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 Tunisian Food
Tunisian cuisine is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern flavors, with influences from Berber, Arab, Ottoman, and French culinary traditions. The five nations with the most similar food are all predominately Muslim countries, located close to the Mediterranean Sea. They also have relatively dry climates.
- Algeria is another Arabic-speaking country that borders Tunisia and the Mediterranean. Both countries were once colonized by France, before becoming independent. Couscous, is a staple in both countries. Harissa, a fiery chili paste, is a beloved condiment used extensively in Tunisian and Algerian cooking.
- Morocco is further to the west than Algeria. Still, these North African countries have a lot of common culinary features. Moroccan tagines typically feature ingredients like lamb, chicken, or beef with vegetables and dried fruits, while Tunisian tagines may include similar ingredients but are often spicier.
- Libya is on Tunisia’s eastern border. Harissa, a fiery chili paste, is a beloved condiment used extensively in Tunisian and Libyan cooking. Both countries use similar ingredients such as olive oil, spices, and grains. Couscous is a staple in their cuisines, often served with stews or grilled meats.
- Syria is another Arab country bordering the Mediterranean that was once colonized by France. A low percentage of both countries is used for agriculture, but their agriculture is similar. Both countries grow olives, barley, and wheat. As a result, their typical food has similar ingredients.
- Jordan and Tunisia have cuisines that are distinct due to their unique cultural backgrounds and geographical influences. Pita bread is commonly served alongside meals in both countries. Grilled meats are prominent in these countries. Furthermore, both cuisines feature hearty stews.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Tunisia
The Least Similar Cuisines to Tunisian Food
Although Tunisia is located in Africa, four of the five countries with the least similar food to Tunisia are also located in Africa. However, these African countries are all mostly Christian. Furthermore, these countries get significantly more rainfall as well, so their agriculture is significantly different.
- 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.
- Micronesia is a group of small islands in the South Pacific Ocean. The country’s relative isolation has limited its exposure to foreign influences. Micronesian cuisine tends to focus more on the natural flavors of ingredients.
- Burundi is a landlocked country in the tropical regions of Africa on this list. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas. Very little potatoes or wheat are eaten in Burundi, compared to Tunisia.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is a large country located in the middle of Africa that is mostly tropical rainforest. Cassava is the dominant staple crop in the country, unlike in Tunisia, where wheat and potatoes are more prevalent.
- South Sudan is another landlocked country in Sub-Saharan Africa on this list. Cassava is its staple food, however the country eats its share of sorghum as well. Porridge is one of the most commonly eaten dishes in the country.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Tunisia
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Tunisia’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Saltwater Fish, Chicken
Fruit: Watermelon, Apple
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
