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 Diets to Food in Eswatini
When it comes to the culinary landscape of Eswatini, several countries stand out for their similarities in ingredients and traditional meals. Three of the five countries with the most similar food ingredients to Botswana are also located in Southern Africa. Four of the five have English as one of their official languages.
- Botswana is another relatively wealthy country in Sub-Saharan Africa, located to the north of South Africa. Their people often eat pap, spiced sausage, and potjie. In addition, both nations share a fondness for barbecued meat and various vegetable-based dishes like “chakalaka” (spicy relish) and “morogo” (wild spinach).
- South Africa is located to the west of Eswatini. In these countries, corn is often ground to make a porridge known as pap in South Africa or bogobe in Eswatini. It accompanies various dishes. Ingredients like pumpkin, beans, and various greens are often used in their stews.
- Namibia borders both South Africa and Botswana. Cornmeal is a staple ingredient in these countries. Maize porridge, known as “pap,” is often served as a side dish or used as a base for stews. Furthermore, sunflower seed oil is commonly used for cooking purposes in Eswatini and Namibia.
- Ecuador is in South America, but it has similar ingredients to those used in Eswatini. Both of their diets include staples such as potatoes, rice, beans, and corn. In addition, chili pepper is a common ingredient as well. It adds a spicy flavor to their traditional dishes.
- Belize is another country with a large population with African ancestry. In Belize, this includes rice, beans, and corn, while in Eswatini, corn is a staple, often used to make porridge (known as pap). In addition, grapefruits are very popular in both nations.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Eswatini
The Least Similar Diets to Food in Eswatini
Eswatini has a blend of African and European culinary traditions. As a result, few countries have food that is significantly different from it. Most of the countries with the least similar food to Eswatini are located in hot and humid climates. Three are located on islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
- 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.
- Solomon Islands is another country located in the Pacific Ocean on this list. The country’s diet is much more reliant on sweet potato, yam, taro, and coconut than Eswatini. In addition, most of its protein is from fish from the ocean.
- Chad is another country in Africa, but its food is far different from Eswatini’s. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains there. Lamb meat is also often eaten there. Peanuts and sesame seeds are also extremely popular there.
- Kiribati is an archipelago of small islands located in the Pacific Ocean. Coconuts and saltwater fish are commonly eaten staple foods in Kiribati, unlike in landlocked Eswatini, where beef and chicken are more popular.
- South Sudan is yet another African country on this list. Cassava accounts for the largest part of the country’s diet, however South Sudanese eat their share of sorghum as well. Its climate is mostly tropical savanna, unlike Eswatini.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Eswatini
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Eswatini’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Beef, Chicken
Fruit: Orange, Grapefruit
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Corn, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.