Food for Today ©2010

Chapter 51: Foods of Southwest Asia, the Middle East, & Africa

Chapter Summary

The cuisines of Southwest Asia, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa are bold, flavorful, and colorful, with diverse ingredients and dishes. Southwest Asia includes the Middle East and neighboring countries. Its cuisine consists of a variety of ingredients and seasonings, as well as Israeli traditions. North African cuisine is influenced by Arab cultures. Each North African nation has its own specialties. The countries in sub-Saharan Africa have an enormous diversity of cuisine. Many dishes reflect the influence of countries that have colonized sub-Saharan Africa, while others reflect local staples and traditions.