The traditional cuisine of Cyprus has been influenced by its history of occupation and invasion by various civilizations such as Turkey and Greece. However, its dishes also reflect the island's climate and geography. While retaining Turkish and Greek influences, Cypriot food has also been affected by the rise of fast food and other western cuisines.

2. Austria
Austrian food is rich in texture and has a
unique flavor. Austrian cuisine was
influenced by the countries surrounding it.
These countries are Germany, Hungary,
and Italy. The most consumed meats in
Austria are chicken, beef, and pork.
Pastries, sweets, jams, and cakes are also
Austrian favorites. Some famous Austrian
dishes are Wiener Schnitzel and Apple
Strudel. It is believed that the Wiener
Schnitzel originally came from Milan, Italy
and was introduced to Viennese cuisine in
the 16th century.

3. Norway
Traditional Norwegian food is smoked
salmon. It is cooked many ways
and is served with dill, egg and
different kinds of sauces. Other
kinds of fish that are commonly
eaten are smoked herring,
sardines, cod and mackerel. Whale
meat and horsemeat are often used
to make Norwegian sausages.

4. England
The English have healthy and filling
meals everyday. Because England
began to trade with India in the 18th
century, India had a great influence
on English food. The food became
more flavorful with many herbs and
spices. Tarts, cakes, pastries, pies,
and pudding are very common in
English cuisine. Toast, coffee, and
cereal are also often eaten, especially
during breakfast.

5. Spain
Spanish food is a blend of Roman,
Greek, and Celtic food. The Greeks
and Romans introduced grapes,
wine, and olives. Meat pies and fish
came from the Celts. Ingredients
such as garbanzo beans, lentils, and
green beans are often used in
dishes. Potatoes, rice, almonds,
sesame seeds, onions, tomatoes,
eggs, red bell peppers, and olive oil
make up most Spanish dishes and
offer Spaniards tasty meals.

6. France
French cuisine has a rich history of
sophisticated dishes and plentiful
feasts. Because of the rich soil,
many herbs, fruits, grains, and
vegetables are grown in France.
Brandy and wine are the most
popular French alcoholic drinks.
Cheese is very important for
French cuisine and is used in
numerous dishes. Veal, chicken,
goose, duck, mutton, and pork are
great meats that French dishes
have to offer.

7. Germany
Food in Germany is important to its
culture. The most popular meats in
Germany are pork, veal, and beef.
Germans love to smoke or pickle meat
since it gives a great flavor to the
food. Germans typically eat breads,
sausages, meats, vegetables, and
cheeses. Potatoes are essential to
German cuisine and are found in many
dishes. Breakfast is made up of jam,
eggs, cheese, and meat. The most
famous German dish is considered to
be Sauerkraut.

8. Greece
Greek cuisine is very old and began
thousands of years ago. Most of the foods
eaten by Greeks today were influenced by
the foods eaten in Ancient Greece.
However, the Romans and Persian also
had an effect on Greek food. Pasta and
sauces were brought by Romans, and the
Persians introduced pastries, sweets, and
yogurt. Greek dishes often include fresh
fruits, vegetables, fish, cheese, and bread.
Olives and soup are well-known in Greece
as well.

9. Italy
France, Austria, and the former
Yugoslavia had a great effect on the
cooking techniques and food of Italy.
Italian cuisine is based on a few
dishes. These famous dishes are
pasta, lasagna, ravioli, and pizza.
Italian food is very spicy and often
includes ingredients such as crushed
red pepper, black pepper, red bell
pepper, and green bell pepper. Cheese
is also an indispensable ingredient. A
few types of Italian cheese are
romano, parmesan, mozzarella,
ricotta, and gorgonzola.

10. Portugal
The food in Portugal is often filling,
rich and full of flavor. It is very
much like the food of the
Mediterranean. The former colonies
of Portugal contributed many
different spices that include piri piri
(small, spicy chili peppers), as well
as cinnamon, black pepper, saffron
and vanilla. Olive oil is also one of
the common bases of the foods of
Portugal.

11. Sweden
Some of the traditional dishes of
Sweden are hundreds of years old, but
are still an essential part of the
everyday meals of the people. There is
a very long coast and many rivers and
lakes. This makes seafood and fish a
large part of the Swedish diet and
most Swedes love seafood including
salmon that is usually marinated or
smoked. A common Swedish breakfast
is a sandwich made of different kinds
of soft breads, cottage cheese, cream
cheese, cold cuts, eggs, goat cheese,
cucumbers, tomatoes or toast. All this
is often served with juice, coffee and
honey.

12. Switzerland
The food of the Swiss is unusual in
that it has so many regional
influences from the cuisine of its
neighbors. This includes the
French, German and Italians.
Historically, Switzerland was a
farming country, and the most
popular crops and foods include
cheese and potatoes as well as
chocolate.

13. Cyprus
Throughout its history, the island of Cyprus
has been invaded and occupied by many
different civilizations. Because of this, the
traditional cuisine of Cyprus has been
affected by the different people who have
lived there. While the food in this country
does carry strong Turkish and Greek
influences, it is also widely affected by the
climate, history and geography. Fast food
and other kinds of western cuisines have
also carried a strong influence on the day
to day eating habits of the people in this
country.