Asian Australian - Cultural Influences

Cultural Influences

Although Asians have been in Australia since the 1700s, large numbers of Asians first came to Australia in the 1880s. Since then, they have influenced many areas of Australian culture. T'ai chi ch'uan is a form of exercise that the Chinese have practiced for centuries. It has become especially popular among older Australians of many ethnicities. Its slow, gentle movements provide good exercise for aging bodies. Tae kwon do is a traditional Korean martial art (style of fighting). Korean immigrants popularized it, and many of them now teach it to Australian youth. Judo is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling. Many Australian colleges offer it in physical education programs. Both judo and tae kwon do are Olympic sports.

Many Asian foods have become a regular part of Australian meals. Australians of all races are familiar with many Chinese foods, such as dumplings and kung pao chicken, spicy deep-fried chicken cubes with nuts. Dim sim, a Chinese-inspired meat dumpling-style snack food, is another popular dish. A favorite for some Australians is sushi, a Japanese dish of vinegar-flavored rice and raw fish or vegetables. Many Australian restaurants and groceries offer sushi. Restaurants that serve spicy Thai or Indian food are also popular. Some Australian grocery stores carry naan, an Indian flat bread. Many supermarkets carry tofu, soybean curd that can be sautéd, braised, or grilled. Tofu originated in China more than 1,000 years ago. Many Australians enjoy Bánh mì pâté thịt, a Vietnamese term for all kinds of sandwich served with various Vietnamese cold cuts such as sliced pork or pork bellies, chả lụa, and head cheese, along with the liver pâté and vegetables. Vietnamese Bò lá lốt a dish of spiced beef rolled in a pepper leaf (lá lốt) and grilled is also popular with many Australians. Many Australian groceries sell soy milk, a traditional drink in many Asian countries, as an alternative to cow’s milk.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of relieving pain and treating disease by inserting needles in the body. It has become accepted by the Australian medical profession as a way to treat certain ailments. Yoga is a traditional South Asian spiritual practice of meditation and exercise. It has become a popular form of exercise for Australian from all walks of life.