Indian & Sri Lankan food is most popular for its diversity. The variety of foods, spices and dishes that are native to the two countries, make it one of the most wholesome foods in the world. Traditional Indian food, however, is not only healthy, but is also incredibly tasty with a lot of health benefits. India’s unique blend of cuisines evolved through large-scale cultural interactions with neighbouring Persia, ancient Greece, the Mongols and West Asia. New World foods such as chili peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and squash, introduced by Arab and Portuguese traders during the sixteenth century, and European cooking styles introduced during the colonial period added to the diversity of Indian cuisine. Food is ingrained in the Indian culture to the extent that it contributes to their identity and personality. For many Indians, "sitting down" with their family for a meal is one of the most important activities of the day. An Indian meal, in fact, is always meant to be shared. Everyone eats a bit of everything. There is a strong belief that the family that eats together stays together, and meal time is a strong source of family bonding, talking and sharing.