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 Sudanese Food
South Sudan’s diet is quite unique compared to the rest of the world. It has a great diversity of ethnic groups, and their cuisine reflects a variety of culinary influences from different regions and communities. The five countries with the most similar food to South Sudan are all located in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Chad is another country that borders Sudan. Beef is the most commonly eaten meat in both country. Sorghum is one of the most widely used ingredients in both countries, however South Sudan tends to eat more cassava than Chad. Sesame seeds are also popular in these countries.
- Central African Republic is on South Sudan’s western border. The use of staple foods like cassava, plantains, and rice are common in both countries. These nations feature a rich tradition of soups and stews, often accompanied by a variety of flatbreads or porridge-like dishes.
- Tanzania is another East African country with influences from the Middle East. In South Sudan, “kisra” is a fermented flatbread made from sorghum or millet, while Tanzania has its own versions of flatbreads, such as “chapati” or “mandazi.” Both cuisines feature a variety of stews and sauces served with staple foods.
- Guinea and South Sudan both incorporate rice into some dishes, such as wali in South Sudan and jollof rice in Guinea. The use of groundnut paste in Guinean cuisine echoes South Sudan’s boranga, highlighting a shared appreciation for nutty richness.
- Cameroon is a melting pot of culinary influences. Similar to South Sudan, Cameroonians enjoy a variety of starchy staples, including plantains, yams, and cassava. Barbecue is also common in these countries. They also incorporate a wide array of spices.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to South Sudan
The Least Similar Cuisines to South Sudanese Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to South Sudan are in Eastern Europe, so their climates are much cooler. They all get significantly more rainfall than South Sudan as well. This difference in climate affects agricultural practices, limiting the types of crops that can be cultivated.
- Kiribati is an archipelago of small islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Coconuts and fish from the ocean are commonly eaten staple foods in Kiribati, unlike in landlocked South Sudan. Bananas are also a much smaller part of the diet in South Sudan.
- Poland borders the Baltic Sea. Its cuisine often features staples like wheat, potatoes, and pork. Chad, with its reliance on millet and sorghum, has very different staple foods. Furthermore, dairy products, like cream, cheese, and yogurt are more popular in Poland.
- Latvia is another country on this list that borders the Baltic Sea. Rye bread is a staple, and smoked fish, such as sprats, is common. Dairy products, like curd snacks and sour cream, play a significant role. Latvian cuisine also incorporates a variety of grains, root vegetables, and foraged ingredients.
- Belarus borders Poland. It is another Slavic country on this list. Although both South Sudan and Belarus are landlocked, their climates are quite different, since Belarus is significantly colder. Potatoes play a significant role in Belarusian cuisine and are used in various dishes, including draniki. In South Sudan, the climate does not favor potato.
- Lithuania‘s cuisine features a variety of meats, including pork and poultry. Sausages, particularly the Lithuanian sausage known as “dešra,” are quite popular. In South Sudan, meat is often sourced from livestock such as goats and sheep. Furthermore, Lithuania has a rich tradition of dairy consumption, unlike South Sudan.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to South Sudan
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
South Sudan’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Beef, Freshwater Fish
Fruit: Cantaloupe, Mango
Vegetable: Sesame, Pumpkin
Starch: Cassava, Sorghum
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
