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 Belizean Food
Belizean cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, blending Caribbean, Mexican, African, and Mayan influences. Four of the five countries with the most similar food to Belize are all located around the Caribbean Ocean. All five countries have tropical climates and an ample amount of coastline.
- Costa Rica and Belize rely heavily on rice and beans as staple ingredients, often served together with chicken or seafood. Gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s iconic dish of rice and beans, bears a resemblance to Belizean rice and beans, though with its own unique seasoning profiles. Additionally, both countries eat a lot of tropical fruits.
- Ecuador is in South America, but its food still has a lot in common with Belize’s. Ceviche is a popular dish in both cultures. Plantains feature prominently in both cuisines, whether fried, mashed, or baked. Additionally, the tradition of wrapping foods in banana leaves for cooking, as seen in Belizean tamales, resonates with Ecuador’s culinary practices.
- Barbados is another former British colony with a lot of coastline. Its blend of African, British, and Caribbean influences, exhibits many similarities with Belizean food. Both cuisines showcase a love for barbecued meats, marinated in spices and served with rice or bread. Flying fish is a staple in both Barbadian and Belizean cuisine.
- Panama‘s traditional food draws inspiration from indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean culinary traditions. These countries boast a rich array of tropical fruits, seafood, and hearty stews. Both feature dishes that showcase the versatility of plantains, whether fried, boiled, or mashed.
- Bahamas is another English-speaking country on this list. Conch, a beloved ingredient in Bahamian cuisine, is also prominent in Belize. Both countries excel in creating hearty stews, often featuring a medley of vegetables, spices, and meats. Moreover, these countries have laid-back island vibes and vibrant street food scenes.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Belize
The Least Similar Cuisines to Belizean Food
All five of the countries with the least similar food to Belize are located in Africa. Furthermore, these nations are all landlocked. These countries are not as developed as Belize, so their food supply variety is smaller.
- Chad is a landlocked country in the middle of Africa. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains there. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Peanuts and sesame seeds are also popular.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan on this list. Cassava is the nation’s staple food. Sorghum is a large part of the country’s diet too. Porridge is one of its most popular dishes. Chicken meat is less commonly consumed there compared to Belize.
- 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. Bananas and plantains are also an extremely common source of food in the country.
- 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 and dambunama.
- Sierra Leone, like Belize, was once a British colony. However, their food has little in common. The vast majority of Sierra Leone’s diet is made up of starches, especially rice and cassava.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Belize
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Belize’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Pork
Fruit: Orange, Banana
Vegetable: Onion, Bean
Starch: Wheat, Rice
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.