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 Food in Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of French and Germanic culinary traditions. This unique blend makes it particularly interesting to explore which countries share similar gastronomic characteristics. The five countries with the most similar food to Luxembourg are all part of the European Union.
- Switzerland and Luxembourg are both have French and Germanic influences. Both nations share a love of dishes often featuring dairy products. Cheese, in particular, is a cornerstone of both culinary traditions. Swiss fondue and raclette find their counterparts in Luxembourg. They also share a fondness for pork sausages.
- France is a country located to the south of Luxembourg. Both nations bake high-quality bread, croissants, and pastries. French cheeses, like Brie and Camembert, are popular in Luxembourg as well. The country has a reputation for its fine dining scene, which draws inspiration from French culinary standards of excellence.
- Sweden, though geographically distant, offers surprising parallels to Luxembourgian cuisine. Both countries value fresh, seasonal ingredients and incorporate them into their dishes . While Swedish cuisine leans towards lighter fare, the use of dairy products, particularly in the form of cream and butter, echoes Luxembourg’s culinary style.
- Malta‘s typical diet shares many of the same ingredients as Luxembourg. In fact, many people from Mediterranean countries have immigrated to Luxembourg in recent years and brought their unique food. Both countries have been influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh produce, olive oil, and aromatic herbs.
- Norway, like Sweden, has a typical diet that is similar to Luxembourg’s. Both countries prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients and have a strong connection to nature. While Norwegian cuisine leans towards seafood, the use of dairy products and the emphasis on hearty, comforting dishes create some common ground with Luxembourg.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Luxembourg
The Least Similar Cuisines to Food in Luxembourg
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Luxembourg 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 Luxembourg. Neither potatoes nor pork are commonly eaten in these countries.
- 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.
- 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 Luxembourg, pork is not a commonly consumed meat in South Sudan.
- 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 Luxembourg.
- 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.
- 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 Luxembourg.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Luxembourg
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Luxembourg’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Pork, Beef
Fruit: Apple, Banana
Vegetable: Tomato, Carrot
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.