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 Algerian Food
Algeria is a country in North Africa that has a unique blend of Mediterranean, Berber, and Arabic influences. The five nations with the most similar food are all predominately Muslim countries. They also have relatively dry climates. Furthermore, these countries are neither especially wealthy nor especially poor.
- Morocco is on Algeria’s western border. Both countries have many Berber people, but most people natively speak Arabic now. These countries have a rich tradition of tagines, slow-cooked stews bursting with aromatic flavors. Key ingredients such as lamb, chicken, couscous, and a variety of spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon are common in both Algerian and Moroccan dishes. Additionally, preserved lemons and olives play a vital role in enhancing the flavors of many traditional Algerian and Moroccan recipes.
- Tunisia is another Arabic-speaking country that borders Algeria 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.
- Libya is another country that has a delightful blend of Mediterranean and North African culinary influences. Couscous features prominently in both cuisines. They tend to use a lot of garlic, onions, and olive oil as well. Additionally, lamb and chicken, are popular sources of protein in both countries.
- Syria was once a French colony, similar to Algeria. Both border the Mediterranean Sea. Their cuisines make use of ingredients common in the region’s cooking, such as olive oil, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Baklava and other various sweet pastries are also popular in these predominately Muslim countries.
- Turkey and Algeria heavily rely on fresh produce, olive oil, and herbs, characteristic of Mediterranean cooking. Lamb and beef are staple proteins, while wheat is the staple starch. A popular dish in both countries, kebabs come in various forms and flavors. Their cuisines often feature stuffed vegetables, such as peppers and vine leaves.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Algeria
The Least Similar Cuisines to Algerian Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Algeria are predominately Christian. Furthermore, these countries get significantly more rainfall as well. As a result a much higher percentage of the land in these nations is forested.
- Micronesia is a group of small islands in the Pacific Ocean. The country’s isolation has limited its exposure to foreign influences. Coconuts are a huge part of their cuisine. In addition, rice and cassava are the two most commonly eaten starches in Micronesia.
- Central African Republic is to the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It 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.
- Papua New Guinea is another country in the south Pacific on this list. In contrast to Algeria, it is one of the nations with the most rainfall. The nation eats coconuts far more often than Algerians. In addition, seafood is more common as well.
- Cambodia is the only country outside of Africa on this list. Its cuisine is far different from Algeria’s, since the country’s diet is heavily based in rice and cassava, while relatively little wheat and potatoes are consumed there. Freshwater fish make up a large part of its diet.
- Solomon Islands is a tropical archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. Most of its people live near the coast, so seafood is common in the country’s cuisine. Sweet potatoes, yams, and coconuts are all popular ingredients in the food there.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Algeria
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Algeria’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Lamb, Chicken
Fruit: Watermelon, Orange
Vegetable: Onion, Tomato
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
Man, Most People in Algeria doesn’t eat lamb, you should change lamb to beef