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 Moldavian Food
Moldova, a small Eastern European country nestled between Romania and Ukraine. Four of the five countries with the most similar food are predominately Eastern Orthodox Christians. These countries all have temperate climates, so they experience four distinct seasons. This affects which types of crops can be grown in these countries.
- Romania and Moldova have extremely similar languages. It is no surprise their food is quite similar as well. Mămăligă is a common dish in both countries. They also enjoy stuffed cabbage rolls, known as “sarmale,” with a filling of ground meat and rice. Furthermore, their people often eat apples and grapes.
- Serbia is another landlocked country in Europe. Popular Serbian dishes such as ćevapi (grilled minced meat), ajvar (roasted red pepper spread), and kajmak (dairy spread) have counterparts in Moldovan cuisine. The use of pickled vegetables and homemade bread are shared ingredients between these two nations.
- Georgia and Moldova were both once part of the Soviet Union. Despite the geographical distance, their food ingredients are similar. Wheat and potatoes are the two most commonly eaten starches in these countries. Georgian khachapuri and khinkali find similarities with Moldovan plăcinte and colţunaşi.
- Slovenia has some surprising culinary resemblances to Moldova. Slovenian potica (nut roll) shares similarities with Moldovan cozonac (sweet bread), both being cherished festive treats. Pork and chicken are the two most commonly eaten meats in these countries. The emphasis on soups, stews, and dumplings is another shared trait.
- Bulgaria is yet another Slavic country that borders the Black Sea on this list. It is located just to the south of Romania. The use of yogurt and fresh vegetables are common elements. Bulgarian banitsa and Moldovan plăcinte are similar pastries that have cheese in them. Pickled vegetables and hearty soups are also common in their cuisines.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Moldova
The Least Similar Cuisines to Moldavian Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Moldova are located in Africa. The climate in these countries is also significantly warmer. This affects what type of crops are grown in these countries. Moreover, these countries are far less developed than Moldova.
- Central African Republic was once a colony of France before becoming independent. Cassava and yam are two of the most commonly eaten staple ingredients in the country. Furthermore, taro and bananas make up a much greater share of the diet in Central African Republic than in Moldova.
- Chad is another landlocked country in the middle of Africa. The country is mostly Muslim. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains there. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Beef is the most popular meat, but lamb meat is also often eaten there. Peanuts and sesame seeds are also popular.
- 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 a located to the east of Central African Republic. Cassava accounts for the largest part of the country’s diet, however South Sudanese eat their share of sorghum as well. Beef is the most commonly consumed meat in the South Sudan, while pork and chicken are more popular sources of protein Moldova.
- Sierra Leone is a former British colony that is predominately Muslim. The vast majority of the nation’s diet is made up of starches, especially rice and cassava. The country’s climate is much hotter and gets significantly more rainfall than Moldova.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Moldova
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Moldova’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Pork, Chicken
Fruit: Apple, Grape
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
