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 Montenegrin Food
Four of the five nations with the most similar food to Montenegro are located in the Balkans. Given its geographical location and historical interactions, this is no surprise. These countries emphasize the use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Bread is a staple in the diets of these countries, and they share a love for various types of bread and pastries.
- Croatia and Montenegro both share the Adriatic coastline and have many historical ties. Both cuisines emphasize fresh seafood, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs. Popular dishes like grilled fish, black risotto, and octopus salad are staples in both countries. Additionally, Croatian and Montenegrin desserts, such as fritule are common.
- Romania is not a Slavic country but its food is similar to Montenegro’s. Dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with minced meat) and mămăligă (cornmeal porridge) are reminiscent of Montenegrin sarma and kačamak. Both cuisines also feature various soups and stews, which highlight the use of sour flavors and herbs.
- Bulgaria and Montenegro are both Slavic countries that are mostly Orthodox Christian. Their food is similar as well, due to their use of olive oil, seafood, and herbs. The presence of stuffed vegetables is a common theme in Balkan cuisine, and both Montenegro and Bulgaria have their versions of this dish.
- Bosnia & Herzegovina is located to the north of Montenegro. Both countries were once part of Yugoslavia. Both cuisines feature dishes like cevapi (grilled minced meat sausages), pita (filled pastries), and burek (meat or cheese-filled phyllo dough). The influence of Ottoman cuisine is strong in both countries as well.
- Malta is geographically distant, but it also borders the Mediterranean Sea. Dishes like lampuki pie (fish pie) in Malta and Montenegrin fish stews showcase their coastal influences. The use of fresh herbs, garlic, and tomatoes in both cuisines further emphasizes their Mediterranean roots.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Montenegro
The Least Similar Cuisines to Montenegrin Food
All five countries with the least similar food to Montenegro are tropical nations located close to the equator. This affects what type of crops are grown in these countries. Moreover, these countries are far less developed than Montenegro. They are also not as wealthy, so their diet has less meat. Four of the five are located in Africa.
- Chad is a country in the middle of Africa. The country is mostly Muslim. Sorghum and millet are the two most commonly consumed grains there. 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. Peanuts and sesame seeds are also popular.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan. Cassava accounts for the largest part of the country’s diet, however South Sudanese eat their share of sorghum as well. Beef is the most commonly consumed meat in the South Sudan, while pork and chicken are more popular sources of protein in Montenegro.
- 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.
- Central African Republic was once a colony of France before becoming independent. Cassava and yam are two of the most commonly eaten staple ingredients in the country. Furthermore, taro and bananas make up a much greater share of the diet in Central African Republic than in Montenegro.
- Democratic Republic of Congo is another French-speaking country on this list. Cassava is the dominant staple food in the country, unlike in Montenegro, where wheat and rice are more prevalent. Freshwater fish is also more commonly eaten in Congo than in Montenegro.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Montenegro
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Montenegro’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Pork, Chicken
Fruit: Watermelon, Orange
Vegetable: Cabbage, Tomato
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.