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 Diets to Food in Cyprus
Cyprus, with its rich history and vibrant culture, boasts a cuisine that reflects the island’s Mediterranean location and its European influences. The flavors of Cyprus are a melting pot of different traditions. The five countries with the most similar food to Cyprus are all part of the European Union.
- Malta and Cyprus are both Mediterranean islands. Their diets are similar as well. Maltese food reflects a blend of Mediterranean flavors with significant influences from Italy, particularly Sicily, and Northern Africa, much like Cyprus. Both cuisines feature an abundance of olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Dishes like lampuki pie (fish pie), bragioli (beef olives), and pastizzi (savory pastries) in Malta resonate with similar Cypriot dishes like koupepia (stuffed grape leaves) and flaounes (cheese-filled pastries).
- Luxembourg may not immediately come to mind when thinking of Mediterranean cuisine, but its food shares some similarities with French culinary traditions. Furthermore, many of its residents are originally from Portugal. Both countries appreciate meals that often using pork, potatoes, and hearty vegetables, making the ingredients in their dishes comparable.
- France is a country located to the south of Luxembourg. France’s Mediterranean region, particularly Provence, shares a lot in common with Cypriot cuisine. It is rich in olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Dishes like ratatouille (a vegetable stew), bouillabaisse (a fish soup), and pissaladière (an onion and olive tart) are reminiscent of Cypriot dishes like stifado (a beef and onion stew) and souvla (large chunks of meat grilled on a spit).
- Bulgaria’s diet is also similar to Cyprus’s. The use of herbs such as parsley, mint, and dill is common in both kitchens, as is the reliance on cheese, particularly in salads and pastries. Bulgarian dishes like shopska salad (a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta) and banitsa (a cheese-filled pastry) bear a striking resemblance to Cypriot village salad and tyropita (cheese pie).
- Croatia is located along the Mediterranean coast. Croatian cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on seafood, olive oil, fresh vegetables, and wine—just like Cypriot cuisine. Dishes such as pasticada (a stewed beef dish), blitva (Swiss chard with potatoes), and peka (meat or seafood cooked under a bell-like dome) are reminiscent of Cypriot kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb) and moussaka (a layered meat and vegetable dish).
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Cyprus
The Least Similar Diets to Food in Cyprus
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Cyprus are located in Africa. Moreover, these countries are much less developed than Cyprus. Neither potatoes nor pork are commonly eaten in these countries.
- 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.
- 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 commonly eaten meats there.
- Central African Republic is another landlocked country that borders Chad. Cassava and yams are two of the most commonly eaten ingredients in the country. Furthermore, taro and bananas are a greater share of the diet in Central African Republic than in Cyprus.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Chad. 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 Cyprus, pork is not a commonly consumed meat in South Sudan.
- Sierra Leone is a former British colony that is predominately Muslim. The vast majority of the nation’s diet is made up of starches, especially rice and cassava. In addition, pork and dairy products are not as commonly eaten in Sierra Leone as in Cyprus.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Cyprus
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Cyprus’ Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Pork, Chicken
Fruit: Apple, Banana
Vegetable: Tomato, Cucumber
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.