List of European cuisines

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This is a list of European cuisines. A cuisine is a characteristic style of cooking practices and traditions, [1] often associated with a specific culture. European cuisine refers collectively to the cuisines of Europe. [2] European cuisine includes cuisines of Europe, but can arguably also include non-indigenous cuisines of North America, Australasia, Oceania, and Latin America, which derive substantial influence from European settlers in those regions.

Contents

The cuisines of European countries are diverse by themselves, although there are common characteristics that distinguishes European cooking from cuisines of Asian countries [3] and others. Compared with traditional cooking of Asian countries, for example, meat is more prominent and substantial in serving-size. [4] Wheat-flour bread has long been the most common sources of starch in this cuisine, along with pasta, dumplings and pastries, although the potato has become a major starch plant in the diet of Europeans and their diaspora since the European colonization of the Americas.

European cuisine by regions Cuisines of Europe.svg
European cuisine by regions

Central European cuisine

German sausages and cheese German sausages and cheese.jpg
German sausages and cheese

Eastern European cuisine

  • Belarusian cuisine shares the same roots with cuisines of other Eastern and Northern European countries, basing predominantly on meat and various vegetables typical for the region.
Pelmeni Russian.jpg
A plate of pelmeni. These types of dumplings are usually filled with minced meat.
C0681-Fedyakovo-Auchan-vodka.jpg
A large selection of Russian vodka
Arima Grand Hotel09s4s4272.jpg
Telesko vareno, Bulgarian beef soup
  • Bulgarian cuisine is a representative of the cuisine of Southeastern Europe. Essentially South Slavic, it shares characteristics with other Balkans cuisines. Owing to the relatively warm climate and diverse geography affording excellent growth conditions for a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits, Bulgarian cuisine is diverse.
  • Kazakh cuisine
  • Moldovan cuisineMoldova's fertile soil (chernozem) produces plentiful grapes, fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat and milk products, all of which have found their uses in the national cuisine. The fertile black soil combined with the use of traditional agricultural methods permits growing a wide range of ecologically clean foods in Moldova.
  • Romanian cuisine is a diverse blend of different dishes from several traditions with which it has come into contact, but it also maintains its own character. It has been greatly influenced by Ottoman cuisine.
  • Russian cuisine is diverse, as Russia is the largest country in the world. [7] Russia's great expansions of territory, influence, and interest during the 16th–18th centuries brought more refined foods and culinary techniques, as well as one of the most refined food countries in the world. It was during this period that smoked meats and fish, pastry cooking, salads and green vegetables, chocolate, ice cream, wine, and liquor were imported from abroad. At least for the urban aristocracy and provincial gentry, this opened the doors for the creative integration of these new foodstuffs with traditional Russian dishes. The result is extremely varied in technique, seasoning, and combination. Traditional and common Russian foods include:
Ukrainian borscht with side dishes of smetana, pampushky and pork cracklings Borshch2.jpg
Ukrainian borscht with side dishes of smetana, pampushky and pork cracklings
  • Ukrainian cuisine has significant diversity, historical traditions and is influenced by Russian, Turkish and Polish cuisines. [9] Common foods used include meats, vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, berries and herbs. [9] [10] In Ukraine, bread is a staple food, there are many different types of bread, and Ukraine is sometimes referred to as the "breadbasket of Europe." [9] Pickled vegetables are utilized, particularly when fresh vegetables are not in season. [9] There are about 30 varieties of Ukrainian Borscht soup, [10] a common dish that often includes meat. [9]
  • Crimean Tatar cuisine is primarily the cuisine of the Crimean Tatars, who live on the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. The traditional cuisine of the Crimean Tatars derives basically from the same roots as the cuisine of the Volga Tatars, although unlike the Volga Tatars they do not eat horse meat and do not drink mare's milk ( kymyz ). However, the Crimean Tatars adopted many Uzbek dishes during their exile in Central Asia since 1944, and these dishes have been absorbed into Crimean Tatar national cuisine after their return to Crimea.
  • Ukrainian wine
  • Armenian cuisine includes the foods and cooking techniques of the Armenian people, the Armenian diaspora and traditional Armenian foods and dishes. The cuisine reflects the history and geography where Armenians have lived as well as incorporating outside influences. The cuisine also reflects the traditional crops and animals grown and raised in areas populated by Armenians.
  • Azerbaijani cuisine is the cuisine of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani cuisine throughout the centuries has been influenced by the foods of different cultures due to political and economic processes in Azerbaijan. Out of 11 climate zones known in the world, the Azerbaijani climate has nine. [11] This contributes to the fertility of the land, which in its turn results in the richness of the country's cuisine.
  • Georgian cuisine refers to the cooking styles and dishes with origins in the nation of Georgia and prepared by Georgian people around the world. The Georgian cuisine is specific to the country, but also contains some influences from the Middle Eastern and European culinary traditions.

