Cooking practices and traditions in the UK. British cuisine has a reputation for not being overly sophisticated, but paying attention to the quality of ingredients that are usually locally sourced. The sauces and condiments of traditional British cooking are also relatively simple and are used to enhance the natural flavor of a food rather than alter it. During the heyday of Great Britain as a colonial power, British cuisine was strongly influenced by the cuisine of "overseas" countries, primarily India. English (British) cuisine is truly homemade, delicious and pedantic. This is manifested in the desire of each chef to make the most of the products that he has. English cuisine, like all British cuisine, is considered quite conservative. This is partly true: the British do not like to experiment with food, like the French or Italians, but the taste of traditional English dishes is known all over the world.