Creating new foods to increase tourism is certainly not a new concept. Over time there are several things that many believe to be a certain country or city’s original cuisine. When in fact, the dish was created to create and maintain foodie tourist. This practice is seen in Latin American, European and Asian Cultures across the board. For example, you may think General Tso chicken is the best in China, when it really isn’t even a original or traditional Chinese dish. (General Tso is not a real person.)
My family and I have a home in Zanzibar and we often visit the local restaurants around us. Recently, the restaurant has created dishes that we know are not Tanzanian. (They’ve also added burgers and fries to the menu.) However, when people come and they try these made up things, they will always have the thought that the place and the food go together.
Another example of this is spaghetti. Many sources say it originated it China and Marco Polo brought the receipt back to Venice. Where it picked up its reputation for being a traditional Italian dish.
Kosi Eats 