Regional Overview

France's overseas territories span the globe, from Caribbean islands to Indian Ocean outposts and Pacific archipelagos. These DOM-TOM (Départements et Territoires d'Outre-Mer) blend French culinary techniques with local ingredients and cultural influences from Africa, India, China, and indigenous populations. Each territory developed unique fusion cuisines that reflect complex colonial histories and contemporary multicultural societies.

The tropical climates support different agriculture than mainland France—tropical fruits, spices, rum, and seafood dominate. These territories contribute distinctive flavors to French cuisine: Antillean spices, Tahitian vanilla, and Réunionnais cari. While politically French, these cuisines maintain strong regional identities shaped by geography, available ingredients, and cultural heritage.