The cuisine of Manado, also known as Minahasan cuisine, is characterized by its rich variety of seafood, bold flavors, and the generous use of spices, such as chili, lemongrass, and lime. Its geographic location by the sea means that fish and other seafood form the cornerstone of many dishes. Additionally, the influence of European colonizers, particularly the Portuguese and Dutch, brought a variety of spices and cooking methods that have intermixed with local traditions to create a distinctive culinary culture. Manadonese cuisine is also known for its exotic ingredients and is considered one of the spiciest in Indonesia.