Azerbaijani cuisine refers to the cooking styles and dishes of the Azerbaijani people of Azerbaijan republic and Iranian Azerbaijan. Throughout the centuries, Azerbaijani cuisine has been influenced by the foods of different cultures, though at the same time, it remained distinctive and unique. Many foods that are indigenous to the country can now be seen in the cuisines of other neighboring cultures. For the Azerbaijanis, food is an important part of the country's culture and is deeply rooted in the history, traditions and values of the nation.