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 Food in Benin
Benin’s cuisine reflects its rich history and culture. The five nations with the most similar food all border the Atlantic Coast. These West African countries all have a tropical climate. Their cuisines rely on a variety of starchy staples such as such as yams, cassava, and plantains. They also tend to consume a lot of fish.
- Nigeria is on Benin’s eastern border. For hundreds of years, both countries were once part of the Oyo Empire. Both of their cuisines use starchy staples such as yams, cassava, and plantains to make dishes like fufu and eba. They rely heavily on stews and soups made with a variety of meats and vegetables. Additionally, both cuisines use spices like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers to add flavor to their dishes.
- Togo is on Benin’s western border. They were both French colonies before gaining independence. Cassava and yams are these nations favorite staples. Tilapia, Mackerel, Catfish, and Sardines are popular in both countries. Like many West African countries, fufu is often served with a variety of flavorful soups and sauces.
- Ivory Coast is even further to the west. Both nations were once part of French West Africa. They have cuisines that include a variety of seafood dishes due to their coastal location. Grilled fish, shrimp, and other seafood are commonly enjoyed. Furthermore, fermented corn / sorghum pudding is commonly eaten in these countries as well.
- Ghana is another nation that shares some culinary similarities with Benin. Both nations consume many yams, cassava, and corn. Dishes like amassa and kedjenou have counterparts in Ghana’s cuisine. Furthermore, fish is the most commonly eaten meat in these countries. However, pineapples are more widely consumed in Benin.
- Cameroon is another African country that shares some culinary similarities with Benin. Both countries share a fondness for spicy and flavorful dishes. Staples like rice, maize, and cassava are prevalent in both cuisines. Fufu, made from cassava or yams, is a common side to soups and stews.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Benin
The Least Similar Cuisines to Food in Benin
The four of the five countries with the least similar food to Benin are located in Europe. As a result, seafood is a significantly smaller portion of their diets. Furthermore, their climates are much cooler than Benin’s. Their people tend to consume a greater amount of wheat and potatoes than Benin.
- Poland‘s diet is heavy in pork products. In contrast, pork is not as commonly eaten in Benin. Polish cuisine uses a range of condiments like sour cream, mustard, and horseradish to enhance the flavors of dishes. Benin’s cuisine uses more peanut-based sauces, palm nut sauces, and tomato-based sauces.
- Latvia‘s cuisine often includes ingredients like potatoes, rye bread, dairy products (especially sour cream and cheese), pork, mushrooms, and berries. These ingredients are not especially common in Benin.
- Slovakia‘s diet consists of far more pork and chicken than Nigeria’s. Slovakians also eat more dairy products. Cream, yogurt, and cheese are three ingredients commonly eaten in Slovakia that are rarely eaten in Nigeria. Furthermore, Slovakian cuisine tends to be milder and less spicy than Nigerian cuisine.
- Mongolia is a sparsely populated country between Russia and China. Its cold, dry climate 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 people in Benin. They also eat more dairy products, especially yogurt.
- Hungary‘s geographic location and distinct cultural influences are greatly different from Benin’s. It is landlocked, so Hungarians eat significantly less fish. Sour cream and various cheeses are very common in the country, in contrast to typical food in Benin.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Benin
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Benin’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Saltwater Fish, Freshwater Fish
Fruit: Pineapple, Banana
Vegetable: Tomato, Chili Pepper
Starch: Cassava, Yam
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
