Southeast Asia is not only vast, but also ethnically complex – with many of the local food customs and taboos related to the local religion. So, what is the culture of Southeast Asian countries in terms of food?
South Asian diaspora communities often have dishes that have been adapted or invented by the locals and therefore cannot be found within the subcontinent. When travelling in these regions it is often worth trying some of these dishes; you may be pleasantly surprised at what you get. Famous examples of such dishes include chicken tikka masala in the UK, roti prata/roti canai in Singapore and Malaysia, and rabbit pie in South Africa.
Today, Western influences in the form of fast-food outlets are becoming increasingly common in the cities and suburbs of Southeast Asia. McDonald's, Wendy's, Shakey's pizza and KFC are some of the more common chains that have infiltrated Southeast Asia. At the same time, one can also find traditional restaurants, bistros, Indian curry houses, Chinese noodle and dim sum shops and roadside stalls offering local delicacies.
The European way of eating also has its influences in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, for example, the Spanish influence is evident not only in the country's language but also in their love of dishes such as pan de sal (a type of bread), kilawin (raw seafood marinated in chillies), paella (a stir-fry of seafood, meat, and rice), empanada (a sweet bread) and various other flavoured meats. In contrast to other parts of Southeast Asia, traditional Filipino cuisine reflects a mixture of Chinese, Spanish and indigenous Southeast Asian influences.
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