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 Slovakian Food
Slovakia, nestled in the heart of Europe, shares culinary similarities with several neighboring countries. Being in Central Europe, food in Slovakia has influences from several different regions of Europe.
- Czech Republic and Slovakia were part of the same country until 1992. It is no surprise that the two nations have extremely similar food. Their cuisines feature a lot of pork, potatoes, bread, and savory sauces. Bryndzové Halušky, Vepřo Knedlo Zelo, Smažený Sýr, and Guláš are popular dishes in both countries.
- Croatia and Slovakia were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Both countries have a penchant for stews and grilled meats. They also embrace sausages and sauerkraut. Yogurt and cheese are popular in both nations. While the most commonly consumed grain in Slovakia and Croatia is wheat, Slovakians tend to eat a lot less corn.
- Switzerland is another mountainous country in Europe. Both countries are known for their dairy products. Cheese, in particular, is a staple in both cuisines. In addition Switzerland and Slovakia often use potatoes in their traditional meals. Their dishes often feature seasonal vegetables, meat, and sometimes dumplings.
- Sweden and Slovakia have a tradition of curing and preserving meats. Pork is the most commonly eaten meat in both countries, although Sweden tends to consume more fish. Wheat, potatoes, and rye are the three most popular starches in these countries. Furthermore, both countries have a rich tradition of dairy products.
- Hungary shares a border with Slovakia. In fact, around 10% of people in Slovakia are ethnic Hungarians. Both countries consume a lot of bread, potatoes, cabbage, and dairy products. Soups with sauerkraut are some traditional in both countries. One popular snack in both countries is fried-dough with sour cream, and grated cheese.
Related: The 10 Most Similar Countries to Slovakia
The Least Similar Cuisines to Slovakian Food
Four of the five countries with the least similar food to Slovakia are located in Africa. The climate in all these countries is 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.
- 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.
- South Sudan is another country that borders Sudan. 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 Slovakia, beef is the most commonly consumed meat there.
- 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 Slovakia.
- 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 Slovakia.
- 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.
Related: The 10 Least Similar Countries to Slovakia
Full Food Similarity Ranking of Countries and Territories
Slovakia’s Most Common Food Ingredients
Protein: Pork, Chicken
Fruit: Watermelon, Banana
Vegetable: Tomato, Cabbage
Starch: Wheat, Potato
Primarily based on 2020 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.
