If you've never tried it before, you might think that Thai cuisine tastes a lot like other Asian cuisines. While it does have both Chinese and East Indian influences, it also has its own identity that separates it greatly from the foods served in neighboring countries.

not even recognized as a flavor until the early 1900's, Umami is a popular staple in asian cuisine and provides an alternative to salt as a way to increase flavor in food.

Atlanta is a great place to be a vegetarian or vegan. There are many restaurants offering a wide variety of meatless, vegetarian and/or vegan cuisine, from Mediterranian to Asian, soul food to American Southwestern. Here is a sampling of what awaits the visitor at Atlanta's favorite vegetarian establishments.

People around the world love and crave Asian food. I’m not talking about your standard Chinese Restaurant. There is more to experience and taste out there. The most dominant food you can find at almost every corner, street or restaurant is Javanese food - originally from Java - and for good reasons:

Malaysian cuisine is yummy, exotic and exciting. Its stimulating flavors and culinary styles will whip just about anyone into an endless gastronomic frenzy. Comprising of three main groups namely Malay, Chinese and Indian, Malaysian food has become a fusion of the three and more, making it one of the world's most unique cuisine.

Cuisine of India is characterized by its sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and herbs. Considered by some to be the world's most diverse cuisine, each family of this cuisine is characterized by a wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. Though a significant portion of Indian food is vegetarian, many traditional Indian dishes also include chicken, goat, lamb, fish, and other meats.Food is an important part of Indian culture, playing a role in everyday life as well as in festivals. In many families, everyday meals are usually sit-down affairs consisting of two to three main course dishes, varied accompaniments such as chutneys and pickles, carbohydrate staples such as rice and roti (bread), as well as desserts.Diversity is a defining feature of India's geography, culture, and food. Indian cuisine varies from region to region, reflecting the varied demographics of the ethnically diverse subcontinent. Generally, Indian cuisine can be split into four categories: North Indian, South Indian, East Indian, and West Indian. Despite this diversity, some unifying threads emerge in the art of Indian cuisine. Varied uses of spices are an integral part of food preparation, and are used to enhance the flavor of a dish and create unique flavors and aromas. Cuisine across India has also been influenced by various cultural groups that entered India throughout history, from regions as diverse as West Asia, Central Asia and Europe.