In the sun-soaked Caribbean, Old and New World collided to form a vibrant cuisine out of a variety of influences, from the original Arawak and Taíno inhabitants, to European colonizers, African slaves and East Asian immigrants.
Rice, cornmeal porridge and starchy root vegetables form the foundation of many of the Caribbean region's meals, while fresh vegetables and tropical fruits add flavor and nutrients to dishes. Chicken, pork, goat and seafood are the favored proteins in most of island nations around Caribbean.