Countries with the Most Similar Food to Argentina

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 Argentine Food

Argentina has a vibrant cultural heritage with a unique blend of historical influences. While the five countries with the most similar food to Argentina are located on three different continents, all these countries have populations that are primarily European in ancestry. With the exception of the United States, they are predominately Catholic as well.

1. Uruguay borders Argentina to its east and both are located along the Atlantic Coast as well. Grilled meats, known as asado, are popular in both cultures. Chivito, a hearty sandwich filled with steak, ham, cheese, and toppings, is a beloved specialty shared by both countries. In addition, both countries have a passion for mate, a traditional beverage made from the dried leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant.
2. Chile and Argentina share a long border along the Andes Mountains. Both Spanish-speaking countries love mouthwatering cuts of beef, lamb, and sausages sizzle on grills, accompanied by vibrant chimichurri sauce. Empanadas, a culinary gem, are also found in both countries, although Chilean versions often include seafood or cheese fillings. Wheat and potatoes are the two most commonly eaten starches in these countries.
3. Australia and Argentina experienced significant waves of European immigration throughout their histories. The culinary traditions brought by these immigrants have influenced the local cuisines of both countries. Barbecue and grilled meats are extremely popular in Australia and Argentina.
4. Malta is the European country with the most similar cuisine to Argentina. It is small island nation located off the coast of Italy. In Malta, pastizzi, savory pastries filled with cheese or peas, are similar to Argentina’s empanadas. The love for pasta, pizzas, and hearty stews further showcases the culinary connection rooted in Italian traditions shared by both countries.
5. Spain colonized Argentina, so they have many similarities. Massive waves of European immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries left an indelible mark on its culture. Both countries feature snacks like empanadas. However one big difference is that Spain tends to eat more pork, while Argentina tends to eat more beef.

Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Argentina

The Least Similar Cuisines to Argentine Food

The five countries with the least similar food to Argentina are located in tropical regions in other continents. The climate in these countries tends to be extremely hot, since they are closer to the equator than Argentina. These countries are also significantly less developed than Argentina as well.

1. Chad is a landlocked African country. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. One popular dish is saka-saka, a mix of spinach and cassava leaves.
2. Democratic Republic of Congo is located in the middle of Africa. The country features vast swathes of dense rainforests, since its climate is hot and humid. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country. Compared to Argentina, people in Congo eat very little meat.
3. Burundi‘s cuisine relies heavily on staple crops such as sorghum, maize, beans, and root vegetables like cassava, sweet potatoes, and yams, which are abundant in the region. Furthermore, a large part of Burundi’s typical diet is reliant of bananas.
4. Micronesia is a group of small islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It relies extremely heavily on seafood, tropical fruits, and root crops as a result. The country’s relative isolation has limited its exposure to foreign influences.
5. Papua New Guinea is another country in the South Pacific Ocean on this list. The country’s diet is much more reliant on sweet potato, yam, and taro than Argentina. Furthermore, beef and chicken are more common in Argentina.

Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Argentina

Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories

Argentina’s Most Common Food Ingredients

Protein: Beef, Chicken
Fruit: Orange, Lemon
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Wheat, Potato

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