How can one tell that this food is Asian or European?

One way to distinguish between Asian and European food is by considering the dominant flavors and ingredients used in the dish. Asian cuisine often incorporates soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and aromatic spices such as ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. On the other hand, European cuisine tends to rely more on herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, as well as ingredients like olive oil, butter, and cheese.

Additionally, the cooking techniques can also provide clues about the origin of the food. Asian cuisine frequently involves stir-frying, steaming, and using woks or bamboo steamers. In contrast, European cooking often includes methods like roasting, baking, braising, and sautéing. By paying attention to these flavor profiles and cooking methods, one can usually determine whether a dish is Asian or European.