Much like the people of the Coastal Southeast, ancestors of the current central highland were originally from northern and eastern parts of China. It is believed that they immigrated here about two thousand years ago. One prevalent proof of this immigration can be seen in the cuisines of this area. Many cuisines of this area reflect the ancestral taste of the Han settlers. Another unique characteristic of this area is the cuisine prepared by indigenous peoples. This area of China is home to many ethnic minorities such as Zhuang Buyei, and other Tai speakers. These minorities were the original inhabitants of the Central Highlands and they make up most of what is now Lao, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The minorities heavily impacted the food of this region as some of the cuisines here features techniques such as open-fire grilling that is not associated with Han cooking.