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 Maldivian Food
Just of the coast of India, the Maldives shares some culinary similarities with the other countries that border the Indian Ocean. In fact, the four of the five countries with the most similar food are also located islands. As a result, saltwater fish are a major part of their diet.
- Mauritius is another nation in the Indian Ocean. The Indian cultural influence plays a significant role in both nations’ cuisines. Rice is the most commonly eaten starch in these island countries. Mauritian fish curries, often prepared with a base of coconut milk and a vibrant array of spices, bear a striking resemblance to Maldivian preparations.
- Qatar is a Middle Eastern country, but it also has similar food in the Maldives. The historical trade links between the Maldives and the Arabian Gulf, have left their mark on Maldivian cuisine. The preparation of grilled fish, the use of rice as a staple, and the subtle inclusion of spices like cardamom and cloves in some Maldivian dishes can be traced to Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
- Seychelles is also located in the Indian Ocean. These countries share a common tropical climate and abundant access to fresh seafood and coconuts. Seychellois cuisine features a strong creole element that often incorporates fresh fish, rice, and coconut milk in flavorful curries and stews. The simple yet potent use of fresh ingredients and the emphasis on the natural flavors of seafood are common threads in their ingredients.
- Malaysia‘s coastal regions exhibit interesting culinary similarities with the Maldives. The shared historical maritime trade routes across the Indian Ocean likely played a role in this culinary exchange. Both cuisines feature a prominent use of curries and stews, a preference for fresh seafood, and the inclusion of aromatic spices like turmeric, ginger, and chili. Most people in these nations are Muslim.
- Bahrain is a predominately Muslim Arabian country, but it has a high percentage of immigrants from South Asia. These nations also have an affinity for seafood and rice, although their palettes reflect distinct regional legacies. In Maldivian and Bahraini kitchens, rice and wheat are the two most commonly consumed starches. Both nations rely on seafood and chicken as well.
The Least Similar Cuisines to Maldivian Food
All the countries with the least similar food to the Maldives are landlocked and located in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, four of the five nations with the least similar food are predominately Christian. Their agriculture is far different as well.
- Central African Republic is a former French colony located to the north of Congo. 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 addition, little chicken is consumed in Central African Republic, compared to the Maldives.
- South Sudan is another landlocked nation in the middle of Africa. Cassava and sorghum are the most consumed ingredients in the country. Porridge is one of its most popular dishes. Unlike in the Maldives, beef is the most popular meat in the South Sudan.
- Chad is located in the Sahel region of Africa. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the region’s harsh climate. One popular dish is saka-saka, a mix of spinach and cassava leaves.
- Burundi is a landlocked country in the tropical regions of Africa on this list. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas. Very little rice or wheat are eaten in Burundi, compared to the Maldives.
- Uganda‘s cuisine centers on starchy staples like matoke, cassava, and corn. It uses simple seasonings like onions, tomatoes, and occasionally curry powder, with limited use of coconut. In contrast, Maldivian food relies heavily on seafood—especially tuna—and features rice and flatbreads like roshi. Maldivian dishes are richly flavored with spices.
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
The Maldives’ Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Saltwater Fish, Chicken
Fruit: Apple, Watermelon
Vegetable: Onion, Peanut
Starch: Wheat, Rice
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.