What is Latin American cuisine? Many of our everyday foods are of Latin American origin. For example, the potato, the tomato and the cacao. For that reason alone, but also because the food there is as complex as the culture itself, it is worth discovering the continent's cuisine. The basic recipes of Latin American cuisine, with lots of meat and staples like rice, beans and maize, are similar in many places. However, there are also some special variations and regional peculiarities. Vegetarians will also find what they are looking for. Some of the dishes may seem strange to European palates, but be assured that the culinary journey is well worth it.