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.
5 Countries with the Most Similar Food to Taiwan
The five countries with the most similar food to Taiwan all border the Pacific Ocean. Rice is a staple in their diets, but wheat is another commonly eaten starch in these countries. Buddhism has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of these countries. They share historical connections, including interactions through trade and cultural exchange.
- Japan ruled Taiwan for several decades. Both island nations use of fresh ingredients and simple flavors to create delightful dishes. Noodle soups are popular in both countries. Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup and Japanese Ramen both consist of wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, topped with meat and a variety of vegetables.
- South Korea and Taiwan consume rice as a fundamental part of their diet. Furthermore, both countries eat variety of noodle dishes. Some Korean noodle dishes include Jjajangmyeon, Jjamppong, and Naengmyeon. In addition, both Taiwan and South Korea also have a tradition of eating fermented cabbage.
- Malaysia has many people with Chinese origins, despite being in Southeast Asia. Both countries have a love for dumplings. Given their proximity to the sea, fresh fish, prawns, crabs, and other seafood are commonly featured in their cuisines. Their dishes often incorporate a variety of herbs and spices to enhance flavor.
- Thailand and Taiwan share a love for dishes with noodles. While Thailand is known for dishes like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew, Taiwan is famous for its Beef Noodle Soup and other noodle-based dishes. Tropical fruits are also commonly eaten in these countries, given their hot and humid climates.
- China is another country where many ethnic Chinese people live. As a result, these countries typically eat many of the same dishes. Still, Taiwan has developed its own unique flavors and cuisine. Taiwan tends to eat more chicken and tropical fruits, while China tends to eat more fresh vegetables. Furthermore, since most people in Taiwan live close to the coast, seafood is also more commonly consumed there.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Taiwan
5 Countries with the Least Similar Food to Taiwan
All five countries with the least similar food to Taiwan are located in Africa. These countries are significantly less developed than Taiwan. Since they are not as wealthy they tend to eat less meat. In addition all five countries are landlocked, in contrast to Taiwan.
- Chad is located between the Sahara Desert and Sub-Saharan Africa. Chad’s cuisine is far different from Taiwan’s. It heavily relies on staple foods like millet, sorghum, corn, and beans. In addition, tropical fruits are less commonly eaten there.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan on this list. Cassava is the staple food, however the country eats its share of sorghum as well. Furthermore, the emphasis is on natural flavors and the taste of the main ingredients.
- Central African Republic 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.
- Niger is located in the Sahara Desert, so it has an extremely dry climate, in contrast to Taiwan. Its two most common staple foods are millet and sorghum, two grains that are rarely consumed in Taiwan. Since almost everyone is Muslim, it eats far less pork.
- 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 Taiwan
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Taiwan’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Pork, Chicken
Fruit: Pineapple, Banana
Vegetable: Soybean, Cabbage
Starch: Rice, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.