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 Bosnian Food
Bosnian food has many similarities with other countries in the Balkans. Four of the five nations with the most similar food to Bosnia & Herzegovina are Slavic. Common historical influences include the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Byzantine empires, which have left their mark on their respective cuisines. With the exception of Romania, they were all once part of Yugoslavia.
- Romania offers a unique blend of Balkan and Ottoman culinary influences, similar to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Just like Romania’s “mici,” Bosnia and Herzegovina’s “ćevapi” are small, grilled sausages made from ground meat. Stuffed onions and many tomatoes are found in both cuisines. Both nations have a tradition of making flatbreads too.
- Serbia is on the eastern border of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Traditional stews and soups are common in both cuisines. Dishes like goulash, sarma, and various bean soups are enjoyed in these nations. Ajvar, the roasted red pepper and eggplant spread, is a staple condiment in both Serbian and Bosnian food.
- North Macedonia and Bosnia both have a mix of Christians and Muslims. As a result, pork is not as commonly eaten in these countries as many other European nations. Burek, a flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, is a beloved dish in both North Macedonia and Bosnia.
- Montenegro is on Bosnia’s southern border. Both cuisines have been influenced by Ottoman food. Both countries have dishes where vegetables are stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices. These countries both commonly eat stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls.
- Slovenia is the only predominately Catholic country on this list, but it also has similar food to Bosnia. Bread and pastries play significant roles in both cuisines. Both Slovenian and Bosnian cuisines make use of dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. However, Slovenia eats a significantly higher amount of pork.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Bosnia & Herzegovina
The Least Similar Cuisines to Bosnian Food
The five countries with the least similar food to Bosnia & Herzegovina are located in much warmer climates. This affects what type of crops are grown in these countries. Moreover, these countries are far less developed than Bosnia.
- Chad is another landlocked country in the middle of Africa. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains there. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Peanuts and sesame seeds are also popular.
- 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, rice and cassava are the two most commonly eaten starches in Micronesia.
- 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 Bosnia.
- South Sudan is a located to the east of Central African Republic. Cassava accounts for the largest part of the country’s diet, however South Sudanese eat their share of sorghum as well. Potatoes and cabbage are not nearly as widespread in South Sudan.
- Papua New Guinea is another country in the south Pacific on this list. In contrast to Bosnia, it is one of the nations with the most rainfall. The nation eats coconuts far more often than Bosnians. In addition, seafood is more common as well.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Bosnia & Herzegovina
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Bosnia’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Pork, Beef
Fruit: Plum, Banana
Vegetable: Chili Pepper, Cabbage
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
