When did comida criolla start?

Comida criolla, a term that refers to the traditional Creole cuisine of Latin America, particularly in the Caribbean and parts of South America, began to develop in the colonial period, around the 16th century. It emerged as a fusion of indigenous, African, and European culinary traditions, shaped by the diverse cultural influences from colonization and the transatlantic slave trade. While its roots can be traced back to this era, comida criolla has continued to evolve, incorporating local ingredients and flavors over time.