| China is the largest country in the world and has many | | | | instead of rice as the foundation of most meals. |
| different cuisines. Although China stretches across | | | | Japan is an island nation and much of its food uses |
| mid-Asia as well as to the east, Chinese food as a | | | | fish and fish-based ingredients. Rice is a staple in |
| whole is considered East Asian food. Throughout most | | | | Japanese cooking as are sliced, salted vegetables. |
| of China, rice is an important food staple. However, in | | | | Soy products such as tofu, soy sauce and soy paste |
| some regions, noodles rather than rice are the | | | | called miso are used in many dishes. Foods of Japan |
| foundation of the diet. Most food is prepared by | | | | also include sushi, meats flavored with teriyaki sauce, |
| mincing and cooking it, along with a small amount of oil, | | | | and lightly battered and fried meats, fish, and shellfish |
| in a wok. | | | | called tempura. |
| Within China there are three distinct regional cuisines: | | | | Korean food is a blend of Chinese and Japanese |
| Shanghainese, whose regional food is known for its | | | | influence, yet it has its own distinct flavors including soy |
| hot and spicy chili pepper flavoring and distinctive | | | | sauces, garlic, ginger, chilies, pine nuts, and sesame |
| red-colored meats. Cantonese and Chaozhao regions | | | | seeds among other spices and foods. Traditional |
| associated with flavorful meat and vegetable | | | | Korean meals include meats and seafood. Most meals |
| combinations. Beijing, Mandarin, and Shandong regions | | | | include a vegetable dish called gimchi made of grated |
| serve noodles and steamed bread dumplings used | | | | vegetables pickled with garlic, chili, and ginger. |