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 Malaysian Food
Malaysian cuisine is incredibly diverse, reflecting the country’s multi-ethnic population, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. As a result, the five countries with the most similar food are also quite diverse. With the exception of Thailand, these countries are all located on islands.
- Taiwan is another country that borders the Pacific Ocean. A high percentage of people in Malaysia have Chinese ethnicity. Both countries feature a variety of rice and noodle dishes as well as dumplings and steamed buns. However, Malaysia is predominately Muslim, so chicken and fish are more popular than Taiwan’s favorite meat, pork.
- Japan and Malaysia often feature rice as a staple of many dishes. Furthermore, both countries surrounded by water, so seafood plays a significant role in their cuisines. Noodles are also extremely popular in both countries, like mee goreng in Malaysia and ramen in Japan. Soy sauce, ginger, and garlic are commonly used in both cuisines.
- Thailand is on Malaysia’s southern border. Both countries are adjacent to both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Dishes like stir-fried noodles, noodle soups, and noodle salads are popular. Curries are also prevalent in both Malaysian and Thai cuisines, albeit with variations in types and flavors. Both cuisines incorporate coconut milk into their dishes.
- Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Its cuisine reflects a blend of Indian, African, Chinese, French, and Creole culinary traditions, so both food in Mauritius and Malaysia have many influences. Fish, shrimp, crab, and shellfish are commonly used in various dishes in both culinary traditions.
- Indonesia and Malaysia are very similar countries. Their people speak mutually intelligible languages and are mostly Muslim. Their cuisines are fusion of indigenous, Chinese, and Indian flavors. Both nations utilize ingredients such as rice, coconut milk, tamarind, and aromatic herbs. Dishes like Nasi Lemak (coconut rice with side dishes), Rendang (spicy meat stew), and Satay are enjoyed in both countries.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Malaysia
The Least Similar Cuisines to Malaysian Food
Interestingly enough, all five countries with the least similar food to Malaysia are located on the mainland of Africa. Besides Sudan, these countries are landlocked as well. Furthermore, these nations tend to have drier climates than Malaysia and are also more sparsely populated.
- Chad is located in the Sahel region of Africa. Chad’s cuisine is far different from Malaysia’s. It heavily relies on staple foods like millet, sorghum, corn, and beans. Furthermore, saltwater fish are far less often eaten in Chad, due to its geography.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan on this list. Cassava and sorghum are the staple foods in South Sudan. The country also eats relatively little meat compared to Malaysia. South Sudanese cuisine tends to be more rustic and hearty, while Malaysian cuisine is known for its delicate use of fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables.
- Central African Republic is yet another landlocked nation that was once a colony of France on this list. Cassava and yam are two of the most commonly eaten ingredients in the country. Furthermore, taro makes up a much greater share of the diet in Central African Republic than in Malaysia.
- Niger is a predominately Muslim country in Africa. It has an extremely hot and dry climate, so it is mostly desert. Its two most common staple foods are millet and sorghum. Some traditional dishes in Niger include tuwo, a porridge made from millet or sorghum, and dambunama, a dish made from millet, vegetables, and meat.
- Sudan borders both Central African Republic and South Sudan. The contrasting ingredients in Sudanese and Malaysian cuisines can be attributed to their distinct agricultural landscapes. In Sudan, a warm climate allows for the cultivation of crops like sorghum, millet, and various legumes.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Malaysia
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Malaysia’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Saltwater Fish
Fruit: Coconut, Banana
Vegetable: Onion, Cabbage
Starch: Rice, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
