Haitian food is influenced by French, African, and Spanish foods with Taino roots. Typical meals include imported rice, local vegetables, and meats native to the island. Meals tend to be mildly spicy with the use of scotch bonnet peppers. Most dishes start with a pesto base, which consist of several different types of herbs, peppers, and spices. Like all cultures Haitian cuisine has unique soups, pastries, and various dishes that bring some interest to the mundane dishes eaten daily in our country.