Bill > HB1373

This bill designates Springfield-style cashew chicken as the official dish of Missouri, recognizing its cultural and culinary significance. The legislation specifically highlights that this unique dish was invented in 1963 by David Leong, a Chinese immigrant chef in Springfield, Missouri, who adapted his native cooking techniques to appeal to local tastes. The bill notes that Leong created a version of cashew chicken that involves deep-frying the chicken, and which has since become a popular menu item, now being served in over 70 restaurants in the Springfield area. By adding this provision to Chapter 10 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) through a new section (10.249), the bill formally acknowledges the dish's importance to the state's culinary heritage and celebrates the innovative contribution of an immigrant chef to Missouri's food culture.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1373&year=2025&code=R