History of Arroz Chino Boricua
Brief History of Arroz Chino Boricua The existence of Arroz Chino Boricua is a direct result of the unique history of Chinese immigration to Puerto Rico and the subsequent cultural fusion that has shaped the island’s cuisine. While Puerto Rican cuisine is a rich blend of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences, the addition of Chinese elements is a more recent, yet equally impactful, layer. The Waves of Chinese Migration The earliest significant Chinese migration to Puerto Rico began in the 19th century, a period often referred to as "the coolie trade." Many Chinese laborers, often from the southern provinces of China, were brought to the Caribbean to fill the labor shortages on sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery. While the number of Chinese immigrants to Puerto Rico was smaller than to neighboring islands like Cuba, some Chinese prisoners and workers did arrive and contributed to large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Carrete...