Introduction
Food has always been a great way to connect cultures, to share experiences and to bring people together. There is something truly special about enjoying the same meal, no matter whether it is in the heart of Europe, in Asia or in a remote corner of the world.
With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, it is not just convenient, but possible to enjoy culinary experiences from all over the globe. There is such a great variety of different cuisines, so many delicious and mouth-watering dishes to try. There is truly an art of cooking that can be learnt by exploring cultures and the recipes which have been carefully passed down through the generations.
In this blog post, we will take an exciting journey through different nations, to discover the art of cooking some of their traditional cuisine. We will learn a lot of interesting facts and discover new and delightful flavours. Read on to begin the journey!
Mexican Cuisine
Tortillas are the mainstay of Mexican cuisine and are typically made of corn flour. This flatbread can be served as is, or served with various dishes. It is also a common practice to deep-fry tortillas and use them for dishes such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas.
At the heart of Mexican Cuisine lies fajitas. Fajitas is the name given to a dish consisting of slices of marinated meat, peppers and onions. Another popular dish is nachos, which are usually served topped with melted cheese. Another dish which is a favourite in Mexico is chilaquiles, which is a plate of fried tortilla strips served in a spicy tomato sauce.
Mexican food is always served with a generous helping of guacamole, a delicious dip made of smashed avocados, tomatoes, garlic and chilli. The combination of traditional Mexican ingredients, such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro all work together to provide a flavourful, healthy and tasty meal.
Indian Cuisine
Indian Cuisine is arguably one of the most diverse cuisines in the world and consists of several regional cuisines. Every region has its own special recipes, ingredients and flavours. Indian food is characterised by its strong aromatic flavour and its use of a variety of spices.
A staple dish from the south of India is Dosa, a thick rice pancake filled with potatos. Samosas are also a popular snack in India, these are deep-fried flour pastries filled with minced meat or vegetables. Biryani is the king of all Indian dishes, made with fragrant long grain rice, served with lamb, chicken or fish.
Vegetarian dishes are also very popular in India. The most popular being Chapati, a flat bread made with wheat flour and usually served with curry, or Roti, made with wheat flour and water. Vegetable curries and lentil dishes, along with daal, are also extremely popular.
Chinese Cuisine
Chinese Cuisine is renowned for its flavor and diversity, it is one of the five most popular cuisines in the world. Noodles are a common ingredient in Chinese food, served in various types and with various sauces. Steaming is also a common method of cooking, giving the food a delicate texture. Chinese food is often stir-fried and served with a variety of vegetables and meats.
One of the most popular Chinese dishes is Kung Pao Chicken, consisting of a spicy sauce and cooked with peanut, chilli and garlic. Another classic Chinese dish is Sweet and Sour Pork, made with diced pork, a sweet, sour and savoury sauce, and a variety of vegetables. Fried rice is often considered as the quintessential Chinese dish, served with a variety of meats, eggs and vegetables.
Chinese Cuisine is often accompanied by Soy sauce, made from fermented soy beans, and Rice Wine, made from fermented rice. These two condiments are used in both cooking and seasoning dishes, providing a unique flavour.
Japanese Cuisine
Japanese food is renowned for its simplicity and focus on fresh ingredients. Japanese cuisine is often referred to as washoku which translates as ‘harmony of food’, as it emphasises the balance between different flavours and textures.
Sushi is the most popular and well-known dish in the country. It is usually composed of a piece of raw fish on top of a bed of seasoned rice. It is often accompanied by Wasabi, a pungent horseradish condiment, and Ginger, which is often used to cleanse the palate in between bites.
Ramen is another popular dish in Japan, made with wheat noodles served in a meat or fish broth. Tempura is another classic, usually deep-fried vegetables or seafood, served with a dipping sauce.
Miso soup is a staple of Japanese Cuisine, made from fermented soy beans, mixed with seaweed, tofu and vegetables. This dish is often served at the start of a meal and is considered to be a very healthy option.
Mediterranean Cuisine
The Mediterranean region is known for its incredible flavours and delicious dishes. Generally, Mediterranean cuisine is characterised by its emphases on herbs and vegetables, rather than meat. It is known for its healthy and balanced ingredients, resulting in aromatic and flavourful dishes.
In the north, Italian cuisine is widely considered one of the most preferred cuisines in the world. Pizza and Pasta are the two most well-known dishes, accompanied by antipasti and salads. It is said that the most essential ingredients in Italian cooking are olive oil, garlic and oregano.
Tapas are the traditional Spanish cuisine, small dishes that are usually served as a snack before dinner or as a part of dinner. A popular dish is Paella, a rice-based dish made with saffron and other herbs, usually served with seafood.
In addition to the great selection of dishes, Mediterranean Cuisine has also become well known for its great selection of wines.
French Cuisine
The origin of French Cuisine is often said to be from the royal court in the 15th century. This has evolved over the centuries, with chefs using classical techniques to create dishes that are full of flavour.
Soups are an important part of French Cuisine, with variations such as onion soup, and seafood soups. French Cuisine is also renowned for its delicious pastries and desserts, such as Eclairs, crème brulee, apple tart, chocolate mousse and macarons.
Coq au vin is a classic French dish, made with pieces of chicken slowly cooked in red wine, mushrooms and bacon. Another popular dish is Boeuf Bourguignon, a stew made with beef, red wine, mushrooms and onions, a classic French staple.
Regardless of whether you are dining at an expensive restaurant or an everyday bistro, you can always count on the quality of French cuisine being excellent.
Conclusion
The art of cooking is a wonderful way to explore different cultures, to awaken the senses and to savour the flavour of different nations. Every cuisine has its own unique and traditional dishes, ingredients and flavours.
There is so much to learn and enjoy from the different types of cuisine from all over the world and all of them can be enjoyed from the comfort of home, if you take the time to research and practice.
As we have seen, food has the incredible power to connect cultures, to bridge the gap between people and to create human connections. Regardless of whether we are enjoying a classic Italian pizza, a plate of sushi or a bowl of ramen, we can be sure that we are participating in an activity that unites people around the world.
Bon Appétit!