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 Panamanian Food
Food in Panama is influenced by a combination of indigenous, Spanish, and African cuisines. Four of five countries with the most similar food to Panama are all border the Caribbean Sea. In addition, these nations all have Spanish as one of their official languages. Furthermore, the majority of the land in these countries has a tropical climate.
- Costa Rica borders Panama. Both countries commonly feature rice and beans in their cuisines. Chicken and pork are the most popular meats in these countries. Chorizo, a spicy sausage, is common in both Panamanian and Costa Rican cuisines. In addition, these countries have a wide variety of tropical fruits, which are often incorporated into their various dishes.
- Ecuador is in South America, but its food is still similar to Costa Rica’s. These countries have a tradition of hearty soups and stews. Rice is the most commonly eaten grain in these nations as well. Fried plantains, known as patacones or tostones, are mainstays in the cuisine of both countries.
- Venezuela and Panama use many of the same ingredients such as rice and beans. Bananas and pineapples are their two most popular fruits. Additionally, chicken, chili peppers, and cheese play significant roles in both countries’ cuisines. However, corn more commonly consumed in Venezuela than in Panama.
- Colombia is to the southeast of Panama. In fact, Panama was part of Colombia until 1903. The culture in these countries is still extremely similar. While both nations eat a lot of rice, Colombia eats more potatoes. Their dishes have a lot in common. Sancocho is enjoyed in both countries, albeit with regional variations.
- Nicaragua is another country in Central America that borders both the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea. Rice is the most commonly eaten staple grain in these countries. Furthermore, chicken and pork are their most popular meats. Both countries incorporate many beans into their dishes as well.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Panama
The Least Similar Cuisines to Panamanian Food
The five countries with the least similar food to Panama are all located in Africa. Four of the five countries are landlocked. However, relatively few countries have a diet that is extremely different from Panama’s, since the country has a wide range of influences from many different regions of the world.
- Chad is a predominately Muslim country that was once a French colony in Africa. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Popular dishes include sesame soup and fried dough balls.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan. Cassava is its staple food, however the country eats a lot of sorghum as well. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country. In addition, South Sudanese cuisine features a variety of sauces and condiments made with peanuts and sesame seed, unlike Panamanian cuisine.
- Niger is a mostly Muslim country in Africa. It has an extremely hot and dry climate, so it is mostly desert. Its two most common staple foods are millet and sorghum. Some traditional dishes in Niger include tuwo, a porridge made from millet or sorghum, and dambunama.
- Central African Republic, like Chad and Niger, 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. Beef is the most popular meat in the country.
- Sudan is yet another predominately Muslim country in North Africa on this list. Staples like sorghum, millet, and wheat are commonly used to make breads, porridges, and other dishes. Lamb and beef, is also a significant part of Sudanese cuisine.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Panama
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Panama’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Pork
Fruit: Banana, Pineapple
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Rice, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
