For the most part, countries with similar food ingredients tend to also share many other characteristics. Still, there are some unique pairs of countries that may have similar food ingredients, but have little else in common. A list of these countries was developed by analyzing the data from the Country Similarity Index and the Country Food Similarity Index. The following three pairs of countries were found to have big differences between their food ingredients and their other aspects, including geography, demographics, culture, politics, and infrastructure.
JAPAN-CAPE VERDE
Rice is the most commonly eaten food ingredient in both Japan and Cape Verde. In addition, chicken is the most popular meat in these nations. However, both countries also eat a lot of seafood, including tuna, squid, and octopus. This is because they are island nations. Although Japan has a temperate climate, banana is the most commonly eaten fruit, as it is in Cape Verde. Onions, tomatos, cabbage, and carrots are also often found in their dishes.
Although these nations are both mountainous archipelagos, Japan is located in the Pacific Ocean, while Cape Verde is in the Atlantic Ocean. They have very little demographic or cultural similarity. Most people in Cape Verde have African ancestry, while the majority in Japan have East Asian ancestry. Their native languages and religions are completely different. In addition, Japan is more densely populated and its technology is far more advanced.
AUSTRALIA-YEMEN
Chicken and beef are the two most commonly eaten meats in Australia and Yemen. In addition, lamb is another popular protein in these nations. Furthermore, tomatoes and onions are the two most commonly eaten vegetables in their dishes. Bread is a common ingredient in their typical cuisines, so wheat is popular in Australia and Yemen as well. Another similarity is that garlic, chili peppers, and cilantro are common ingredients.
Despite the fact that Australia and Yemen tend to have hot, dry climates, they are extremely different nations. Yemen is predominately Muslim, while Australia is mostly Christian and also less religious. As a result, Yemen tends to have far more conservative laws. While Australia allows same sex marriage, homosexuality is punishable by death in Yemen. Due to civil war, Yemen’s infrastructure is not well developed, in contrast to Australia’s.
MAURITIUS-SAUDI ARABIA
Arab traders had influence on Mauritius historically, bringing some elements of Middle Eastern cuisine. Rice and wheat are the staple ingredients of the cuisine in Mauritius and Saudi Arabia. Flatbreads like naan, roti, or khubz are eaten in both places. In addition, the most popular meat in these nations is chicken. Furthermore, tomato is the most commonly eaten vegetable in both countries. European colonialism also led to shared culinary elements.
Although both Saudi Arabia and Mauritius border the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is much more densely forested and has significantly more rainfall. Another difference is Saudi Arabia is wealthier than Mauritius as well. Their governments are not similar either. Saudi Arabia is an autocracy, while Mauritius is a democracy. In addition, Mauritius does not have a standing army, but Saudi Arabia spends a huge amount on defense.
DATA TABLE
| Country 1 | Country 2 | Food Similarity | Country Similarity | Difference |
| JAPAN | CAPE VERDE | 29.16 | 63.1 | -33.94 |
| JAPAN | QATAR | 27.09 | 59.5 | -32.41 |
| TAIWAN | QATAR | 26.27 | 58.0 | -31.73 |
| JAPAN | BAHRAIN | 27.28 | 58.9 | -31.62 |
| CANADA | BAHRAIN | 26.3 | 57.8 | -31.5 |
| AUSTRALIA | YEMEN | 33.74 | 64.9 | -31.16 |
| JAPAN | NAMIBIA | 33.94 | 64.6 | -30.66 |
| SOUTH KOREA | CAPE VERDE | 28.16 | 58.8 | -30.64 |
| MAURITIUS | SAUDI ARABIA | 25.34 | 55.7 | -30.36 |
(Minimum 65% Food Ingredient Similarity)