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 Costa Rican Food
Food in Costa Rica is influenced by a combination of indigenous, Spanish, and African cuisines. All five countries with the most similar food to Costa Rica have a tropical climate. In addition, they all have a lot of coastline.
- Panama borders Costa Rica. Both countries commonly feature rice and beans in their cuisines. Chicken and pork are the most popular meats in these countries. Chorizo, a spicy sausage, is common in both Panamanian and Costa Rican cuisines. In addition, these countries have a lot of tropical fruits, which are often mixed into their many dishes.
- Ecuador is in South America, but its food is still similar to Costa Rica’s. These countries have a tradition of hearty soups and stews. Rice is the most commonly eaten grain in these nations as well. Fried plantains, known as patacones or tostones, are mainstays in the cuisine of both countries. Both nations love to eat ceviche.
- Bahamas is not a Latin American country, but its cuisine still has a lot in common with Costa Rican cuisine. For example, Costa Rica’s “gallo pinto” is quite similar to “peas and rice”. One reason is that in the 19th century, many Afro-Caribbeans migrated to Costa Rica for work and brought their unique culinary talents.
- Brazil is another South American country on this list, but its food is similar to Costa Rica’s as well. It emphasizes fresh natural ingredients. Both countries often eat rice and beans, known as “gallo pinto” in Costa Rica and “feijoada” in Brazil. Additionally, bananas feature prominently in both of their dishes, adding a refreshing touch to the palate.
- Belize and Costa Rica rely heavily on rice and beans as staple ingredients, often served together with chicken or seafood. Additionally, both countries eat a lot of tropical fruits. Soups and stews are a staple in these countries. Tortillas are a common accompaniment to many meals in both Belize and Costa Rica, used as a base for various dishes.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Costa Rica
The Least Similar Cuisines to Costa Rican Food
The five countries with the least similar food to Costa Rica are all located in Africa. Four of the five countries are landlocked. However, relatively few countries have a diet that is extremely different from Costa Rica’s, since the country has a wide range of influences from many different regions of the world.
- Chad is a predominately Muslim country that was once a French colony in Africa. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Popular dishes include sesame soup and fried dough balls.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan. Cassava is its staple food, however the country eats a lot of sorghum as well. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country. In addition, South Sudanese cuisine features a variety of sauces and condiments made with peanuts and sesame seed, unlike Costa Rican cuisine.
- Niger is a mostly Muslim country in Africa. It has an extremely hot and dry climate, so it is mostly desert. Its two most common staple foods are millet and sorghum. Some traditional dishes in Niger include tuwo, a porridge made from millet or sorghum, and dambunama.
- Central African Republic, like Chad and Niger, was once a colony of France, before becoming independent. It is located between Chad and South Sudan. Cassava and yam are two of the most commonly eaten ingredients in the country. Beef is the most popular meat in the country.
- Burundi is yet another French-speaking African country on this list. It is located in the Great Lakes region of Africa, so freshwater fish are the country’s biggest source of meat. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Costa Rica
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Costa Rica’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Pork
Fruit: Banana, Pineapple
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Rice, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.