Ethnic Cuisines

Ethnic CuisinesOne of the most fascinating aspects of cooking is the relationship between food and culture. Through the exploration of regional delicacies, ingredients and dining customs, we can begin to develop an appreciation for other cultures. In the "Ethnic Cuisines" section of the MyGourmetConnection.com article library, you'll find background information on some of the world's greatest cuisines that we're sure will add to the enjoyment of your next ethnic dining experience.

Italian Cuisine

Italian Cuisine One of the most beloved ethnic cuisines in America and around the world, Italian cuisine is also one of the richest and most complex.

Italian cuisine is geographically diverse; the dishes of each region are all unique in terms of ingredients, cooking methods and complexity.

Generally speaking, the main regions of Italy are Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Abruzzi and Campania.

Japanese Cuisine

Japanese & Sushi CuisineSeasonal ingredients, traditional cooking techniques and unique eating etiquette all contribute to the diverse dishes characteristic of Japanese cuisine.

As an island nation, Japan has developed its own original cuisine, but one can see influences from Portugal, China, and even the United States in some modern Japanese dishes.

The fundamentals of Japanese cuisine include fresh, high-quality seasonal ingredients and the artistic presentation of dishes. Most Japanese dishes are created by combining regional staples, such as rice or noodles, with soup, fish, meat, flavorings and vegetables.

Mexican Cuisine

Mexican CuisineMexico is a country steeped in ancient tradition and Spanish colonial culture. Intense and exotic flavors, colorful garnish and myriad herbs and spices add to the tantalizing tastes and textures common in Mexican dishes. In fact, some gourmands will argue that Mexican cuisine is the second most diverse and expansive in the world, following Chinese. Modern Mexican cuisine takes its cues from the ancient dishes of the Aztecs, Mayans and Spanish conquistadores.

Polish Cuisine

Polish CuisinePolish cuisine has evolved over the centuries from a mixture of exterior influences, such as Slavic, Jewish, Turkish, Germanic and Hungarian culinary traditions.

Polish chefs take their craft quite seriously; some meals take days to prepare. In general, Polish cuisine is known for its rich use of meat, especially pork, as well as cabbage and noodles or dumplings.

Spanish Cuisine

About Spanish CuisineSpanish cuisine is becoming more and more trendy with the successful launch of tapas bars and lounges around the country.

However, there is much more to Spanish cuisine than just tapas; each geographical region brings something special to the table.

Classic Castilian cuisine hails from the Castile-León region, which is located northwest of Madrid and characterized by dry plains, mountains and valleys.

Sushi and Sashimi

Sushi and SashimiThe cuisine of Japan is quite diverse, but sushi and sashimi are possibly the most interesting aspects of Japanese dining. Sushi began many centuries ago as a method of preserving raw fish.

Over the years, it has transformed into a delicate art form. The word "sushi" refers to the rice, but in American society, it can mean the bite-sized piece of raw fish or seafood placed on top of seasoned rice.

Thai Cuisine

About Thai CuisineThai food has a reputation for being hot and spicy, but the intensity of the heat can be easily adjusted to personal taste without comprimising the rich depth of flavor that is fundamental to the cuisine.

Garlic, chilies, coconut milk, fish sauce and shrimp paste are common ingredients found in Thai food. These basics are complimented by adding pungent flavor elements like basil, lime juice, lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaves, fresh cilantro, ginger, galangal...

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