An imbalance in national restaurants

[Xavier X]

I was in Chester yesterday and dined in a Cuban restaurant - VERY, VERY nice. My partner wondered why it is that, on the whole, we seem to prefer Indian and Chinese cuisine in this country while Cuban, Lebanese and even French and Mediterranean restuarants are much scarcer. I thought it was maybe to do with availability rather than preference (or is this a case of chicken and egg?) - any ideas? Thanks in advance!

[libby1980]

I always thought that this was due to which people came to the UK in the 1930-1960's. I think we had more immigrants from places that used to be in the empire (like India), whereas in places like France, they had more from North Africa (they have lots of Moroccan restaurants)

[Xavier X]

Thanks libby, this was one of my thoughts as well - but I couldn't match this with the influx of Caribbean immigrants and the scarcity of West Indian restaurants (?), certainly the empire would have encouraged a take up of Indian food - but Chinese?

[squirtle]

Pardon my ignorance but what kind of dishes were on the cuban menu? Being in the country i get quite excited by a chinese takeaway!!

[Xavier X]

Hi squirtle, I can't remember too many details but I had duck in plum sauce fajitas (I think that's how it's spelt - something I'd always associated with Mexican food) and olives and sweet potato wedges to kick off. I can recall tuna steaks (with something sauce) and chicken in a salsa sauce. Try www.fiestahavana.com if you're interested.

[squirtle]

Thankyou xavier i shall try that search, i was just curious i guess. Sound nice though, quite partial to fajitas and olives.

[jiggy-gb]

As has been mentioned, I think it's to do with who emmigrated here and how resourceful they are at establishing their own business.
Big cities tend to attract more exotic cuisine. I live in Manchester and we have a fine array of the usual plus African, Jamaican, Cuban, Mexican, Greek, Turkish, Japanese, Mongolian, a vast array of varied European and of course, a great China Town and the wonderful 'Curry Mile'.
Ultimately, I think it depends on the potential custom in the area and the willingness of the immigrants to take a financial risk in setting up their own business. Indian and Chinese restaurant owners seem to have more support and family backing than say.... Polish or Lebanese. I hope that makes sense?! lol!