Ethnic foods comprise all foods that originated in other countries and cultures. With so many immigrants coming to the United States from every part of the globe, it's no wonder that Americans have acquired a special taste for ethnic foods. In the past, ethnic foods were prepared in separate restaurants by the immigrants themselves. Today, however, most restaurants will offer foods from at least one or many other cultures.

Restaurant owners and chefs in America seeking to win over new patrons frequently do so by introducing a new ethnically-inspired dish to their menu. The dish may be prepared according to a traditional recipe or an innovative chef may add his own special twist. Whatever the outcome, you're sure to satisfy your patrons' longing for new dishes when you add ethnic foods to your repertoire. To do so, consider these options:

1. Get ethnic foods information you can depend on from the professionals.

2. Find an ethnic foods list of providers that make your job easier by maintaining supplies at competitive prices.

3. Use professional ethnic foods recipes to develop a distinct cooking style.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Rely on professionals for accurate and abundant ethnic foods information

If you haven't used ethnic foods in your restaurant before, you may first want to focus on learning the foods' country of origin, seasonal availability and the most traditional manner of preparation and flavor combinations.

I recommend: The database that the University of Texas at Austin maintains allows you to search diverse resources for information on Latin American dishes and ingredients. Find ethnic foods information on European, Asian, North American and South American foods on the EuroFir searchable online database. The database was a project funded by the European Commission to publicize global food information to the business and non-business communities.

Establish an account with a major ethnic foods distributor

You'll simplify your ordering process by finding a supplier that can serve as your one stop site for all your ethnic food needs.

I recommend: Since 1981, San Francisco-based Sun Hing Foods has been a leading ethnic foods provider nationwide. The company specializes in Asian, West Indian and Latin American foods and ingredients. Food Supplier.com supplies restaurants with ethnic foods in the form of baked treats, breads, beverages, oils and grains, meats and poultry, dairy and even seafood.

Find out how professional cooks are preparing ethnic foods in their restaurants

It never hurts to learn how other restaurateurs are working ethnic foods into their menus and how their chefs put their own mark on even standard recipes.

I recommend: Gourmet Magazine and Bon Appetit Magazine both offer an ethnic foods directory that contains hundreds of tested recipes using ethnic foods along with tips on where to find the most authentically ethnic ingredients.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't assume that all dishes using ethnic foods must be prepared according to the most traditional recipe. Changing an ingredient or two, or using a different cooking method can add fresh flavor to an old favorite.