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 Angolan Food
Angola has a vibrant food culture that draws inspiration from its local ingredients, traditional practices, and the Portuguese. The five countries with the most similar food to Angola are all located in Sub-Saharan Africa and are located in tropical regions. Most of their people speak Bantu languages. These countries tend to consume a lot of cassava.
- Mozambique is another former Portuguese colony in Africa. Similar to Angola, both cuisines heavily rely on starchy foods such as corn, cassava and rice. Given their coastal locations, both Angola and Mozambique have a rich tradition of seafood dishes. Palm oil is a common cooking ingredient in both countries.
- Republic of Congo is another heavily forested country on Africa’s Atlantic coast. It shares a few culinary similarities with Angola, particularly in their use of ingredients. In Angola, dishes like funge made from cassava flour and served with stews are common. However, Angola has more Portuguese and Brazilian influence.
- Tanzania share similarities in their culinary traditions with a focus on staple foods like corn, rice, and cassava. Both countries incorporate a variety of spices such as garlic, ginger, and chili peppers to enhance the flavors of their dishes. Grilled and barbecued foods are commonly eaten in these nations.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is on Angola’s northern border. Both countries place an emphasis on stews and soups incorporating spices such as garlic, ginger, and peppers. Additionally, seafood is a significant component to their cuisines, although Angolans tend to eat more saltwater fish, while people in Congo tend to eat more freshwater fish.
- Burundi and Angola both tend to eat a lot of cassava. However, Angolans do not consume as many sweet potatoes per capita. Banana is the most popular fruit in both countries. Angolans tend to eat more saltwater fish, since Burundi is landlocked, freshwater fish are more available.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Angola
The Least Similar Cuisines to Angolan Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Angola are landlocked countries in Asia. With the exception of Mongolia, they are all predominately Muslim countries as well. Their climates tend to be much drier too. Wheat and potatoes are a much bigger part of the diet in these countries.
- Turkmenistan was once part of the Soviet Union before becoming indepdent. Wheat, rice, and lamb are key components of Turkmen cuisine, and a variety of pilafs, and meat-based dishes are common. The country’s culinary traditions reflect the rich nomadic heritage of the Turkmen people, with an emphasis on hearty and filling meals.
- Uzbekistan is located to the north of Turkmenistan. The country’s cuisine features a mix of traditional Uzbek and Russian dishes. Grapes and apples are two of the most popular commonly consumed fruits in Uzbekistan, unlike in Angola where bananas and pineapple are more prevalent.
- Tunisia is another African country. However, other than that, these countries have little else in common. In Tunisia, couscous and bread are essential staple foods, while cassava and corn are more common staples in Angola.
- Mongolia‘s cold, dry climate makes it difficult to grow crops. As a result, the country relies on animal husbandry for a large portion of its food. Mongolians tend to eat much more meat from cattle, sheep, and goats than Angolans. They also eat more dairy products, especially yogurt.
- Tajikistan is a mountainous country in Central Asia. Tajik cuisine features stews, dumplings, and bread, and the extensive use of lamb and beef, in stark contrast to Angola. The Tajik people incorporate spices such as cumin, coriander, dill, and parsley, which are not as common in Angolan food.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Angola
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Angola’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Saltwater Fish, Chicken
Fruit: Banana, Pineapple
Vegetable: Cabbage, Bean
Starch: Cassava, Corn
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
