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 Chadian Food
Chad’s diet is quite unique compared to the rest of the world. It has a great diversity of ethnic groups, and their cuisine reflects a variety of culinary influences from different regions and communities. The five countries with the most similar food to Chad are all located in between the Sahara Desert and the tropical regions of Africa. With the exception of South Sudan, these countries are all predominately Muslim. Four of the five are landlocked.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan. Beef is the most commonly eaten meat in both country. Sorghum is one of the most widely used ingredients in both countries, however South Sudan tends to eat more cassava than Chad. Sesame seeds are also popular in these countries.
- Niger is to the west of Chad. It is another nation where the two most common ingredients are millet and sorghum. They both tend to eat a lot of beef, lamb, and goat. However, meat is a larger share of the diet in Chad. Peanuts are commonplace in their cuisines. Furthermore, mangos are most widely eaten fruits in these countries.
- Sudan is to the east of Chad. One difference is that more wheat is consumed in Sudan. However, millet and sorghum are also commonly eaten there as well. Beef is the most popular meat in both countries. Stews and porridges are widespread. Both nations incorporate vegetables like okra, tomatoes, onions, and leafy greens into their dishes.
- Mali is yet another former colony of France on this list. Both countries eat a lot of sorghum porridge with their meals. They also like to eat deep fried dough balls. However compared to Chadians, people in Mali tend to eat more rice. Mangos and watermelons are the two most commonly eaten fruits in these countries.
- Burkina Faso is a landlocked country that borders both Niger and Mali. Saghbo is popular in Burkina Faso. It is a dough consisting of cooked millet, corn, or sorghum. It is consumed with various stews and sauces which are made from meats or vegetables. People in Niger eat similar balls of dough to those commonly eaten in Chad.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Chad
The Least Similar Cuisines to Chadian Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Chad are in Eastern Europe, so their climates are much cooler. They all get significantly more rainfall than Chad as well. This difference in climate affects agricultural practices, limiting the types of crops that can be cultivated. These countries are also wealthier per capita than Chad too.
- Poland borders the Baltic Sea. Its cuisine often features staples like wheat, potatoes, and pork. Chad, with its reliance on millet and sorghum, has very different staple foods. Furthermore, dairy products, like cream, cheese, and yogurt are more popular in Poland.
- Kiribati is an archipelago of small islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Coconuts and fish from the ocean are commonly eaten staple foods in Kiribati, unlike in landlocked Chad. Bananas are also a much smaller part of the diet in Chad.
- Belarus borders Poland. It is another Slavic country on this list. Although both Chad and Belarus are landlocked, their climates are quite different, since Belarus is significantly colder. Potatoes play a significant role in Belarusian cuisine and are used in various dishes, including draniki. In Chad, the climate does not favor potato
- Slovakia is a mountainous and landlocked country in Europe. Potato-based dishes, such as bryndzové halušky (dumplings with cheese and bacon) are popular. The use of cabbage, dairy, and pork contributes to the nation’s diet being far different than Chad’s.
- Latvia is another country on this list that borders the Baltic Sea. Rye bread is a staple, and smoked fish, such as sprats, is common. Dairy products, like curd snacks and sour cream, play a significant role. Latvian cuisine also incorporates a variety of grains, root vegetables, and foraged ingredients.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Chad
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Chad’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Beef, Lamb
Fruit: Mango, Watermelon
Vegetable: Peanut, Bean
Starch: Sorghum, Millet
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
