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 Laotian Food
Rice is by far the most commonly eaten ingredient in the diets of the five countries with the most similar food to Laos. These countries all have tropical climates. Locally sourced ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, are fundamental to the cuisines in these countries.
- Vietnam is on the eastern border of Laos. Both countries were once colonized by the French. These countries eat a lot of sticky rice and freshwater fish. One of the most famous Lao dishes is Larb, which is similar to the Vietnamese dish Nem. Both are made with minced meat, fresh herbs, and spices. Papaya salad is also quite popular in Laos and Vietnam.
- Cambodia and Laos were both part of the Khmer Empire and more recently, French Indochina, so the countries have significant cultural similarities. Sticky rice is a staple in both cuisines. Rice noodles are a common component in their dishes. Both countries also have an abundance of freshwater fish in their cuisine.
- Thailand has a lot of cultural similarity with Laos. Their languages are closely related. Their food ingredients are also similar. Dishes like Som Tum (green papaya salad) in Thailand find a counterpart in Laos’ Tam Mak Houng. The use of lemongrass, galangal, and lime is prevalent in both cuisines.
- Philippines and Laos incorporate coconut milk in their dishes, creating rich and creamy textures. Additionally, the use of banana leaves for wrapping and cooking, as seen in Filipino dishes like Binalot, is also mirrored in Lao cuisine. Fish sauce and fermented ingredients play a crucial role in their cuisines.
- Madagascar may seem like an unexpected inclusion, but there are intriguing parallels between Malagasy and Laotian cuisines. Rice and cassave are the two most commonly eaten starches in these countries. They also use many herbs and spices. Additionally, the consumption of freshwater fish and the prevalence of grilled dishes resonate with elements found in Laotian cooking.
The Least Similar Cuisines to Laotian Food
All five countries with the least similar food to Laos are located in Central Asia. These countries have much cooler and drier climates than Laos, so their agriculture is far different. Four of the five countries are predominately Muslim and were once part of the Soviet Union. Furthermore, Laos is more densely forested than these nations.
- Mongolia has a cold, dry climate that makes it difficult to grow crops. As a result, the country relies on animal husbandry for a large portion of its food. Mongolians tend to eat much more meat from cattle, sheep, and goats than Laotians. They also eat more dairy products, especially yogurt.
- Uzbekistan is a doubly-landlocked country in Central Asia. The country’s cuisine features a mix of traditional Uzbek and Russian dishes. Potatoes and wheat are two of the most commonly consumed starches in Uzbekistan, unlike in Laos where cassava and rice 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.
- Tajikistan is an extremely mountainous country that borders Uzbekistan. Tajik cuisine features stews, dumplings, and bread, and the extensive use of lamb and beef, in stark contrast to Laos.
- Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea. Its cuisine incorporates a variety of meats, including lamb, beef, and poultry. Common ingredients include vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers. In Laos, rice is a staple, and its cuisine features a wide range of fresh herbs, tropical fruits, and river fish.
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Laos’ Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Freshwater Fish, Pork
Fruit: Banana, Watermelon
Vegetable: Chili Pepper, Peanut
Starch: Rice, Cassava
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
