Countries with the Most Similar Food to Croatia

Country Food Similarity Index - Map of Countries with Similar Food to the Croatia

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 Croatian Food

Food in Croatia is influenced by a delightful blend of Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan influences, resulting in a diverse and flavorsome gastronomy. Furthermore, different parts of the country have their own unique culinary traditions. Four of the five countries with the most similar food to Croatia are predominately Catholic. In addition, with the exception of Montenegro, they are all part of the European Union.

  1. Slovenia is Croatia’s northern neighbor, so their cuisines have many similarities. Both countries share a love for hearty, rustic dishes, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. Dishes like štruklji (rolled dumplings) and potica (nut roll) are eaten in both nations. Pork is the most commonly consumed meat in each country. Istrian prosciutto is quite popular, as well as Ričet, a thick soup with large pieces of pork.
  2. Slovakia and Croatia do not border each other but were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Both countries have a penchant for stews and grilled meats. They also embrace sausages and sauerkraut as prominent elements of their cuisines. Yogurt and cheese are popular in both nations as well. While the most commonly consumed grain in Slovakia and Croatia is wheat, Slovakians tend to eat a lot less corn.
  3. Hungary borders Croatia to the northeast. Both nations have a deep appreciation for paprika, a spice that plays a significant role in their cuisines. Goulash, a signature dish in Hungary, is not far off from Croatia’s own version, čobanac, a rich meat stew. Additionally, pastries like strudel and langos are deserts common in these countries. However, they have different fruit preferences. Hungary eats more apples and watermelons, while Croatia eats more grapes and bananas.
  4. France may seem like an unexpected addition to this list, but these Mediterranean nations share some interesting culinary similarities. Both nations eat a rich array of seafood. French bouillabaisse and Croatian brodet are similar fish soups. In addition, both countries use eggs and cheese as popular ingredients in their diets.
  5. Montenegro shares a long coastline along the Adriatic Sea with Croatia. As a result, both countries revel in seafood delicacies, such as grilled fish, calamari, and seafood risottos. Traditional Montenegrin dishes like kačamak, a cornmeal-based dish, and njeguški pršut, a smoked ham, have parallels in Croatian cuisine.

Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Croatia

The Least Similar Cuisines to Croatian Food

All five countries with the least similar food to Croatia are located in tropical regions, so the climate in these countries is significantly warmer. This affects what type of crops are grown in these countries. Moreover, these countries are significantly less developed than Croatia. Neither bread, pasta, and pork are not commonly eaten in these countries.

  1. Democratic Republic of Congo is a country in the middle of Africa. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country, a food that few Croatians have eaten before. The most commonly eaten meat in Congo is freshwater fish, whereas pork and chicken are more popular in Croatia. Furthermore, in contrast to Croatia, their diet has little meat in it.
  2. South Sudan is located to the northeast of Congo. It is another country where cassava is the staple food, however the country eats its share of sorghum as well. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country. Unlike in Croatia, beef is the most commonly consumed meat in the South Sudan.
  3. Cambodia has the least similar food to Croatia in Asia. The Cambodian diet is heavily based in rice and cassava. Cambodian cuisine makes use of different herbs and spices than Croatia, including lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, to create a unique flavor profile. Furthermore, many of the country’s Buddhists avoid eating meat.
  4. Solomon Islands is another country that borders the Pacific Ocean. It is a Melanesian archipelago, where most people live near the coast, so fish makes up a much greater share of the meat eaten in the country than Croatia. Furthermore, sweet potatoes, yams, rice, taro, and coconuts are all common ingredients in the food there.
  5. Central African Republic is a landlocked African country that borders both Congo and South Sudan. Cassava and yams are two of the most commonly eaten ingredients in the country. Furthermore, taro and bananas make a much greater share of the diet in Central African Republic than Croatia.

Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Croatia

Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories

Croatia’s Most Common Food Ingredients

Protein: Pork, Chicken
Fruit: Banana, Grape
Vegetable: Cabbage, Tomato
Starch: Wheat, Corn

Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.

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