Where it all began…

Bangladesh is a highly populated country filled with a rich cultural heritage and history that has affected many aspects of its cultural foods. As the country is boarded by the Bay of Bengal, many of the country’s dishes include freshwater fish, mainly Hilsa fish. The use of spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chillies to help enhance the natural flavours of the ingredients used, whilst also creating a delicious, flavourful meal.

Located in the northwest of South America, Colombia is a lively and vibrant country, known for its unique cities, beautiful nature, and delicious food. Just like the country, Colombian cuisine ranges from different flavours based on the region. Its vibrant agriculture is often seen throughout many dishes, through the use of varied fruits and vegetables, creating a blend of bold flavours.

The Scandinavian nation of Denmark is well known for its peaceful scenery, appealing towns, and rich history. Many of the Danish dishes celebrate seasonal ingredients and simplicity, creating warm, comforting meals. This is due to the history of the Nordic people, and how they had to adapt their way of life to Denmark’s long, cold winters. This resulted in many dishes including things such as smoked fish, bread, and cheese.

India is a vast and diverse country located in South Asia with a population of around 1.429 billion people. The country is well known for its cuisine that harbours a variety of different flavours, textures, and traditions, making its food well known and loved by people around the world. India’s rich culture is evident through its food, as it's often a key part of many festivals celebrated there, such as Diwali and Eid.

Consisting of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is full of different cultures, languages, and traditions that vary depending on the island. Its vast culture can be seen through the variety of different dishes, each unique to its region. However, each of these dishes have many common elements, such as the use of spices to create a range of sweet to spicy foods. Many of these elements were affected by the country’s history.

Italy, known for its architecture, landscapes and food, has one of the most celebrated cuisines in the world. Many of Italy’s dishes vary based on region, due to the ingredients available there. In northern regions, dishes rich in butter and cheese are popular, whilst in the Mediterranean south, many of the dishes emphasise flavours such as citrus, tomatoes and more.

Known for its luxurious, white sandy beaches and bays, vibrant, cultural dishes and soul-touching reggae music, Jamaica is one of the many Caribbean islands located in the West Indies, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Jamaican cuisine is known for its flavourful, colourful and comforting characteristics.

Located in East Africa, Kenya is a country known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Kenya’s cuisine is a product of its rich history, such as Arab influence where things like spices, rice and more have been integrated within Kenya’s cuisine. Furthermore, as Indian traders arrived into the country, it introduced things such as tea and foods like chapati, which are now prevalent in many of Kenya’s well loved dishes.

Pakistan is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy. Located in South Asia, it is home to diverse landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range to the vast deserts and fertile plains of the Indus River. Pakistan's cultural heritage is equally diverse, shaped by a mix of ethnic groups, languages, and religions, with a history that dates back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

Romania is a country located in South-Eastern Europe, mainly known for its medieval castles and for the legend of Dracula originating from Transylvania. However, it is also considered a hot point for its culinary cuisine, which is heavily centred around meat. Despite this, its widely embedded religious culture allows for many recipes to have a vegan and vegetarian friendly alternatives.

Somalia is a country known as “The Horn of Africa”, and has a population of around 1.7 million. The country is also said to be the “nation of poets” due to many of the people having a great passion for poetic arts. The language has many influences from Italian and Arabic, due to religious and historic reasons. Other than this, one of the main recognisable things about Somalia is its delicious and flavourful food, one of the most popular being “Bariis iskukaris”.

Sri Lanka is a country recognised for its vibrant landscapes, culture, and food. Its natural beauty is not only evident through its people, but also through its flavourful, distinctive cuisine. Many of the country’s dishes reflect its culture, as many of them are made to be served with a large number of people, showing how hospitality is a huge part of the Sri Lankan culture.