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 Qatari Food
The four of the five countries with the most similar food to Qatar are all Arab countries that are predominately Muslim. However, they also have many immigrants from South Asia as well. All five countries border the Indian Ocean. This body of water has historically facilitated the exchange of culinary traditions and ingredients among these nations.
- Kuwait and Qatar both border the Persian Gulf. Rice and bread are the most fundamental components in their diets. Khubz is widely consumed, often served with stews, dips, or grilled meats. Chicken is the most commonly eaten protein in these countries. In addition, tomatoes and onions are two of the most widely consumed vegetables in Kuwait and Qatar.
- Bahrain‘s cuisine shares many similarities with Qatar’s. Dishes like machboos and various grilled meats are popular in both countries. Chicken is the most commonly consumed protein in these nations. Furthermore, watermelons and bananas are the two most popular fruits.
- Mauritius and Qatar have populations composed of people from various cultural backgrounds. More than 50 percent of the people living in these countries has South Asian ancestry. Rice and flatbreads are staples in both countries. Dishes featuring fish, shrimp, crab, and other seafood are enjoyed in both cuisines.
- United Arab Emirates is another extremely similar country to Qatar. Both Arab countries rely upon a huge amount of immigrants, especially from South Asia. Machboos, similar to biryani, is a popular dish made with spiced rice, meat, and vegetables. In addition, fruits like watermelons, dates, and bananas are common.
- Oman has a tradition of preparing rice-based dishes, such as Biryani, Mandi, and Kabsa, similar to Qatar. These dishes often feature spiced rice and slow-cooked meat, such as lamb, chicken, or fish. While both countries enjoy Halwa, the specific recipes and variations may differ.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Qatar
The Least Similar Cuisines to Qatari Food
The five countries with the least similar food to Qatar are located in Africa. These countries get tend to get more rainfall than Qatar 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, Qatar typically eats more watermelons and dates.
- 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 Qatar.
- 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 Qatar.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is another French-speaking country on this list. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country, unlike in Qatar, where wheat and rice are more prevalent. Freshwater fish is also more commonly eaten in Congo than in Qatar.
- Chad is a country in the middle of Africa. Although the country is mostly Muslim, its food is extremely different from Qatar’s. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains there. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Qatar
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Qatar’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Egg
Fruit: Watermelon, Banana
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Rice, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.