Northern European cuisine

An English Sunday roast with roast beef, roast potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding Sunday roast - roast beef 1.jpg
An English Sunday roast with roast beef, roast potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding
Irish stew is a traditional stew made from lamb, or mutton, potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsley. Irish stew 2007 (cropped).jpg
Irish stew is a traditional stew made from lamb, or mutton, potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsley.
Lohikeitto is a creamy salmon soup and a common dish in Finland and other Nordic countries. Lohikeitto.jpg
Lohikeitto is a creamy salmon soup and a common dish in Finland and other Nordic countries.
  • British cuisine is the specific set of cooking traditions and practices associated with the United Kingdom. British cuisine has been described as "unfussy dishes made with quality local ingredients, matched with simple sauces to accentuate flavour, rather than disguise it." [13] However, British cuisine has absorbed the cultural influence of those that have settled in Britain, producing hybrid dishes, such as the Anglo-Indian chicken tikka masala. [14] [15]
  • Northern Irish cuisine
  • Scottish cuisine is the specific set of cooking traditions and practices associated with Scotland. It has distinctive attributes and recipes of its own, but shares much with wider European cuisine as a result of foreign and local influences both ancient and modern. Scotland's natural larder of game, dairy, fish, fruit, and vegetables is the integral factor in traditional Scottish cooking. Scotland, with its temperate climate and abundance of indigenous game species, has provided a cornucopia of food for its inhabitants for millennia. The wealth of seafood available on and off the coasts provided the earliest settlers with their sustenance. Agriculture was introduced, with primitive oats quickly becoming the staple.
  • Welsh cuisine

Southern European cuisine

Moussaka is an eggplant or potato-based dish popular in Mediterranean cuisine and Balkan cuisine. Several variations exist. MussakasMeKolokithakiaKePatates.jpg
Moussaka is an eggplant or potato-based dish popular in Mediterranean cuisine and Balkan cuisine. Several variations exist.
Doner kebab on rotisseries in Istanbul Doner Kebab in Istanbul.jpg
Doner kebab on rotisseries in Istanbul
Greek salad Flickr - cyclonebill - Graesk salat.jpg
Greek salad
  • Spanish cuisine has a variety of dishes including thousands of recipes and flavors arising from Spain's extensive history with many cultural influences, and variations in geography and climate. It is heavily influenced by seafood available from the waters that surround the country, and reflects the country's deep maritime roots. Spanish wine is a significant part of Spanish cuisine. Regional Spanish cuisines include:
A gourmet antipasto platter Antipasto Platter.jpg
A gourmet antipasto platter
Pasta is a staple food of Italy. (Pasta) by David Adam Kess (pic.2).jpg
Pasta is a staple food of Italy.
  • Italian cuisine – presents popular dishes like pizza, pasta, lasagne, Mozzarella and other well-known food. Italian cuisine has been influenced by Ancient Greek, Ancient Roman, Etruscan cuisines and dates back to 4th century BCE. It maintains strong regional diversity and it uses a vast variety of ingredients, mostly because of the political divisions in Italian history and different climate and resources in the country. Most of the dishes are simple to prepare and not expensive, which is one of the reason it is very popular around the world.
  • Italian wine
  • Regional Cuisines – in Italian cuisine, each area has its own specialties, primarily at the regional level, but also at provincial levels. [17] [18] [19] The cuisine has an abundance of differences in taste, and is known to be one of the most popular in the world, [20] with influences abroad. [21] The differences can derive from a bordering country (such as France or Austria), whether a region is close to the sea or the mountains, and economics. Italian cuisine is also seasonal, often incorporating fresh produce. Italian regional cuisines include:

Western European cuisine

Coq au vin is a French braise of chicken cooked with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and optionally garlic. Coq au vin rouge.jpg
Coq au vin is a French braise of chicken cooked with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and optionally garlic.

Regional cuisines

Historical cuisines

See also

Related Research Articles

Albanian cuisine is a representative of the cuisine of the Mediterranean. It is also an example of the Mediterranean diet based on the importance of olive oil, fruits, vegetables and fish. The cooking traditions of the Albanian people are diverse in consequence of the environmental factors that are more importantly suitable for the cultivation of nearly every kind of herbs, vegetables and fruits. Olive oil is the most ancient and commonly used vegetable fat in Albanian cooking, produced since antiquity throughout the country particularly along the coasts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polish cuisine</span> Culinary traditions of Poland

Polish cuisine is a style of food preparation originating in and widely popular in Poland. Due to Poland's history, Polish cuisine has evolved over the centuries to be very eclectic, and shares many similarities with other national cuisines. Polish cooking in other cultures is often referred to as à la polonaise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Latin American cuisine</span> Broad culinary traditions

