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 Belarusian Food
Four of the five countries with the most similar food to Belarus were once part of the Soviet Union. With the exception of Estonia, they all border Belarus as well. These neighboring countries have similar agriculture. The Eastern European region has a history of great cultural exchange, so it is no surprise their cuisine is similar as a result.
- Russia is on the eastern border of Belarus. It has had a huge cultural influence on Belarus. Russia is another predominately Orthodox Christian, Slavic country. Draniki, potato pancakes often served with sour cream, are eaten in both countries. Additionally, soups like okroshka and borscht are popular in their cuisines. However, one difference is that Belarus tends to incorporate potatoes in their meals more.
- Ukraine is to the south of Belarus. It is another predominately Orthodox Christian country that was once part of the Soviet Union. Potatoes are an essential ingredient in their cuisine. Potato pancakes and potato salad are beloved dishes in both countries. These crispy pancakes, made from grated potatoes, are a comforting treat that can be enjoyed with sour cream or applesauce. Both countries also like to eat Kholodets.
- Poland is to the west of Belarus. Both Slavic countries cherish dishes like beet soup and dumplings. Kalduny in Belarus are similar to Polish pierogi, featuring various fillings like potatoes, cheese, and cabbage. Similarly, both countries have a tradition of pickling vegetables. Both cuisines commonly use sour cream in their dishes. Furthermore, pork is the most commonly eaten meat in these countries.
- Latvia and Belarus rely heavily on staples like rye bread, potatoes, dairy products, and pickled vegetables. Additionally, they both incorporate smoked and cured meats, wild mushrooms, and fish into their traditional dishes. However, Latvia’s access to the Baltic Sea contributes to a greater emphasis on seafood than in Belarus.
- Estonia is not a Slavic country, but its food is still quite similar to what is consumed in Belarus. Both Estonian and Belarusian cuisines utilize similar food ingredients found in the region, such as potatoes, wheat, pork, and cheese. In Estonia, dumplings known as pelmeenid are similar to Belarusian kalduny.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Belarus
The Least Similar Cuisines to Belarusian Food
All five countries with the least similar food to Belarus 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 much less developed than Belarus. Interestingly enough four of the five are landlocked. In addition, with the exception of South Sudan, these countries use French as one of their official languages.
- Chad is a landlocked country in the middle of Africa that 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.
- South Sudan is to the west of the Central African Republic. It is another country where cassava is the staple food, however the country eats its share of sorghum as well. Unlike in Belarus, beef is the most commonly consumed meat in the South Sudan. Peanuts and sesame seeds are also commonly parts of their cuisine.
- Central African Republic is another former French colony that is located to the north of Congo. 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 Belarus.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is mostly rainforest, so its climate is much hotter and humid than the climate in Belarus. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country, an ingredient that is not commonly seen in Belarus. The most commonly eaten meat in Congo is fish, whereas pork and chicken is more popular in Belarus.
- Burundi is yet another French-speaking African country on this list. It is located in the tropical regions of Africa. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas. Furthermore, freshwater fish is the country’s biggest source of meat.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Belarus
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Belarus’ Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Pork, Chicken
Fruit: Apple, Pear
Vegetable: Cabbage, Tomato
Starch: Potato, Wheat
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
