Phuket, a melting pot of ethnicities, has a rich culinary history that is heavily influenced by its geographical location and the many cultures that have settled on the island over centuries. It sits at a historically significant trading route between India and China, which has brought a fusion of flavors and spices to its cuisine. Phuket's food also has Malaysian and Indonesian influences due to the southward migration of people from these regions. The significant Chinese and Peranakan (Straits-born Chinese, also known as Baba-Nyonya) communities have contributed to a unique Phuketian cuisine, known locally as 'Baba' cuisine, which blends Chinese ingredients with Malay and Thai spices and cooking techniques.