Countries with the Most Similar Food to Mexico

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 Mexican Food

Mexican cuisine is incredibly diverse and varies from region to region. Its food reflects a variety of European and indigenous Mesoamerican culinary traditions. It is no surprise that four of the five countries with the most similar food to Mexico are also Spanish-speaking. Since corn originated in this region, it continues to be the region’s staple. It is used to make a variety of foods including tortillas, tamales, and esquites.

1. Guatemala borders Mexico to its south. The culture of both countries was greatly influenced by Mayan civilization. Pepián, one of the most notable Guatemalan dishes, is similar to Pipián in Mexican cuisine. Both are made of tomatillo, tomato, and chili peppers, then thickened with gourd seeds. In addition, tamales, dough made from corn in steamed husks, are also commonly eaten in both countries.
2. Ecuador and Mexico both use corn as a staple ingredient. In Mexico, there are tortillas, tamales, and atole, while in Ecuador, corn is used in humitas, mote, and chicha. In addition, both cuisines feature beans and rice as common side dishes. They include fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs like cilantro, onions, tomatoes, and avocados.
3. El Salvador is another Spanish-speaking country further to the south of Guatemala. Pupusas, the national dish of El Salvador are very similar to Gorditas, except that they are open on one side. In addition, the side dish Chirimol is basically the same as Mexican pico de gallo. The dish consists of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, cilantro, and lime.
4. Colombia and Mexico tend to eat different starches. Mexico eats more corn and wheat, while Colombia eats more rice and potatoes. Still, these countries have very similar ingredients. Plantains and tropical fruits are very common parts of both cuisines. Both countries love empanadas, though they are prepared differently.
5. Brazil is another country in South America on this list. Brazil’s diet relies more heavily on cassava and has more of an African influence. However, the two countries share similar ingredients. Chicken is the most commonly eaten meat in these nations. Furthermore, bananas and oranges are the most popular fruits.

Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Mexico

The Least Similar Cuisines to Mexican Food

The five nations with the least similar food to Mexico are not as developed. As a result, they are more heavily dependent on starches in their diet. Corn based foods, eggs, and chicken are not nearly as widely consumed in these countries as they are in Mexico. Still, few countries have food ingredients that are far different from Mexico’s, relative to other countries.

1. Micronesia is a group of small islands in the Pacific Ocean. The country’s isolation has limited its exposure to foreign influences. Coconuts are a huge part of their cuisine. In addition, rice and cassava are the two most commonly eaten starches in Micronesia.
2. Chad is a country in the middle of Africa. It is predominately Muslim. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains there. Lamb meat is much more popular in Chad. Peanuts and sesame seeds are also widespread.
3. South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan. Cassava is South Sudan’s staple food, however the country eats a lot of sorghum, like Niger. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country.
4. Niger is a landlocked country in the Sahel region of Africa with an extremely hot and dry climate. Its two most common staple foods are millet and sorghum. Some traditional dishes in Niger include tuwo, a porridge made from millet or sorghum, and dambunama, a dish made from millet, vegetables, and meat.
5. Solomon Islands is a tropical archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. Most of its people live near the coast, so seafood is common in the country’s cuisine, unlike in Mexico. Sweet potatoes, yams, and coconuts are all common ingredients in the food there.

Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Mexico

Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories

Mexico’s Most Common Food Ingredients

Protein: Chicken, Egg
Fruit: Orange, Banana
Vegetable: Tomato, Chili pepper
Starch: Corn, Wheat

Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.