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 Cape Verdean Food
Cape Verde, a picturesque archipelago nestled off the coast of West Africa, boasts a unique culinary landscape shaped by a blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. While each country’s cuisine is distinct, there are certain parallels that can be drawn with other nations around the world. Three of the five are in Latin America.
- Ecuador is in South America, but its food has similarities to Cape Verde’s. Both countries have cuisines with a fusion of European and African cuisines. Both nations love fresh seafood. Ecuador consumes a lot of ceviche, while Cape Verde also eats many different varieties of fish. Furthermore, rice, corn, wheat, and potatoes are the three biggest components of their diet.
- Seychelles is another archipelago off the African coast, although it is the Indian Ocean, not the Atlantic. Both countries were uninhabited prior to being colonized by Europeans and populated by enslaved Africans. They tend to eat similar starches and also consume a lot of seafood as well. Chicken and saltwater fish are their most popular sources of protein.
- Venezuela and Cape Verde both have cuisine that reflects a diverse mix of indigenous, African, and Iberian influences. These countries love to eat plantains. Additionally, both nations share a passion for hearty stews. Rice and corn are their two most commonly eaten starches. Furthermore, chicken is the most common source of meat in these countries, however Venezuela tends to eat more beef.
- Malaysia is the only country in Asia on this list, but its food ingredients have some overlap with Cape Verde as well. Much like Cape Verde, Malaysia embraces a harmonious blend of spices and flavors. Malaysian cuisine often features dishes with rice, chicken, and grilled seafood.
- El Salvador shares some culinary connections with Cape Verde, particularly in the use of corn-based dishes. El Salvador’s uses it to make pupusas and Cape Verde uses it to make gofio, a porridge made from roasted corn or other grains. Additionally, both countries appreciate comfort foods. Chicken is the most widely consumed meat in these nations.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Cape Verde
The Least Similar Cuisines to Cape Verdean Food
Interestingly enough, the five countries with the least similar food to Cape Verde are all located in Africa. In contrast to Cape Verde, all five countries are landlocked. However, relatively few countries have a diet that is extremely different from Cape Verde’s, since the country has a wide range of influences from many different regions of the world.
- Central African Republic was once a colony of France, before becoming independent. It is located between Chad and Congo. Cassava and yam are two of the most commonly eaten ingredients in the country. Beef is the most popular meat in the country.
- South Sudan is located to the east of Central African Republic. Cassava is its staple food, however the country eats a lot of sorghum as well. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country. In addition, South Sudanese cuisine features a variety of sauces and condiments made with peanuts and sesame seed.
- Chad is a mostly Muslim country that was once a French colony. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Popular dishes include sesame soup and fried dough balls.
- Burundi‘s food is different from Cape Verde’s, since their most commonly eaten starches are cassava and sweet potatoes. In addition, people in Burundi eat far more plantains and bananas than people in Cape Verde. Both countries consume a lot of fish, but Burundi’s tend to be freshwater fish, since it is landlocked.
- Niger is a predominately Muslim country in Africa. It has an extremely hot and dry climate, so it is mostly desert. Its two most common staple foods are millet and sorghum. Some traditional dishes in Niger include tuwo, a porridge made from millet or sorghum, and dambunama.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Cape Verde
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Cape Verde’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Saltwater Fish
Fruit: Banana, Coconut
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Rice, Corn
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
