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 Central African Republic
Central African Republic’s cuisine reflects its rich history and culture. Four of the five nations with the most similar food are located in West Africa. These countries all have extremely hot climates and are fairly humid as well. Their cuisines rely on a variety of starchy staples.
- Ghana does not border Central African Republic, but their foods have similar ingredients. Staples like cassava, plantains, yams, peanuts, and palm oil are abundantly available in both regions, forming the basis of many traditional dishes. One notable dish enjoyed in these nations is groundnut soup, a rich and savory peanut-based stew.
- Guinea‘s cuisine features a variety of dishes centered around rice, cassava, and peanuts. Dishes like mafe, a traditional peanut stew served with meat and vegetables, bear resemblance to Central African peanut-based dishes like sauce arachide. Additionally, grilled and roasted meats are popular in both countries.
- Ivory Coast is another country where cassava and yam are the two most commonly consumed ingredients. Plantains and peanuts form the basis of numerous traditional dishes as well. Furthermore, palm oil is widely used in both countries for cooking and flavoring their food.
- Nigeria and Central African Republic rely heavily on starchy staples such as cassava, yams, plantains, and rice. These ingredients form the foundation of many traditional dishes and are often served alongside soups, stews, or sauces. Fufu, a dough-like staple made from cassava, yams, or plantains, is common in these countries.
- South Sudan is on Central African Republic’s eastern border. Both countries are landlocked and have a similar climate. Beef and freshwater fish are two of the most popular sources of protein in these countries. Both cuisines utilize similar seasonings and spices, including chili peppers, garlic, onions, and local herbs, to add flavor to dishes.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Central African Republic
The Least Similar Cuisines to Food in Central African Republic
Since Central African Republic’s food is incredibly unique, the food in many nations is very different. The five countries with the least similar food to Central African Republic tend to consume a greater amount of wheat and potatoes. They also rely less on subsistence agriculture.
- Poland‘s cuisine uses a range of condiments like sour cream, mustard, and horseradish to enhance the flavors of dishes. Central African Republic’s cuisine uses more peanut-based sauces and palm nut sauces. Furthermore, Poland eats significantly more pork.
- Hungary‘s diet consists of far more meat than Central African Republic’s. Hungarians also eat more dairy products. Cream, yogurt, and cheese are three ingredients commonly eaten in Hungary that are rarely eaten in Burkina Faso.
- Turkmenistan is a predominately Muslim country in Central Asia. Wheat and potatoes are key ingredients in Turkmen cuisine. Beef is the most commonly eaten meat in both countries, however lamb is less popular in Central African Republic.
- Libya‘s cuisine has been influenced by Mediterranean, Arab, and Berber culinary traditions. This is reflected in dishes such as couscous and shakshuk. Furthermore people in Libya tend to eat more seafood, since they live closer to the coast.
- Tunisia is another African that was once colonized by France. However, the food in Central African Rep. and Tunisia is not similar. In Tunisia, couscous and bread are essential staple foods, while cassava and yam are more common in Central African Rep.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Central African Republic
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Central African Republic’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Beef, Freshwater Fish
Fruit: Banana, Orange
Vegetable: Melonseed, Pumpkin
Starch: Cassava, Yam
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
