interpreted as stereotypical and demeaning.

We’re pondering Orientalism and Americanness (and racism and sexism) in Twin Cities restaurant culture— let us know what you think!