There are many factors that affect a culture’s food cuisine, such as trade routes, locally grown produce, and the level of manufacturing. Despite the world having a global culture, it is still possible to define cuisine culture as Asian or European, with clear distinctions between Chinese and Indian food, for example. 

Asian Cuisine

All Asian cultures use rice as one of their key staples, although there are different types of rice, e.g., basmati or jasmine. Despite this commonality, they each have their own special dishes that are known everywhere. Here are some examples:

• Thai food. Thai is well-known for its yellow, red, and green curries and for using lime in its dishes. Favourite spices, herbs, and other items that are used generously are turmeric, cilantro, mint, coconut milk, chillies, lemongrass, and basil. Many dishes are served with rice noodles.
• Chinese food. Famous Chinese dishes are Peking Roast Duck, Wanton Soup, and spring rolls. Other familiar meals are made with chicken and pork. There is usually an option of rice or egg noodles. Stir-fry vegetables and/or meat are found in Chow Mein.
• Indian food. Indian food is renowned for its curries. Many of the dishes are suitable for vegetarians although meat can be found in a lot of dishes. Basmati rice is often paired with curries. Indian food includes many unusual, sweet dishes too. If you travel through India, you will find that the cuisine changes as you move from South to North India.
• Japanese food. Two of the top types of Japanese dishes are sushi and sashimi. They both involve raw fish, while sashimi can also be raw meat sliced. See here for full descriptions and the differences between the two. You may want to try other dishes such as tofu and tempura. 

European Cuisine

The Mediterranean diet is considered the healthiest way to eat, regardless of where you live. It is heavy on fresh fruit and vegetable, cold cuts and fresh meat, olive oil (virgin, cold-pressed), and nuts. There are also plenty of local wines, and one or more bottles may be shared at a meal. Here are some examples of European cuisine:

• Spanish food. Tapas are a form of snack the Spanish are renowned for. Types of tapas include chorizo, meatballs, fresh baby squid, and mixed olives. Other meals are gazpacho (cold soup containing raw vegetables) and paella (a rice dish). The Spanish stick largely to a Mediterranean diet.
• Greek food. The Mediterranean diet also plays a strong role in Greek cuisine. The culture enjoys a variety of cheeses, salads, soups, and marinated or spiced cured meats.
• French food. There are some famous dishes in French cuisine where you will recognise the name of the dish even in French. Examples are Quiche Lorraine, Crepes Suzette, and Duck Pâté en Croûte. As these are all very different, one can consider that the French are known for the creation of new dishes by their many chefs. 
• Italian food. The top two Italian dishes that are enjoyed around the world are pasta and pizza. These are usually served with wine. Visit the Terra Rossa Italian restaurant chain to try more of the cuisine. Conveniently located in London, there are two restaurants to choose from (Angel and St. Paul), and they cater to vegans and vegetarians.

Western Cuisine

Homecooked meals in Western cuisine are often fairly similar. A traditional meal would consist of meat or fish, starch (rice, potatoes, or bread), and a vegetable (e.g., cooked peas, carrots, or green beans). However, Western culture is known for its fast foods, like burgers and hot dogs.

There is great diversity in cuisine around the globe.