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 DR Congolese Food
The five countries with the most similar food to the Democratic Republic of Congo are all located in Africa and are located in tropical regions. Their diets tend to be heavily based in cassava. The country has a vibrant food culture that draws inspiration from its local ingredients and traditional practices.
- Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo border each other. They are both former Belgian countries. These nations also share significant similarities in their food traditions. These countries have diets that centered around cassava and bananas. A dish similar to Burundi’s “Ibihaza” can be found in the DRC, where pumpkins or squash are combined with beans or groundnuts.
- Republic of Congo shares many similarities with the Democratic Republic of Congo due to their geographical proximity and historical connections. Common foods in both countries include cassava and plantain. Both countries eat fufu, a dough-like substance made from cassava or maize, which is typically served with various stews and sauces.
- Angola is on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s southern border. Both countries place an emphasis on stews and soups incorporating spices such as garlic, ginger, and peppers. Additionally, seafood is a significant component to their cuisines, although Angolans tend to eat more saltwater fish, while people in Congo tend to eat more freshwater fish.
- Mozambique is another former Portuguese colony on this list. Similar to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique has a lot of fish in its cuisine. Staples such as rice, cassava, and corn are also popular. Piri-piri, a hot chili pepper, is widely used to add spice to many Mozambican meals.
- Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo feature a variety of starchy side dishes as staples. In both nations, fufu made from cassava is commonplace. Dishes made from leafy greens are popular in both cuisines as well. Furthermore, fried or boiled plantains are a common side dish in their cuisines.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Least Similar Cuisines to DR Congolese Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to the Democratic Republic of Congo are all located in Asia. With the exception of Mongolia, these countries were once part of the Soviet Union. Their people tend to consume a much greater amount of wheat and potatoes than the Democratic Republic of Congo on average. They also have far more meat in their diets.
- Turkmenistan is a Central Asian country that is predominately Muslim. 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 extremely similar to Turkmenistan. 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 the Democratic Republic of Congo where bananas and mangoes are more prevalent.
- Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country. 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 the Democratic Republic of Congo. They also eat more dairy products.
- 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 the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Tajik people incorporate spices such as cumin, coriander, dill, and parsley, unlike DR Congo.
- Belarus is the only Eastern European country on this list. It is one of the few nations in the world where potatoes are the most commonly eaten starch. Cassava is not consumed as nearly as often in this country as in the Democratic of Congo. Furthermore, dairy products like yogurt are extremely popular in Belarus.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to the Democratic Republic of Congo
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Democratic Republic of Congo’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Freshwater Fish, Saltwater Fish
Fruit: Banana, Mango
Vegetable: Bean, Peanut
Starch: Cassava, Corn
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.