Asia
China:
Asian foods have a long
standing history that are determined by their natural resources. The common
foods of many Asian cultures, including China, are manipulations of the common
foods, native of the land. Some of these foods include rice,
kao-liang,wheat,soybeans, peanut, malva, Chinese cabbage, turnip, peach plum,
apple, date, pear, litchi, orange, pork, beef, dog, chicken, duck, goose, many
fishes, red pepper, ginger, garlic, onion and cinnamon.
The Chinese
enjoy both raw and cooked foods and believe in a balance of the two for every
meal. Food is not as elaborate as it may be in other countries, however it is
based more on temperature and exact timing while cooking. Most cooking takes
place in water or oil. One type of unique Chinese food is called Dim Sum. Dim
Sums are small dishes with lots of flavor. They are traditionally eaten as
snacks or at tea time.
Along with Dim Sums, noodles are an integral part
of Chinese cuisine. Although it is common to believe that noodles originated in
Italy, it was actually the Chinese that invented the noodle. The Chinese believe
that long noodles mean long life.
Besides food, drink is an integral part
of the Chinese culture. Tea, in particular has a long standing presence in
Chinese meals. It is used not only for pure enjoyment, but also medicinally.
India:
The cuisine of
India is
characterised by its sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and
vegetables grown across India and
also for the widespread practice of vegetarianism across its society. Considered
by some to be one of the world's most diverse cuisines, each family of this
cuisine is characterised by a wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques.
As a consequence, Indian cuisine varies from region to region, reflecting the
varied demographics of the ethnically diverse Indian subcontinent
India's religious beliefs
and culture has played an influential role in the evolution
of its cuisine. However, cuisine across India also evolved due to the
subcontinent's large-scale cultural interactions with neighboring Persia and , ancient Greece, MongolsWest Asia, making
it a unique blend of various cuisines across Asia. The colonial period introduced European cooking
styles to India adding to its flexibility and diversity. Indian cuisine has also influenced cuisines
across the world, especially those from South East Asia.
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