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 Bahraini Food
The five countries with the most similar food to Bahrain are all Arab countries that are mostly Muslim. All five countries border the Persian Gulf. This body of water has historically facilitated the exchange of culinary traditions and ingredients among these nations.
- Qatar‘s cuisine shares many similarities with Bahrain’s. Dishes like machboos and various grilled meats are popular in both countries. Chicken is the most commonly consumed protein in these nations. Furthermore, tomato and onion are the two most popular vegetables. In addition, fruits like watermelons and bananas are common.
- Kuwait and Bahrain have many rice dishes in their cuisines. Furthermore, bread is a fundamental component in their diets. Various types of flatbreads, such as khubz, are widely consumed, often served with stews, dips, or grilled meats. Chicken and lamb are the two most commonly eaten proteins in these countries.
- Oman is another Arab country on this list. Both countries border the Persian Gulf. Flatbreads are a staple in both Omani and Bahraini diets. These breads are often used to scoop up stews, dips, and other dishes. In addition, dates are commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert in both countries.
- Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have a lot in common. Due to geographic proximity and historical ties, their cuisines are similar. Both cuisines feature a variety of appetizers that include dishes like hummus, falafel, and baba ganoush. Furthermore watermelons and dates are the most commonly eaten fruits in these countries.
- United Arab Emirates is another extremely similar country to Bahrain. Bread and rice are fundamental components of their diets. Various types of flatbreads, such as khubz, are widely consumed, often served with stews, dips, or grilled meats. Dates are a popular and traditional snack in both UAE and Bahrain as well.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Bahrain
The Least Similar Cuisines to Bahraini Food
The four of the five countries with the least similar food to Bahrain are located in Africa. These countries get tend to get more rainfall than Bahrain as well. In general, wheat and rice based products are less commonly eaten in these five countries.
- 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. In contrast, Bahrain typically eats more watermelons and dates.
- Burundi is another landlocked country located in the tropical regions of Africa. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas. Very little rice and wheat is eaten in Burundi as well, compared to Bahrain.
- South Sudan borders Central African Republic. 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 Bahrain.
- 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. Cassava is one of the most commonly eaten starches in Micronesia.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is another French-speaking country on this list. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country, unlike in Bahrain, where wheat and rice are more prevalent. Freshwater fish is also more commonly eaten in Congo than in Bahrain.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Bahrain
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Bahrain’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Lamb
Fruit: Banana, Watermelon
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Wheat, Rice
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.