Designates cashew chicken as the official dish of the state of Missouri
The enactment of HB1624 would amend Chapter 10 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri to include a new section (10.249) that officially designates cashew chicken as the state dish. This change brings forth a symbolic non-controversial amendment to the state's laws that reflects the cultural fabric of Missouri, especially in relation to the city of Springfield, where this dish was created. Such a designation could encourage local pride and tourism relating to Missouri's culinary offerings.
House Bill 1624 proposes to designate cashew chicken as the official dish of the state of Missouri. This culinary choice holds significance, tracing its origins back to Springfield, Missouri, where it was popularized in 1963 by chef David Leong, a Chinese immigrant. By making this dish the official state dish, the bill aims to celebrate the local heritage and acknowledge the cultural contributions of immigrants to Missouri's culinary landscape. The bill emphasizes the importance of food in shaping regional identity and pride.
While the bill appears to have broad support as it focuses on cultural recognition, any discussions around its passage may address potential concerns about the inclusion of a single dish as a representative of Missouri's diverse culinary scene. Some may argue that designating an official dish could downplay the variety of foods that represent the state's heritage and the contributions of various communities. Nonetheless, the bill seems largely to emphasize pride and acknowledgment rather than controversy.