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 Botswanan Food
When it comes to the culinary landscape of Botswana, several countries stand out for their similarities in ingredients and traditional meals. Four of the five countries with the most similar food to Botswana are also located in Southern Africa. Due to British influence in the region, English is one of the official languages in these four countries as well.
- Namibia is situated to the west of Botswana. The Kalahari Desert covers much of the land area in both countries. Cornmeal is a staple ingredient in both Botswana and Namibia. Maize porridge, known as “pap,” is often served as a side dish or used as a base for stews. Game meat is also a prominent ingredient of both their cuisines. Furthermore, sunflower seed oil is commonly used for cooking purposes in Botswana and Namibia.
- South Africa is another relatively wealthy country in Sub-Saharan Africa, located to the south of Botswana. Their people often eat pap, spiced sausage, and potjie. In addition, both nations share a fondness for barbecued meat and various vegetable-based dishes like “chakalaka” (spicy relish) and “morogo” (wild spinach).
- Eswatini‘s cuisine emphasizes locally sourced ingredients such as corn, beef, and beans, much like Botswana. Both nations also relish dishes like “pap”, “smashed pumpkin”, and “dombolo” (steamed bread rolls), which highlight their culinary parallels. However, people in Eswatini eat less watermelons and more oranges.
- Lesotho is another landlocked country that borders South Africa. The native languages of Lesotho and Botswana, Sesotho and Setswana, are closely related. Both countries use cornmeal as a base for various stews and sauces. Additionally, “motoho” (sour porridge) and “oxtail stew” are cherished dishes in both nations, showcasing their shared love for comfort food. However, potatoes are a bigger part of the diet in Lesotho.
- Uruguay is located in South America, but its food ingredients have some surprising similarities with Botswana’s cuisine. Beef plays a central role in the diets of both countries. In addition, European colonization deeply influenced the food eaten in Uruguay and Botswana. The introduction of wheat and corn due to colonial trade routes has contributed to shared ingredients in both regions.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Botswana
The Least Similar Cuisines to Botswanan Food
The five countries with the least similar food to Botswana are located in tropical climates, so they get far more rainfall. Four of the five countries are located in the South Pacific Ocean. Moreover, these countries are not as wealthy as Botswana, so they are more heavily dependent on starches and seafood in their diet.
- Micronesia, in stark contrast to Botswana, 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.
- Solomon Islands is another tropical archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. Most of its people live near the coast, so seafood is much more common in the country’s cuisine. Sweet potatoes, yams, and coconuts are all common ingredients in their food.
- Papua New Guinea is a country in Melanesia. The country’s diet is much more reliant on sweet potato, yam, and taro than Botswana. Furthermore, mangoes are more commonly consumed in Papua New Guinea, while watermelons are more common in Botswana.
- Central African Republic, like Botswana is a landlocked country in Africa. However, their diets are far different. Cassava and yam are two of the most commonly eaten staple ingredients in the country. Furthermore, taro makes up a much greater share of the diet in Central African Republic than in Botswana.
- Kiribati is an archipelago of small islands located in the Pacific Ocean. Coconuts and saltwater fish are commonly eaten staple foods in Kiribati, unlike in landlocked Botswana, where beef and chicken are more popular.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Botswana
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Botswana’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Beef, Chicken
Fruit: Watermelon, Banana
Vegetable: Cabbage, Onion
Starch: Corn, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.