Countries with the Most Similar Food to Belgium

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 Belgian Food

Belgium, a nation renowned for its culinary delights, shares certain similarities in its food with several other Western European countries. These countries tend to be quite wealthy and their infrastructure is well developed. Pastries and baked goods are integral to the culinary cultures of these countries.

1. Sweden and Belgium, despite being geographically distant, exhibit a reliance on hearty and warming dishes. Potatoes, root vegetables like carrots and turnips, and preserved foods are staple ingredients in the culinary traditions of both nations. These countries have their own versions of meatballs. In addition, they have a tradition of seafood dishes.
2. France is to the south of Belgium. Cheese is a staple ingredient in many French and Belgian dishes. Their cuisines are known for their rich and flavorful sauces and gravies. Bread is a fundamental component of both French and Belgian meals. French and Belgian breads are often served alongside meals or used as the base for sandwiches.
3. Netherlands is located to the north of the Belgium. Both countries have many Dutch-speaking people as well. As a result, their cuisines are quite similar. Stews such as stoofvlees, erwtensoep, and waterzooi, are popular in both nations. In addition, fries often accompany many of the meals in these countries.
4. Luxembourg is another country located in between Germany and France. Both cuisines feature hearty and comforting dishes, often utilizing ingredients such as potatoes, pork, and dairy products. While Belgium is divided into regions with distinct traditions, such as Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels cuisine, Luxembourg’s food is less regionally diverse.
5. Switzerland is another country with a mix of French and Germanic language speakers. Cheese plays a significant role in both Belgian and Swiss cuisines. Furthermore, both Belgium and Switzerland are renowned for their chocolate-making traditions. Traditional dishes such as stews, roasts, and sausages are common in their diets.

Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Belgium

The Least Similar Cuisines to Belgian Food

Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Belgium are located in Africa. The climate in these countries is also significantly warmer. This affects what type of crops are grown in these countries. Four of the five nations are landlocked. Moreover, these countries are much less developed than Belgium.

1. Chad is a landlocked country that borders the Sahara Desert. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains in the country. These crops are well adapted to the Sahel’s harsh climate. Lamb is one of the most popular meats eaten there. One popular dish is saka-saka, a mix of spinach and cassava leaves.
2. 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 Belgium, pork is not a commonly consumed meat in the South Sudan.
3. Central African Republic borders both Chad and South Sudan. Cassava and yams are two of the most commonly eaten ingredients in the country. Furthermore, taro and bananas are a much greater share of the diet in Central African Republic than in Belgium.
4. Micronesia is a group of small islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It relies extremely heavily on seafood and tropical fruits as a result. The country’s relative isolation has limited its exposure to foreign influences.
5. Burundi is located in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Interestingly enough, it was once a colony of Belgium. However, its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas, is far different from Belgium’s. Furthermore, freshwater fish is the country’s biggest source of meat, in contrast to Belgium.

Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Belgium

Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories

Belgium’s Most Common Food Ingredients

Protein: Pork, Beef
Fruit: Banana, Apple
Vegetable: Lettuce, Carrot
Starch: Wheat, Potato

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