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 Filipino Food
The top four countries with the most similar food to the Philippines come from Southeast Asia. In addition, all five countries are located in tropical regions. As a result, rice is the most commonly eaten food in all of these countries.
- Indonesia is another island nation in Southeast Asia. Most people in both countries speak Austronesian languages. Nasi Goreng, an Indonesian fried rice dish cooked with various ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, vegetables, and a sweet soy sauce, is akin to the Philippines’ adobo fried rice. However, Indonesia is predominately Muslim so pork is less often eaten there.
- Thailand and the Philippines have both been influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Malay cuisines. These Asian countries also utilize similar ingredients such as rice, noodles, coconut milk, and seafood. The emphasis on bold flavors, aromatic herbs, and the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes is a common thread between their cuisines.
- Malaysia is another country in Southeast Asia on this list. Rice is central to both cuisines. In addition, their food makes generous use of coconut milk. Given the archipelagic nature of both nations, seafood is widely used. Malaysian food integrated Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences, and Filipino food blends indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American elements.
- Vietnam is across the South China Sea from the Philippines. Filipino cuisine is known for its use of vinegar and soy sauce, which gives its dishes a sour and savory flavor. Both countries have sweet and sour soups. Sinigang is quite similar to Vietnamese Canh Chua. Spring rolls are also commonly eaten in both countries. Lumpiang ubod and Gỏi cuốn look alike, although the contents of Lumpiang ubod is typically cooked, not raw.
- Panama is another country that has been heavily influenced by Spanish colonization and the United States. Their cuisines share several characteristics, such as the use of rice, tropical fruits, chicken, and seafood. Arroz con pollo and adobo have similar ingredients, although they differ in terms of their flavor. These countries both inherited empanadas from Spanish cuisine as well.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to the Philippines
The Least Similar Cuisines to Filipino Food
It is no surprise that the five countries with the least similar food to the Philippines are all landlocked. They also have strong nomadic and pastoral traditions, where people rely on animal husbandry and move with their herds. Furthermore, these countries tend to get significantly less rainfall than in the Philippines.
- Mongolia is also in Asia, but its geography is vastly different from the Philippines. It is the most sparsely populated country in the world. The country’s cold, dry climate makes it difficult to grow crops. Their people tend to eat much more meat from cattle, sheep, and goats than in the Philippines. They also eat more dairy products, especially yogurt.
- Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked country that borders Tajikistan. Both countries were once part of the Soviet Union. Grapes and apples are two of the most popular commonly consumed fruits in Uzbekistan, unlike in the Philippines where bananas and coconuts are more prevalent.
- Turkmenistan is yet another Central Asian country that was once part of the Soviet Union on this list. Wheat, potatoes, and lamb are key ingredients in Turkmen cuisine. The country’s culinary traditions reflect the rich nomadic heritage of the Turkmen people.
- Chad is a former French colony in Africa. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Beef is the most popular meat, but lamb meat is also often eaten there. One popular dish is saka-saka, a mix of spinach and cassava leaves.
- Tajikistan is yet another landlocked country on this list. It is also predominately Muslim on. Its cuisine incorporates spices such as cumin, coriander, dill, and parsley, which add depth to dishes. In contrast, Filipino cuisine utilizes soy sauce and vinegar more often.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to the Philippines
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Philippines’ Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Pork
Fruit: Banana, Coconut
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Rice, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.