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 Albanian Food
Albanian cuisine boasts a rich and diverse blend of European and Middle Eastern influences. With the exception of Iran, the countries with the most similar food were all once controlled by the Ottoman Empire. In addition, these five nations are also quite mountainous. Wheat is the most commonly eaten starch in these countries, while the tomato has become an essential part of their diets.
- Azerbaijan‘s cuisine also has Slavic and Middle Eastern influences, since it was once part of the Soviet Union, but borders Turkey and Iran. Lamb and beef are relatively popular meats in these countries. One of the most notable shared dishes is “Pilaf,” a flavorful rice dish often paired with tender lamb, dried fruits, and an array of aromatic spices like saffron and cinnamon. Azerbaijani cuisine also features “Dolma,” grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with rice and minced meat, akin to the Albanian “Japrak.”
- Turkey and Albania both border the Mediterranean . The Ottoman Empire ruled over Albania for centuries. Nowadays, Turkish cuisine can be seen in many Albanian dishes, including burek (filled pastries), sarma (stuffed vegetables), and ayran (yogurt-based drink). However, the typical Albanian diet features more fruit, especially grapes, apples, and watermelons.
- Greece is just to the south of Albania. Both cuisines use a lot of olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Feta cheese is popular in these countries. Albanian “byrek” and Greek “spanakopita” or “tiropita” are similar filo dough pastries filled with spinach, cheese, or meat. Yogurt is a common ingredient in Albania and Greece as well.
- Iran borders both Turkey and Azerbaijan. Iranian cuisine is characterized by its vibrant flavors and the abundant use of fresh herbs and spices. Wheat and tomatoes are the two most commonly used ingredients in these countries. “Kabab Koobideh,” an Iranian dish made of ground meat seasoned with onions and spices, is comparable to Albania’s “Qofte.” However, rice is more commonly eaten in Iran than in Albania.
- Montenegro is just to the north of Albania. It is another country that borders the Mediterranean Sea. They share several culinary similarities as a result. Both countries enjoy bean stews. Their cuisines rely on fresh vegetables, cheeses, and dairy products to add depth to their meals. Furthermore, yogurt is commonly used as a side dish.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Albania
The Least Similar Cuisines to Albanian Food
The countries with the least similar food to Albania are all in tropical regions, so their climates are typically much hotter and wetter. Four of the five are located in Africa. These nations are not as developed as Albania. Furthermore, their diets rely far more on the consumption of cereal grains and starchy roots.
- Central African Republic is a former French colony located to the north of Congo. The majority of the country’s diet is based on cassava and yams. Bananas and plantains are also an extremely common source of food in the country. In addition, comparatively little chicken is consumed in Central African Republic.
- Micronesia is a group of small islands in the Pacific Ocean. The country’s isolation has limited its exposure to foreign influences. Coconuts are a huge part of their cuisine. In addition, rice and cassava are the two most commonly eaten starches in Micronesia.
- South Sudan is located to the east of Central African Republic. 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. However, they are not completely different. Both Albania and South Sudan eat a significant amount of beef.
- Burundi is another landlocked country located in the tropical regions of Africa. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas. Very little potatoes and wheat are eaten in Burundi as well, compared to Albania.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is a former Belgian colony located in the middle of Africa. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country. The most commonly eaten meat in Congo is freshwater fish, whereas chicken and beef are more popular proteins in Albania. Furthermore, the country’s diet has relatively little meat in it.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Albania
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Albania’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Beef
Fruit: Grape, Watermelon
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.