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 Austrian Food
The five countries with the most similar food to Austria are all located in Northern Europe. These nations tend to have relatively cold weather. In addition, four of the five primarily speak Germanic languages. These countries tend to eat a lot of bread, potatoes, and meats.
- Germany and Austria are both German-speaking countries that border each other, so it is no surprise they share so many culinary traditions. Pork is easily the most popular meat in both countries, since it is used to make Bratwurst. Their meals are often served with a side of potatoes or French fries. Wiener Schnitzel, Spätzle, Rindfleisch Goulash are common dishes. Sweet treats like Sachertorte and Black Forest cake are some popular deserts.
- Sweden is just across the Baltic Sea from Germany. Meat and potatoes are common staples in both Swedish and Austrian cuisine. Sausages are popular in both countries. They feature hearty, comforting dishes that are well-suited to colder climates. However, being a coastal nation, Sweden has a stronger emphasis on seafood in its diet.
- Denmark is another Germanic country to the north of Germany. Both countries have a tradition of open-faced sandwiches, sausages, potatoes, and delicious pastries. In addition, these countries tend to eat a lot of cheese. However, the Danish eat significantly less pork than Austrians. Furthermore, Danish cuisine features a greater variety of seafood and fish, unlike landlocked Austria.
- Czech Republic borders Austria. Both countries were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Before World War II, many German-speaking communities lived in the country for centuries. Czechia has a few breaded and fried meat dishes that resemble Austria’s Wiener Schnitzel. Both cuisines also share a love for pastries. Both Czech and Austrian cuisines feature a wide range of soups. They also have a rich tradition of bread baking.
- Ireland and Austria are both predominantly Catholic countries. They both often incorporate potatoes into their dishes. However, one difference is that Ireland tends to have more seafood in its diet, since it is not landlocked. Bananas and apples are the two most commonly eaten fruits in these nations.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Austria
The Least Similar Cuisines to Austrian Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Austria 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 Austria. Neither potatoes nor pork are commonly eaten in these countries.
- Chad is a landlocked country in Africa. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. 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. One popular dish is saka-saka, a mix of spinach and cassava leaves.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan. Cassava is the staple food, however the country eats its share of sorghum as well. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country. Unlike in Austria, beef is the most commonly consumed meat in the South Sudan. However, protein is eaten less often eaten in South Sudan.
- Central African Republic borders both Chad and South Sudan. It is a former French colony in the middle of Africa. The majority of the country’s diet is based on cassava and yams. Bananas and plantains are also an extremely common source of food in the country.
- 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.
- Burundi‘s diet relies heavily on staple crops such as sorghum, maize, beans, and root vegetables like cassava, sweet potatoes, and yams, which are abundant in the region. Furthermore, a large part of Burundi’s typical diet is heavily reliant on bananas.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Austria
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Austria’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Pork, Chicken
Fruit: Apple, Banana
Vegetable: Onion, Tomato
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.