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 Kuwaiti Food
The five countries with the most similar food to Kuwait are all Arab countries that are mostly Muslim. Four of the five countries border the Persian Gulf. This body of water has historically facilitated the exchange of culinary traditions and ingredients among these nations.
- Qatar‘s cuisine shares many similarities with Kuwait’s. Dishes like machboos and various grilled meats are popular in both countries. Chicken is the most commonly consumed protein in these nations. Furthermore, tomato and onion are the two most popular vegetables. In addition, fruits like watermelons, dates, and bananas are common.
- Oman is another Arab country on this list. Both countries border the Persian Gulf. Flatbreads are a staple in both Omani and Kuwaiti diets. These breads are often used to scoop up stews, dips, and other dishes. In addition, dates are commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert in both countries.
- Bahrain and Kuwait have many rice dishes in their cuisines. Furthermore, bread is a fundamental component in their diets. Various types of flatbreads, such as khubz, are widely consumed, often served with stews, dips, or grilled meats. Dates are a popular and traditional snack in both Oman and Kuwait as well.
- Jordan is in the Levant, but it also has similar food to Kuwait. Wheat and rice are the two most commonly eaten starches. Kabsa, flatbreads such as khubz, dates, and aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin are common in their culinary preparations. Traditional desserts like halva, baklava, and pastries are enjoyed in Jordan and Kuwait
- Saudi Arabia borders Kuwait. Due to geographic proximity and historical ties, their cuisines are similar. Both cuisines feature a variety of mezze (appetizers) that include dishes like hummus, falafel, and baba ganoush. Furthermore watermelons and dates are the most commonly eaten fruits in these countries.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Kuwait
The Least Similar Cuisines to Kuwaiti Food
The four of the five countries with the least similar food to Kuwait are located in Africa. These countries get tend to get more rainfall than Kuwait as well. In general, wheat and rice based products are less commonly eaten in these five countries.
- Central African Republic is a former French colony in the middle of Africa. The majority of the country’s diet is based on cassava and yams. Bananas and plantains are also an extremely common source of food in the country. In contrast, Kuwait typically eats more watermelons and dates.
- Burundi is another landlocked country located in the tropical regions of Africa. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas. Very little rice and wheat is eaten in Burundi as well, compared to Kuwait.
- South Sudan borders Central African Republic. Cassava is the nation’s staple food. Sorghum is a large part of the country’s diet too. Porridge is one of its most popular dishes. Chicken meat is less commonly consumed there compared to Kuwait.
- 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. Cassava is one of the most commonly eaten starches in Micronesia.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is another French-speaking country on this list. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country, unlike in Kuwait, where wheat and rice are more prevalent. Freshwater fish is also more commonly eaten in Congo than in Kuwait.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Kuwait
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Kuwait’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Lamb
Fruit: Date, Watermelon
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Wheat, Rice
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
