Indian cuisine

Indian cuisine consists of myriad regional cuisines which date back thousands of years. Indian dishes are characterized by the extensive use of Indian spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Vegetarianism is an important part of Indian society and is reflected in the cuisine. Indian food varies from region to region, reflecting the demographics of the ethnically-diverse subcontinent.
Hindu beliefs and culture have played an influential role in the evolution of Indian cuisine. However, cuisine across India also evolved as a result of the subcontinent's large-scale cultural interactions with other cultures, making it a unique blend of many cuisines. The spice trade between India and Europe is often cited as the main catalyst for Europe's Age of Discovery. Indian cuisine has influenced cuisines across the world, especially those from Southeast Asia, the British isles and the Caribbean.