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 Jordanian Food
Jordan has a rich history and diverse influences. Four of the five countries with the most similar food are in predominately Arab countries. All five are mostly Muslim. In fact, Islamic dietary laws dictate the types of meats that are permissible, leading to a focus on chicken and beef in their cuisines. In addition, these countries all have relatively dry climates.
- Kuwait is another country in the Levant that has similar food to Jordan. 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 these countries.
- Iran is the only country that is not mostly Arab on this list. Nevertheless, flatbreads are a staple in both Jordanian and Iranian cuisine. They are used to wrap, scoop, or complement the main dishes. In Jordan, dishes like Makloubeh and salads feature fresh herbs like parsley and mint. Similarly, Iranian cuisine’s emphasis on herbs can be seen in dishes like Ghormeh Sabzi.
- Lebanon and Jordan have cuisines that make use of common ingredients such as lamb, chicken, rice, bulgur wheat, chickpeas, eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and various spices like cumin, cinnamon, and sumac. Grilled meats, such as kebabs and shawarma, are popular in both Lebanon and Jordan.
- Iraq is on Jordan’s eastern border. Jordanian cuisine has many parallels with Iraqi food, particularly in the use of ingredients like chickpeas, eggplant, and lamb. Fresh and colorful salads featuring ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs are staples in both cuisines.
- Syria is on Jordan’s northern border. These countries feature dishes where vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and grape leaves are stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, then cooked in a flavorful sauce. Flatbreads like pita bread are staples in both Syrian and Jordanian cuisines.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Jordan
The Least Similar Cuisines to Jordanian Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Jordan are all located in Africa. Interestingly enough, most have little coastline. Most of these countries get much more rainfall than Jordan as well. As a result, they are also more densely forested. 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. Plantains are also an extremely common source of food in the country. In contrast, Jordan typically eats more watermelons.
- Burundi is yet another former colony of Belgium on this list. It is 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 Jordan.
- Micronesia‘s reliance on seafood and tropical produce reflects the abundance of these resources in its environment. In Jordan, ingredients like grains (rice, bulgur wheat), legumes (chickpeas, lentils), and meats (lamb, chicken) are more prevalent due to the region’s agricultural practices and climate.
- South Sudan borders Central African Republic. Cassava is the nation’s staple food. Sorghum is a large part of the country’s diet as well. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country. Relatively little chicken meat is consumed there compared to Jordan.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is another French-speaking country on this list. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country, unlike in Jordan, where wheat and rice are more prevalent. Dairy products are also more commonly eaten in Congo than in Jordan.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Jordan
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Jordan’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Beef
Fruit: Banana, Watermelon
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Wheat, Rice
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
