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 Guyanese Food
Guyana is located northern coast of South America. The country boasts a rich culinary tradition from the diverse cultural influences of its population. With a fusion of Creole, South Asian, and Indigenous flavors, Guyana’s cuisine stands out as a being quite unique. The five countries with the most similar food all have tropical climates.
- Suriname is on Guyana’s eastern border. Both Guyana and Suriname have diverse populations, including Indigenous peoples, descendants of African slaves, and immigrants from East India. Rice is a staple in the diets of both Guyanese and Surinamese people. Rice and peas dishes, often prepared with kidney beans or black-eyed peas, are commonly enjoyed there.
- Dominican Republic and Guyana have their own distinct flavors and influences, there are some similarities between the two due to historical and cultural connections. Rice and beans are staple foods in both Dominican Republic and Guyanese cuisines. Given their location on the coast, both countries have a strong emphasis on seafood.
- Fiji has many people with South Asian ancestry, just like Guyana. As a result, they brought their culinary culture to both these countries. Curries are extremely popular in both countries. Coconuts bring flavor to many of their traditional dishes. Fish, shrimp, crab, and other seafood are commonly consumed in both regions.
- Jamaica is yet another country that borders the Caribbean Sea on this list. Rice and peas are staple dishes in both Jamaican and Guyanese cuisines. Since both countries were once British colonies, they have some cultural similarities. In fact, curry was brought to Jamaica by Indian indentured servants brought to work on sugar plantations.
- Cuba and Guyana have a diverse culinary heritage shaped by the influences of African, Indigenous, and European cuisines. Both cuisines feature variations of empanadas or pastelitos, which are pastry dough stuffed with savory fillings such as meat, cheese, or vegetables. Both countries incorporate citrus fruits and tropical fruits into their dishes.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Guyana
The Least Similar Cuisines to Guyanese Food
The five countries with the least similar food to Guyana are all landlocked. Most have a significantly drier climate as well. However, relatively few countries have a diet that is extremely different from Guyana’s, since it has influences from many different regions of the world.
- South Sudan is located in the middle of Africa. Cassava is its staple food, however the country eats a lot of sorghum as well. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country. In addition, South Sudanese cuisine features a variety of sauces and condiments made with peanuts and sesame seed.
- Chad is a predominately Muslim country that was once a French colony in Africa. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Popular dishes include sesame soup and fried dough balls.
- Zambia is located in Southern Africa unlike the first two countries on this list. Its staple foods include corn, millet, cassava, and various vegetables such as pumpkin leaves and okra. Meat, particularly beef, chicken, and freshwater fish, are also commonly consumed.
- Mongolia has a cold, dry climate that 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 from Guyana.
- Uzbekistan is a doubly-landlocked country in Central Asia. The country’s cuisine is deeply rooted in Central Asian traditions, with influences from Turkic, Persian, and Russian traditions. Furthermore, bananas and papayas are much less prevalent in Uzbekistan.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Guyana
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Guyana’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Crustaceans
Fruit: Banana, Papaya
Vegetable: Pumpkin, Eggplant
Starch: Rice, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
