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 Food in Togo
Togo’s cuisine reflects its rich history and culture. The four of the five nations with the most similar food border the Atlantic Coast. These African countries all have a tropical climate. Their cuisines rely on a variety of starchy staples. Furthermore, they also tend to consume a lot of fish and chicken.
- Benin is on Togo’s eastern border. They were both French colonies before gaining independence. Cassava and yams are popular starches in these countries. Tilapia, Mackerel, Catfish, and Sardines are popular in both nations. Like many West African countries, fufu is often served with a variety of flavorful soups and sauces.
- Nigeria and Togo use starchy staples such as yams, cassava, and plantains to make dishes like fufu and eba. They rely heavily on stews and soups made with a variety of meats and vegetables. Additionally, both cuisines use spices like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers to add flavor to their dishes.
- Ghana is another nation that shares some culinary similarities with Togo. Both nations consume many yams, cassava, and corn. Dishes like amassa and kedjenou have counterparts in Ghana’s cuisine. Furthermore, fish and chicken are the two most commonly eaten meat in these countries.
- Ivory Coast is even further to the west. Both nations were once part of French West Africa. They have cuisines that include a variety of seafood dishes due to their coastal location. Grilled fish, shrimp, and other seafood are commonly enjoyed. Furthermore, fermented corn / sorghum pudding is commonly eaten in these countries as well.
- Mozambique and Togo are geographically distant and culturally distinct, yet their cuisines have similar ingredients. Cassava and corn are the two most commonly eaten starches in these countries. Both have coastlines, which means seafood is a prominent part of their diets. These nations also have a variety of vegetable-based dishes.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Togo
The Least Similar Cuisines to Food in Togo
The four of the five countries with the least similar food to Togo are located in Asia. With the exception of Poland, these nations are landlocked as well. As a result, seafood is a significantly smaller portion of their diets. Furthermore, their climates are all much cooler than Togo’s. Their people tend to consume a greater amount of wheat and potatoes than Togo.
- Mongolia is a sparsely populated country between Russia and China. Its cold, dry climate makes it difficult to grow crops. As a result, the country relies on animal husbandry for a large portion of its food. Mongolians tend to eat much more meat from cattle, sheep, and goats than people in Togo. They also eat more dairy products, especially yogurt.
- Turkmenistan was once part of the Soviet Union, but is now independent. Wheat, rice, and lamb are key components of Turkmen cuisine, and a variety of pilafs, and meat-based dishes are common. The country’s culinary traditions reflect the rich nomadic heritage of the Turkmen people, with an emphasis on hearty and filling meals.
- Uzbekistan is another Central Asian country on this list. The country’s cuisine features a mix of traditional Uzbek and Russian dishes. Grapes and apples are two of the most popular commonly consumed fruits in Uzbekistan, unlike in Togo where tropical fruits like bananas and oranges are more prevalent.
- Tajikistan is an extremely mountainous country in Central Asia. Tajik cuisine features stews, dumplings, and bread, and the extensive use of lamb and beef, in stark contrast to Togo. The Tajik people incorporate spices such as cumin, coriander, dill, and parsley, which are not as common in Togolese food.
- Poland‘s diet is heavy in pork products. In contrast, pork is not as commonly eaten in Togo. Polish cuisine uses a range of condiments like sour cream, mustard, and horseradish to enhance the flavors of dishes. Togo’s cuisine uses more peanut-based sauces, palm nut sauces, and tomato-based sauces.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Togo
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Togo’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Chicken, Saltwater Fish
Fruit: Banana, Orange
Vegetable: Bean, Okra
Starch: Cassava, Corn
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.