Every country’s cuisine is unique, but which countries have food further from the global average than others? Data from the Country Food Similarity Index was used to suggest some answers to this seemingly subjective question. The weight of raw food ingredients used in each country was compared to the global average. An analysis of the data gives some suggestions for what countries might have the most unique food ingredients in the world. Here is a list of the 5 countries with most unusual cuisines in the world, according to the research:
1. Micronesia
The country of Micronesia is made up of a group of small tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean. As a result of its geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and small market size, the cost of importing food items is expensive. Subsistence farming and fishing is common in Micronesia. The country’s diet is less influenced by international food trends and more focused on traditional dishes and preparation methods.
Starchy roots form the basic components of Micronesian cuisine. Taro, cassava, and sweet potatoes are often consumed as staple carbohydrates. Fish is the most common source of meat in the Micronesian diet. Tuna, bonito, and mahi-mahi are commonly consumed. Coconut is another essential ingredient in the nation’s cuisine. Coconut milk, coconut cream, and grated coconut are used in a wide range of dishes.
2. South Sudan
South Sudan is a landlocked country in Africa. It is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. The country has experienced several decades of conflict and political instability, which has limited the development of modern infrastructure and the availability of processed or imported foods. As a result, its food is not very diversified. Many of its people are subsistence farmers or herders.
Cassava and sorghum are the two most commonly consumed staple food in South Sudan. Sesame seeds are an unusually common part of their cuisine. Okra and gourds are widely used vegetables in South Sudanese cooking. They are used to thicken soups and stews. Unlike most countries, beef is most widely consumed meat, however freshwater fish are also a significant part of the diet in regions near rivers and lakes.
3. Central African Republic
Central African Republic is another landlocked country located to the west of South Sudan. Its geographical isolation limits its access to international markets and affect the diversity of available food products. It is one of the world’s least developed countries. Traditional dishes and cooking methods are still common in this tropical country. Most of their people still engage in subsistence farming.
Central African cuisine varies by region and ethnic group. Each region has its own traditional dishes. As a whole, cassava and yams are the two most consumed starches in the country. Like South Sudan, beef and freshwater fish are the two most commonly eaten meats. It is also known for its diverse wild game meats like antelope, monkey, and bats. Insects are also a commonly eaten ingredient in the country.
4. Kiribati
Kiribati is another chain of tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean on this list. It is one of the least developed countries in the region. Like Micronesia, its economic situation and geographic isolation impacts the types of foods that are available and imported. Subsistence farming and traditional fishing practices remain important for local livelihoods and food production.
Kiribati cuisine can vary by island and atoll. Each community may have its own traditional dishes. Still, coconuts are a fundamental ingredient in Micronesian cuisine. It is often used to flavor dishes and add richness. Given its location in the Pacific, Kiribati has abundant access to a variety of fish and seafood. Popular fish species include tuna, bonito, and parrotfish.
5. Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands is a Melanesian country in located in the South Pacific Ocean. Many of its citizens have limited economic resources. Agriculture is still a vital part of its economy, and many people engage in subsistence farming. Solomon Islanders make use of locally available ingredients, often gathered from the wild or grown in home gardens.
Starchy roots, like sweet potatoes, taro, and yams, are the staple foods of Solomon Islands. Sago, derived from the pith of sago palm trees, is another essential ingredients in many parts of the country. Commonly consumed fish include tuna, mahi-mahi, and coral trout. The Solomon Islands have a rich variety of tropical fruits and vegetables, including breadfruit, bananas, papayas, and pineapples. Many of these fruits are used in desserts and side dishes.
Top 10
- Micronesia – 41.8
- South Sudan – 44.6
- Central African Republic – 45.1
- Kiribati – 45.2
- Solomon Islands – 45.4
- Chad – 45.9
- Burundi – 47.3
- Papua New Guinea – 48.2
- Vanuatu – 48.5
- Democratic Republic of Congo – 49.5
Complete List of Countries
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
