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 Lebanon
Lebanese cuisine boasts a rich tapestry of flavors and ingredients. Its culinary traditions are similar to many of its neighbors. With the exception of Iran, the five countries with the most similar food were once part of the Ottoman Empire. The influence of Turkey and Greece is evident in the abundant use of fresh ingredients, flatbreads, and flavorful dips.
- Jordan and Lebanon 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.
- Iran and Lebanon have many culinary similarities. Both nations often incorporate fruits and nuts into their meals, adding texture and richness. In Iran, dishes like Sabzi Polo feature fragrant herbs mixed with rice, often served with fish. In Lebanon, Tabbouleh showcases the aromatic combination of parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur.
- Israel is Lebanon’s neighbor to the south. Both nations share a love for fresh vegetables, grilled meats, and an array of savory mezze dishes. Hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh are just a few examples of dishes enjoyed on both sides of the border. Moreover, pita bread, a staple in Israeli cuisine, finds its roots in Lebanese flatbreads.
- Turkey is another Mediterranean country on this list. Both cuisines feature mezze, a selection of small appetizers, showcasing a vibrant array of flavors. Kebabs, grilled meats, and flatbreads like pita are also shared favorites. Moreover, the abundant use of olive oil, garlic, and citrus fruits in Lebanese cuisine echoes Turkish culinary practices.
- Greece is the only predominately Christian country on this list. Both cuisines heavily rely on fresh ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, olive oil, herbs, and spices. Both cuisines include various types of flatbreads, which are used for wraps, sandwiches, or dipping into sauces like hummus or tzatziki.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Lebanon
The Least Similar Cuisines to Food in Lebanon
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Lebanon are all located in Africa. Interestingly enough, four of the five all landlocked. Most of these countries get much more rainfall than Lebanon as well. Wheat and potato based products are less commonly eaten in these five countries.
- South Sudan borders Central African Republic and Sudan. 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 Lebanon.
- 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. Lebanon typically eats more apples and lemons.
- Micronesia is a group of small islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country relies heavily on seafood, tropical fruits, and root crops as a result. Its relative isolation has limited its exposure to foreign influences.
- Burundi is located in the tropical regions of Africa. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas. Very little potatoes and wheat are eaten in Burundi as well, compared to Lebanon.
- Chad is a landlocked country to the north of Central African Republic. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in Chad. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. However, both countries consumes very little pork.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Lebanon
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Lebanon’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Beef
Fruit: Apple, Lemon
Vegetable: Tomato, Cucumber
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.