Countries with the Most Similar Food to Azerbaijan

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. 

5 Countries with the Most Similar Food Ingredients to Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani cuisine shares similarities with various neighboring countries due to historical, cultural, and geographical factors. Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, and it has been influenced by the culinary traditions of surrounding regions. Four of the five countries with the most similar food are predominately Muslim.

1. Turkey and Azerbaijan share a similar language. This cuisines have many similarities in dishes and ingredients. Common elements include the use of chicken, beef, and yogurt. Kebabs or grilled meat skewers are extremely common. Variations include shish kebabs, koftes, and other marinated or seasoned meat dishes.
2. Albania ‘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. Azerbaijani cuisine also features “Dolma,” grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with rice and minced meat, akin to the Albanian “Japrak.”
3. Armenia is on Azerbaijan’s western border. It is the only predominately Christian country on this list. As a result, pork is more commonly eaten in Armenia than in Azerbaijan. Still, both of their cuisines feature kebabs, pilaf dishes, and an emphasis on grilled meats. Dishes like dolma (stuffed vegetables) and lavash bread are common in these countries.
4. Uzbekistan is another predominately Turkic country that was once part of the Soviet Union. Kebabs (grilled meats) and dolma (stuffed vegetables) are commonly eaten in both nations. In addition, these countries often serve hot and fresh flatbread with their meals.
5. Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan share some culinary similarities, such as their variations of pilaf, dumplings, and the use of grilled meats like kebabs and shashlik. The food in both countries includes flatbreads and an abundance of spices. However, Azerbaijani cuisine incorporates more seafood, since it is by the Caspian Sea.

Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Azerbaijan

5 Countries with the Least Similar Food Ingredients to Azerbaijan

The five countries with the least similar food to Azerbaijan all have tropical climates. As a result, their agriculture is extremely different, since they get more rainfall and have warmer climates. Many of these countries rely on fish for their protein, unlike Azerbaijan. They also consume significantly less bread and potatoes.

1. 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, saltwater fish makes up a large portion of the country’s diet.
2. 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 Azerbaijan.
3. Cambodia, like Azerbaijan, is located in Asia. However, its cuisine is far different. The Cambodian diet is heavily based in rice and cassava, while relatively little wheat and potatoes are consumed there. Another difference is that freshwater fish are more commonly eaten in Cambodia than in Azerbaijan.
4. Democratic Republic of Congo is mostly rainforest, so its climate is much hotter and humid than Azerbaijan’s. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country. The most commonly eaten meat in Congo is freshwater fish, whereas beef and chicken are more popular in Azerbaijan.
5. Burundi is another tropical African country on this list. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas. Furthermore, freshwater fish is the country’s main source of protein.

Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Azerbaijan

Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories

Azerbaijan’s Most Common Food Ingredients

Protein: Chicken, Beef
Fruit: Watermelon, Apple
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Wheat, Potato

Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.