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 Yemeni Food
The five countries with the most similar food to Yemen are predominately Muslim countries. They all border the Indian Ocean or Red Sea. These bodies of water have historically facilitated the exchange of culinary traditions and ingredients among these nations.
- Saudi Arabia is on Yemen’s northern border. Due to geographic proximity and historical ties, their cuisines are similar. Both cuisines heavily feature rice as a staple ingredient, often served as a base for various dishes such as biryanis and pilafs. Additionally, both Yemenis and Saudis tend to consume many flatbreads.
- Pakistan is not an Arab country, but its food has many similarities with Yemeni cuisine. Biryani, a popular rice dish in Pakistan is extremely similar to Mandi. Kebabs are also very popular in both countries. Samosas, a popular snack in Pakistan, are quite similar to sambusas as well, but they have subtle differences.
- Jordan is another Arab country that borders the Red Sea. Their cuisines make use of similar ingredients such as rice, bread, lamb, chicken, and a variety of spices including cumin, coriander, and cardamom. However, due to its coastal location, Yemeni cuisine features a wider variety of seafood dishes compared to Jordanian cuisine.
- United Arab Emirates and Yemen are both located on the Arabian peninsula. Emirati dishes include machboos (a spiced rice dish usually served with meat), harees (a savory porridge made with wheat and meat), and majboos. These meals are quite similar to those commonly found in Yemen.
- Djibouti is in Africa, but it is just across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen. As a result, their food is similar as well. Both Djiboutian and Yemeni cuisines feature bread and rice as staple components of meals. In Djibouti, bread is often served with savory stews and sauces, similar to Yemeni cuisine where flatbreads like khubz are paired with stews.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Yemen
The Least Similar Cuisines to Yemeni Food
The five countries with the least similar food to Yemen all have tropical climates. With the exception of Cambodia, these nations are predominately Christian as well. Four of the five border the 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. Cassava is one of the most commonly eaten starches in Micronesia.
- Solomon Islands is a Melanesian archipelago. The country’s diet generally consists of a lot of seafood, tropical fruits, and coconuts. Raw fish and taro leaves are commonly consumed there.
- Papua New Guinea is another Melanesian country on this list. Yemen has more access to ingredients such as rice and wheat. On the other hand, Papua New Guinea’s cuisine features ingredients like root vegetables, for example, taro and sweet potatoes.
- Cambodia, like Yemen, is located in Asia. However, its cuisine is far different. The Cambodian diet is heavily based in rice and cassava, while relatively little wheat and potatoes are consumed there. Another difference is that freshwater fish are more commonly eaten in Cambodia than in Yemen.
- Burundi is a 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 Yemen.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Yemen
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Yemen’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Beef
Fruit: Mango, Orange
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Wheat, Rice
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.