# Italian-Korean Fusion Eateries David Chang's Momofuku Nishi Departs from His Previous Noodle Bars By Christopher Magsambol | Published 2016-01-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/momofuku-nishi References: [villagevoice](http://www.villagevoice.com/restaurants/david-chang-launches-momofuku-nishi-heres-an-early-taste-8155882) & [luckypeach](http://luckypeach.com/inside-momofuku-nishi/) '[Momofuku Nishi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/momofuku-goods-noodles)' is the newest restaurant by renowned chef David Chang. Despite his his string of successful Momofuku Noodle Bars across New York, Toronto and Sydney, Chang has opted to take a drastically different approach to his newest venture. Momofuku Nishi is a fusion eatery, combining tastes and flavors in a unique [Italian-Korean canteen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-culinary-crossover). The menu ranges from pastas, small plates and entrees influenced by Eastern and Western cuisines, but anchored together by a focus on Italian dishes. Entrees include a grilled mackerel served over braised daikon and 'Clams Grand Lisboa,' a fusion dish with seafood, herbs partnered with chow mein noodles. Additionally, Nishi marks Chang's first restaurant with a [no-tipping policy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/membersonly), catering this particular establishment to a more budget-conscious patron. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Fusion Cuisine:** Opportunity to create unique blends of flavors and culinary traditions from different cultures. - **East-west Fusion:** Exploring the combination of Eastern and Western culinary techniques and ingredients to create innovative dishes. - **No-tipping Policy:** Disrupt the traditional restaurant industry by implementing a no-tipping policy to provide a more budget-conscious dining experience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Restaurant and Food Service:** Opportunity for restaurants to create fusion cuisine concepts and attract customers through unique flavor combinations. - **Hospitality:** Hotels and resorts can incorporate East-West fusion cuisine into their dining offerings to attract international guests. - **Customer Service:** Explore the implementation of a no-tipping policy in the food service industry to create a more balanced and equitable payment system for employees. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Signature Chef Noodle Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/momofuku-goods-noodles.md) - [Air-Dried Restaurant-Inspired Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/momofuku-noodles.md) - [Toronto Fusion Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radici-project.md) - [Convenient Meal Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/momofuku-and-milkbar.md) - [High-End Fusion Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akin.md) - [Cross Cultural-Inspired Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nnaka.md) - [Italian Ramen Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jinya.md) - [Asia-Influenced Western Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bombastic-supper-club.md) - [High-End Seafood Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highend-seafood-restaurant.md)