Countries with the Most Similar Food to Mozambique

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 Mozambican Food

Mozambique is located in East Africa. The four countries with the most similar food are all located in Africa as well. Seafood reigns supreme in coastal regions, with a rich tradition of incorporating palm oil and coconut milk into dishes. These countries rely on starchy staples like rice, cassava, and corn as well as tropical fruits.

1. Angola is another former Portuguese colony in Africa. Similar to Mozambique, both cuisines heavily rely on starchy foods such as corn, cassava and rice. Given their coastal locations, both Angola and Mozambique have a rich tradition of seafood dishes. Palm oil is a common cooking ingredient in both countries.
2. Tanzania is located to the north of Mozambique. It shares similarities in its approach to seafood and spiced dishes. Tanzanian fish curries, such as samaki wa kupaka, resonate with Mozambican seafood stews like matapa. Both countries embrace the use of coconut milk in their food. Mishkaki in Tanzania finds its counterpart in Mozambique’s espetada.
3. Madagascar is located off the coast of Mozambique. Given their coastal locations, both countries have a strong tradition of seafood in their cuisines. Furthermore, both cuisines utilize coconut milk in cooking, adding richness and flavor to many dishes. However, people in Mozambique tend to eat more rice.
4. Republic of Congo is another country that borders the Atlantic Ocean on this list. Similar to the Mozambique, Republic of Congo emphasizes seafood in its cuisine, including prawns, fish, and shellfish. Staples such as rice, cassava, and maize are also common in these two countries.
5. Indonesia is not an African country, but its typical food ingredients are somewhat similar to Mozambique’s. Both countries tend to eat a lot of fish. Both Indonesian and Mozambican cuisines are known for their spicy dishes. These countries also rely on a diverse range of tropical fruits.

Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Tanzania

The Least Similar Cuisines to Mozambican Food

The five countries with the least similar food to Mozambique are all located in landlocked countries in Asia. They also have climates that are significantly drier than Mozambique’s. These nations tend to eat far less seafood and tropical fruits. Four of the five countries are predominately Muslim.

1. Mongolia‘s 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 from Mozambique. They also eat more dairy products, especially yogurt.
2. Uzbekistan was once part of the Soviet Union, but is now independent. 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 Mozambique where tropical fruits are more prevalent.
3. Turkmenistan is located to the south of Uzbekistan. 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.
4. Tajikistan is a mountainous country in Central Asia. Tajik cuisine features stews, dumplings, and bread, and the extensive use of lamb and beef, in stark contrast to Mozambique. The Tajik people incorporate spices such as cumin, coriander, dill, and parsley, which are not as common in Mozambican food.
5. Afghanistan is at the crossroads of the Middle East and Central Asia. Its diet is heavily wheat-based. Watermelons, grapes, and cantaloupes are the most popular fruits in the region. Furthermore, unlike Tajikistan, beef and lamb are its two biggest sources of meat.

Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Tanzania

Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories

Tanzania’s Most Common Food Ingredients

Protein: Saltwater, Freshwater Fish
Fruit: Banana, Orange
Vegetable: Tomato, Onion
Starch: Cassava, Corn

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