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 Zambian Food
Zambia’s food has many similarities with some of its Sub-Saharan African neighbors. Substance agriculture is a significant part of the economy in many of these countries. The five countries with the most similar food are all predominately Christian.
- Zimbabwe is on Zambia’s southern border. The ubiquitous sadza, a maize-based porridge, is a culinary cornerstone in both nations. Furthermore, dishes like nshima in Zambia closely resemble Zimbabwe’s sadza, showcasing a shared appreciation for hearty, starch-centric meals. However, Zimbabwe tends to eat more cassava.
- Mozambique is another country that borders Zambia. Their people both eat a dish made of corn flour known as nshima in Zambia and sadza in Mozambique. It is often served with various relishes. Furthermore, both countries have dishes that involve cooking vegetables with peanuts.
- Paraguay, though located in South America, exhibits interesting parallels with Zambia. Corn and cassava hold a central place in Paraguayan cuisine, much like in Zambia. Both nations share a tradition of preparing soups, often featuring meats, vegetables, and legumes. Beef is the most consumed meats in these countries.
- Angola is on Zambia’s western border. Both cuisines feature vegetable-based relishes and stews. In Zambia, ifisashi is a popular vegetable relish, while Angola has stews and sauces often made with vegetables and legumes. Cassava is the most commonly eaten starch in both countries.
- Tanzania and Zambia share a love for porridge made from corn. Beef is the most widely consumed meat in these nations. Both countries incorporate freshwater fish into its meals as well. In addition, these countries often incorporate bananas and plantains into their cuisine.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Zambia
The Least Similar Cuisines to Zambian Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Zambia are European. The climates in these countries are significantly colder. They eat significantly more wheat and potatoes per capita than Zambia. Furthermore, they are wealthier and more developed as well.
- Kiribati is an archipelago of small islands located in the Pacific Ocean. Coconuts and saltwater fish are commonly eaten staple foods in Kiribati, unlike in Zimbabwe, where beef and chicken are more popular.
- Poland borders the Baltic Sea. The country is known for its sausages, sauerkraut, and dishes served with sour cream. Pork and dairy products are not nearly as popular in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, potatoes are not as commonly consumed in Zimbabwe.
- Hungary is known for its robust and savory flavors. Paprika is a key ingredient, and dishes like goulash, a meat stew with paprika and other spices, are iconic. Dumplings and hearty soups are common. They also eat a lot of sour cream and potatoes.
- Belgium its renowned for its chocolates and waffles. In contrast, Zambian cuisine features maize as a staple, peanuts for dishes like ifisashi, local meats and fish for barbecues, and insects as a traditional protein source.
- Slovakia borders both Poland and Hungary, so its food is quite similar. Pork and dairy products are much more commonly eaten in Slovakia than in Zambia. Slovakian cuisine features a variety of meat-centric dishes, including grilled meats, sausages, and stews.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Zambia
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Zambia’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Beef, Freshwater Fish
Fruit: Apple, Orange
Vegetable: Peanut, Onion
Starch: Cassava, Corn
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
