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 Lesotho
When it comes to the culinary landscape of Lesotho, several countries stand out for their similarities in ingredients and traditional meals. Four of the five countries with the most similar food to Lesotho are also located in Southern Africa. Due to British influence in the region, English is one of the official languages in these four countries as well.
- Botswana is another landlocked country that borders South Africa. The native languages of Lesotho and Botswana, Sesotho and Setswana, are closely related. Both countries use cornmeal as a base for various stews and sauces. Additionally, “motoho” (sour porridge) and “oxtail stew” are cherished dishes in both nations, showcasing their shared love for comfort food. However, potatoes are a bigger part of the diet in Lesotho.
- Namibia shares many culinary similarities with Namibia, especially in terms of staple foods and meat dishes. Both countries tend to eat a lot of cornmeal. They utilize traditional cooking methods, such as slow-cooking meat over an open flame. Namibian dishes like kapana (grilled beef) and mahangu (a type of millet porridge) closely mirror some of Lesotho’s staple dishes.
- South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho, so it is no wonder it makes this list as well. Meats, such as beef and chicken, are often prepared in stews or grilled as braai (barbecue), a popular tradition in both countries. Additionally, vegetables like cabbage, spinach, and pumpkin feature in both cuisines. The diet in Lesotho and South Africa is also influenced by historical European settlers.
- Romania is a European country, so it is surprising it makes this list. However, the traditional Romania diet has many of the same ingredients as the food eaten in Lesotho. Mămăligă, a traditional Romanian cornmeal porridge, is strikingly similar to Lesotho’s papa, both serving as versatile and essential side dishes in their respective cultures. In addition, these countries tend to eat a lot of chicken and pork.
- Eswatini, another small country that borders South Africa, shares significant similarities in terms of diet and food culture with Lesotho. Corn-based dishes form the cornerstone of Swazi meals, with sidlwadlwa and emasi commonly served. In both countries, traditional meals tend to be simple but nutrient-dense, often relying on locally grown grains and vegetables.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Lesotho
The Least Similar Diets to Food in Lesotho
The five countries with the least similar food to Lesotho have hotter climates, since they are closer to the equator and at lower elevations. Interestingly enough, three of the five countries are also in Africa. With the exception of Chad, these countries are also heavily forested, unlike Lesotho.
- Micronesia, in stark contrast to Lesotho, 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 tropical archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. Most of its people live near the coast, so seafood is much more common in the country’s cuisine. Sweet potatoes, yams, and coconuts are all common ingredients in their food.
- Chad is a landlocked country that borders the Sahara Desert. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Lamb is one of the most commonly eaten meats there.
- Central African Republic, like Lesotho, is a landlocked country in Africa. However, their diets are far different. Cassava and yam are two of the most commonly eaten staple ingredients in the country. Furthermore, taro makes up a much greater share of the diet in Central African Republic than in Lesotho.
- Sierra Leone is predominately Muslim that is located along the Atlantic Ocean. The vast majority of the nation’s diet is made up of starches, especially rice and cassava. Lesotho also eats far less fish than Sierra Leone.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Lesotho
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Lesotho’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Pork
Fruit: Apple, Banana
Vegetable: Cabbage, Bean
Starch: Corn, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.