The Country Food Similarity Index groups the countries of Dominican Republic, Guyana, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Suriname into the International Tropical food region. In addition, food ingredients in the countries of Cuba, Fiji, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam has a lot in common with this region as well. It is one of the 23 world food sub-regions identified by the Index.
This food region encompasses some tropical countries that have diverse cultural influences in their cuisine. The countries in this region rely heavily on rice as a staple food. Coconut is often used in many of their dishes. Given the proximity to the ocean in many of these countries, seafood plays a significant role in the cuisine as well. The region has an abundance of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, bananas, papayas, and jackfruits. These fruits are often used in both sweet and savory dishes.
International Tropical’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Grains & Starchy Roots: 1) Rice, 2) Wheat, 3) Cassava
Fruits & Vegetables: 1) Banana, 2) Coconut, 3) Pineapple
Meat & Animal Products: 1) Chicken, 2) Saltwater Fish, 3) Egg
Why these ingredients are common in this region
The tropical climate in these countries is conducive to rice cultivation since they tend to hot and humid. It is a cost-effective source of carbohydrates and energy. Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of proteins, vegetables, and sauces, allowing for diverse and satisfying meals.
Bananas and plantains thrive in tropical climates. They are rich in essential nutrients. They provide a quick and convenient source of energy, making them a valuable part of the diet in these countries. As a result, they are often incorporated into traditional dishes in the region.
Many of the people in this region live close to the coast. As a result, seafood is common in their diets. In these countries, fish are often prepared in various ways, such as grilled, fried, steamed, or used in stews and curries. Fish is a lean source of protein and provides essential nutrients.
International Tropical’s Most Unique Food Ingredients
(foods consumed significantly more than the world average)
- Rice
- Banana
- Coconut
- Saltwater Fish
- Chicken
- Pineapple
- Papaya
- Orange
- Pumpkin
- Avocado
International Tropical Food Region’s Most Representative Country
Each country has its unique culinary traditions and within different regions of each country there may be different cuisine. However, according to the Index, Indonesia is the country with the most representative food in the International Tropical food region. Indonesia is known for its incredibly diverse culinary landscape. The country comprises thousands of islands, each with its unique cultural influences, ingredients, and cooking styles. It has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including Indian, Chinese, Arab, and European.