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 South African Food
When it comes to the culinary landscape of South Africa, several countries stand out for their similarities in ingredients and traditional meals. Three of the five countries with the most similar food ingredients to Botswana are also located in Southern Africa. However, interestingly enough, two of the five are located in Latin America.
- Botswana is another relatively wealthy country in Sub-Saharan Africa, located to the north of South Africa. 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).
- Namibia borders both South Africa and Botswana. Cornmeal is a staple ingredient in these countries. Maize porridge, known as “pap,” is often served as a side dish or used as a base for stews. Furthermore, sunflower seed oil is commonly used for cooking purposes in South Africa and Namibia.
- Ecuador is in South America, but it has similar ingredients. Both South Africa and Ecuador’s diet include staples such as potatoes, rice, beans, and corn. In addition, chili pepper is a common ingredient as well. It adds a spicy flavor to their traditional dishes.
- Eswatini is located to the east of South Africa. In these countries, corn is often ground to make a porridge known as pap in South Africa or bogobe in Eswatini. It accompanies various dishes. Ingredients like pumpkin, beans, and various greens are often used in their stews.
- Guatemala and South Africa both consume a lot of corn. It is a basis for many of their traditional dishes. In addition, chicken and beef are the two most commonly eaten meats in these countries. Furthermore, banana is the most popular fruit in both countries.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to South Africa
The Least Similar Cuisines to South African Food
South Africa has a blend of African and European culinary traditions. As a result, few countries have food that is significantly different from it. Most of the countries with the least similar food to South Africa are located in hot and humid climates. Moreover, these countries are not as developed as South Africa.
- Chad is another country in Africa, but its food is far different from South Africa’s. This landlocked country is mostly Muslim. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains there. Beef is the most popular meat, but lamb meat is also often eaten there. Peanuts and sesame seeds are also extremely popular there.
- 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.
- South Sudan is yet another landlocked African country on this list. Cassava accounts for the largest part of the country’s diet, however South Sudanese eat their share of sorghum as well.
- Central African Republic was once a colony of France before becoming independent. Cassava and yam are two of the most commonly eaten staple ingredients in the country. Furthermore, taro and bananas make up a much greater share of the diet in Central African Republic than in South Africa.
- Solomon Islands is another country located in the Pacific Ocean on this list. The country’s diet is much more reliant on sweet potato, yam, taro, and coconut than South Africa. In addition, most of its protein is from fish from the ocean.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to South Africa
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
South Africa’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Beef
Fruit: Banana, Grape
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Corn, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
