Asia is the largest and most populated continent, containing over 49 countries with great diversity in geography, climate, culture, and cuisine. Asian cuisine incorporates styles from Central, East, North, South, Southeast, and West Asia. While ingredients and cooking methods vary significantly between regions, staples across much of Asia include rice, soy, tofu, ginger, garlic, chilies, and seafood. Regional variations exist for important foods - like different types of rice popular in different areas, and curry originating in South Asia but used in other regions. Overall, Asian cuisine is defined by its vast diversity of cultural influences and cooking traditions across the massive continent.