Latin American cuisine is the typical foods, beverages, and cooking styles common to many of the countries and cultures in Latin America. Latin America is a highly racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse with varying cuisines. Some items typical of Latin American cuisine include maize-based dishes arepas, empanadas, pupusas, tacos, tamales, tortillas and various salsas and other condiments. Sofrito, a culinary term that originally referred to a specific combination of sautéed or braised aromatics, exists in Latin American cuisine. It refers to a sauce of tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, garlic, onions and herbs. Rice, corn, pasta, bread, plantain, potato, yucca, and beans are also staples in Latin American cuisine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">European cuisine</span> Cuisine indigenous to Europe

European cuisine comprises the cuisines originating from the various countries of Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russian cuisine</span> Culinary traditions of Russia

Russian cuisine is a collection of the different dishes and cooking traditions of the Russian people as well as a list of culinary products popular in Russia, with most names being known since pre-Soviet times, coming from all kinds of social circles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern European cuisine</span> Culinary traditions of Eastern Europe

Eastern European cuisine encompasses many different cultures, ethnicities, languages, and histories of Eastern Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ukrainian cuisine</span> Culinary traditions of Ukraine

Ukrainian cuisine is the collection of the various cooking traditions of the people of Ukraine, one of the largest and most populous European countries. It is heavily influenced by the rich dark soil from which its ingredients come, and often involves many components. Traditional Ukrainian dishes often experience a complex heating process – "at first they are fried or boiled, and then stewed or baked. This is the most distinctive feature of Ukrainian cuisine".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jewish cuisine</span> Culinary traditions of Jewish communities around the world

Jewish cuisine refers to the worldwide cooking traditions of the Jewish people. During its evolution over the course of many centuries, it has been shaped by Jewish dietary laws (kashrut), Jewish festivals and holidays, and traditions centred around Shabbat. Jewish cuisine is influenced by the economics, agriculture, and culinary traditions of the many countries where Jewish communities have settled and varies widely throughout the entire world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mediterranean cuisine</span> Culinary tradition

Mediterranean cuisine is the food and methods of preparation used by the people of the Mediterranean Basin. The idea of a Mediterranean cuisine originates with the cookery writer Elizabeth David's book, A Book of Mediterranean Food (1950), and was amplified by other writers working in English.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sarma (food)</span> Stuffed dish

Sarma is a traditional food in Ottoman cuisine made of vegetable leaves rolled around a filling of minced meat, grains such as rice, or both. It is commonly marketed in the English-speaking world as stuffed grape leaves, stuffed vine leaves, or stuffed cabbage leaves. The vegetable leaves may be cabbage, patience dock, collard, grapevine, kale or chard leaves. Sarma is part of the broader category of stuffed dishes known as dolma, and has equivalents in Eastern European cuisines from the northern Baltic through Ukraine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tatar cuisine</span> Cuisine of the Tatar people

Tatar cuisine is primarily the cuisine of the Volga Tatars, who live in Tatarstan, Russia, and surrounding areas.

Bosnian cuisine is the traditional cuisine of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is influenced by Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Balkan cuisines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldovan cuisine</span> Culinary traditions of Moldova

Moldovan cuisine is a style of cooking related to the people of Moldova. It consists mainly of ingredients such as various meats, potatoes, cabbage, and a variety of cereal grains. The local cuisine is very similar to Romanian, and also draws inspiration and elements from other cuisines in the region, including Greek, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian, with a great influence left by the Ottoman cuisine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chebureki</span> Crimean Tatar deep-fried turnover

Cheburek are deep-fried turnovers with a filling of ground or minced meat and onions. A popular street dish, they are made with a single round piece of dough folded over the filling in a crescent shape. They have become widespread in the former Soviet-aligned countries of Eastern Europe in the 20th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crimean Tatar cuisine</span> Culinary traditions of Crimean Tatars

The Crimean Tatar cuisine is primarily the cuisine of the Crimean Tatars, who live on the Crimean Peninsula. The traditional cuisine of the Crimean Tatars has similarities with that of Greeks, Italians, Balkan peoples, Nogais, North Caucasians, and Volga Tatars, although some national dishes and dietary habits vary between different Crimean Tatar regional subgroups; for example, fish and produce are more popular among Yaliboylu and Tat dishes while meat and dairy is more prevalent in Steppe Tatar cuisine. Many Uzbek dishes were incorporated into Crimean Tatar national cuisine during exile in Central Asia since 1944, and these dishes have become prevalent in Crimea since the return. Uzbek samsa, laghman, and plov (pilaf) are sold in most Tatar roadside cafes in Crimea as national dishes. In turn, some Crimean Tatar dishes, including Chiburekki, have been adopted by peoples outside Crimea, such as in Turkey and the North Caucasus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oceanian cuisine</span> Cuisine native to the South Pacific

The cuisines of Oceania include those found on Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea, and also cuisines from many other islands or island groups throughout Oceania.

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