True, I guess the implication is more “traditional cuisine that can be made and/or substituted with local ingredients.” It also helps that a lot of the unique regional stuff (like galangal) is spices that can be done without in a pinch. Not to lessen the importance of using the right spices, but even in the worst case virtually everything will taste good with appropriate use of salt, black pepper and (sometimes) vinegar.
True, I guess the implication is more “traditional cuisine that can be made and/or substituted with local ingredients.” It also helps that a lot of the unique regional stuff (like galangal) is spices that can be done without in a pinch. Not to lessen the importance of using the right spices, but even in the worst case virtually everything will taste good with appropriate use of salt, black pepper and (sometimes) vinegar.