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Letter to the Editor: Springfield-style cashew chicken part of our identity

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Dear editor,

I recently read your article about crafting the identify for our Springfield [“To craft identity, Springfield should study other Springfields,” by Geoff Pickle published on the Sept. 10 Opinion page]. I just wanted to point out that one of the unique identities of Springfield, Missouri, is that this is home to the Springfield-style cashew chicken.

This unique Chinese-American fusion dish cannot be found anywhere else in America, Asia or China. Many local Asians’ livelihood depend on it. Many local Americans grew up with it.

My brother owns one of the Chinese restaurants in town, and he serves multiple generations. Many of his customers have moved out of town, but when they return to visit they must have cashew chicken.

There have been many public events that used cashew chicken as the theme for raising money for charitable causes.

I believe there should be something done in the city to honor this endearing local tradition that has brought together the East and the West – and also honor its creator, Mr. David Leong, who pioneered the integration of Asian immigrants into the local community and economy.

Best regards,


—Philip Wong, of Springfield

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