Countries with the Most Similar Food to Latvia

Country Food Similarity Index - Map of Countries with Similar Food to Latvia

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 Latvian Food

Latvian food can be considered a blend of Baltic, Slavic and Germanic influences, since it is located at the crossroads of Northern, Eastern and Central Europe. Four of the five countries with the most similar food border the Baltic Sea. In addition, the climate tends to be quite cold in these countries.

  1. Lithuania and Latvia are neighbors that have extremely similar languages. Their diets are also alike too. Latvian and Lithuanian cuisines have an appreciation for bread, potatoes, and dairy products. In fact, savoury meat pies like Lithuanian kibinai or Latvian spekrauši are common in both countries as well.
  2. Estonia borders Latvia to its north, so these Baltic countries share many similarities in its traditional cuisine. Popular Latvian dishes such as grey peas with bacon, potato pancakes, and sautéed sauerkraut are similar in Estonia. Both countries also have a penchant for rye bread, often enjoyed alongside hearty soups and stews.
  3. Poland and Latvia have cuisines that share staples like potatoes, bread, soups, pickled vegetables, and hearty meats. Although Polish dishes may lean towards a wider array of dumplings and pastries. Both cuisines celebrate Eastern European heritage through comforting, flavorful dishes.
  4. Czechia and Latvia also do not border each other, but their food has many similarities. Both nations have a deep appreciation for dairy products, crafting creamy cheeses and luscious creams. Pickled vegetables are also common in these countries as well. However, Latvia has a greater variety of fish dishes, since it is not landlocked.
  5. Sweden is another country that borders the Baltic Sea. As a result, both nations have a rich tradition of smoked and pickled fish. Rye bread is a staple in both Swedish and Latvian cuisines, often enjoyed with butter and cheese. Both cuisines often feature potatoes as a staple ingredient as well.

Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Latvia

The Least Similar Cuisines to Latvian Food

Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Latvia are located in Africa. The climate in these countries is also significantly warmer, since they are closer to the equator. This affects what type of crops are grown in these countries. Moreover, these countries are much less developed. Neither potatoes nor pork are commonly eaten in these nations.

  1. Chad is a landlocked country in the middle of Africa that 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 commonly parts of their cuisine.
  2. South Sudan is another landlocked country in Africa. Cassava is the country’s staple food, however people in South Sudan eat a lot of sorghum as well. Porridge is one of the most popular dishes in the country. Unlike in Latvia, beef is the most commonly consumed meat there.
  3. Central African Republic borders both Chad and South Sudan. 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 Latvia.
  4. Burundi is located in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Its diet is in large part based on cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas. Furthermore, freshwater fish is the country’s biggest source of meat, in contrast to Latvia, which consumes more pork, chicken, and dairy products.
  5. 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.

Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Latvia

Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories

Latvia’s Most Common Food Ingredients

Protein: Pork, Chicken
Fruit: Banana, Watermelon
Vegetable: Fava Bean, Tomato
Starch: Potato, Wheat

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

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