The Country Food Similarity Index is a statistically-based attempt to quantify how similar the food in one country is relative to another. By comparing the weight of raw food ingredients used in each country, a score is assigned that reflects the degree of similarity between the respective countries. The methodology is exactly the same for each country studied.
The Most Similar Cuisines to Kenyan Food
Kenya is located in East Africa, however three of the five countries with the most similar food are in Latin America. One reason is that corn is popular in both Kenya and Latin America. These nations all have tropical climates, so similar ingredients are readably available.
- Tanzania and Kenya both border the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Victoria. Much like Tanzanians, Kenyans love ugali, a maize-based dish. Nyama Choma, the beloved grilled meat, made of beef or goat, is also a culinary treasure shared by both of these East African countries.
- El Salvador is in Central America, but the food ingredients used in Kenya are similar. In Kenya, ugali (made from corn flour) is a staple, while in El Salvador, corn-based dishes like tortillas and pupusas are common. Both Kenyan and Salvadoran cuisines feature a variety of vegetables in their dishes.
- Malawi is another country the borders the Great Rift Valley on this list. A thick maize porridge cooked with water to a dough-like consistency is commonly eaten in these countries. In Malawi, it’s often referred to as “nsima.” Ugali is typically served as an accompaniment to various dishes, such as meat stews, vegetables, or fish.
- Colombia and Kenya both have a variety of tropical fruits. Furthermore, Both countries utilize corn in various forms in their cuisines. In Colombia, corn is used to make arepas, which are flatbreads made from ground maize dough. In addition, beans and legumes are commonly used in both Colombian and Kenyan cuisines.
- Venezuela is located to the east of Colombia. Plantains are widely used in both Kenya and Venezuela. In Kenya, plantains are known as “ndizi” and are often fried or boiled and served as a side dish or snack. In Venezuela, plantains are used to make dishes like patacones (fried green plantains) and tajadas (fried ripe plantains).
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Kenya
The Least Similar Cuisines to Kenyan Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Kenya are located on tropical islands in the South Pacific. These four countries tend to eat a lot of seafood and coconuts, in contrast to Kenya, which eats more beef. These South Pacific countries are also more densely forested than Kenya and have a lower percentage of farmland.
- Solomon Islands is another country located in the Pacific Ocean on this list. The country’s diet is much more reliant on sweet potato, yam, taro, and coconut than Syria. In addition, coconuts are more commonly used in the Solomon Islands.
- Micronesia‘s reliance on seafood and tropical produce reflects the abundance of these resources in its environment. In Syria, ingredients legumes (chickpeas, lentils) and meats (lamb, chicken) are more prevalent due to the region’s agricultural practices and climate.
- Kiribati is an archipelago of small islands located in the Pacific Ocean. Coconuts and saltwater fish are commonly eaten staple foods in Kiribati.
- Vanuatu is yet another country in the Pacific Ocean on this list. Coconuts and saltwater fish are commonly eaten staple foods in Vanuatu, unlike in Kenya, where beef is more popular.
- Poland borders the Baltic Sea. The country is known for its sausages, sauerkraut, and dishes served with sour cream. Pork and dairy products are not nearly as popular in Kenya. Furthermore, its staple ingredients like bread and potatoes are not as commonly consumed there.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Kenya
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Kenya’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Beef, Freshwater Fish
Fruit: Banana, Mango
Vegetable: Tomato, Cabbage
Starch: Corn, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
