Christmas is a time of celebration, joy, and, of course, food. Across the globe, families come together to share special dishes that reflect their unique traditions and cultures.
Whether it’s a savory main course or a sweet treat, the flavors of Christmas vary from country to country, each one adding its own twist to the festive table.
Here are some must-try Christmas dishes from around the world that will make you want to broaden your holiday culinary horizons.
Christmas Dishes that are a Must Try from Around the World
1. Turkey – United States, Canada and the UK
In many English-speaking countries, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a golden, roasted turkey. Perfectly seasoned and often stuffed with savory fillings, turkey is the star of the holiday meal.
Whether it’s served with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy or a side of roasted vegetables, turkey brings families together for a hearty feast. Surprisingly, it is also one of most innovative Christmas dinner ideas.
2. Roast Lamb – Australia and New Zealand
While much of the world enjoys turkey, Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere is celebrated with a different flair. In Australia and New Zealand, where it’s summer, roast lamb takes center stage.
Accompanied by fresh salads and roasted vegetables, the dish is light, flavorful and perfect for outdoor Christmas gatherings.
3. Bacalhau – Portugal
In Portugal, Christmas Eve is a night for feasting, and one of the most beloved dishes is bacalhau, salted cod. This dish can be served in many forms, but it is most commonly prepared with potatoes, cabbage and chickpeas.
For many Portuguese families, bacalhau is an essential part of the Christmas meal, symbolizing tradition and a connection to the past.
4. Feast of the Seven Fishes – Italy
Italian-American families celebrate Christmas Eve with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a tradition that showcases an abundance of seafood dishes. The meal may include everything from fried calamari to shrimp scampi to baccalà, salted cod.
It’s a time to indulge in a wide variety of flavors, celebrating the abundance of the sea during the holiday season.
5. Vörös Káposzta – Hungary
In Hungary, vörös káposzta, or sweet and sour red cabbage, is often served as a side dish alongside a hearty roast or sausage.
The cabbage, which is flavored with vinegar and sugar, adds a tangy, festive contrast to the rich flavors of the meat, making it a perfect accompaniment to the Christmas feast.
6. Stollen – Germany
No Christmas celebration is complete without a slice of Stollen in Germany. This traditional fruitcake, made with dried fruits, nuts and marzipan, is dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine, Stollen is a sweet and comforting treat that evokes the spirit of Christmas.
7. Pavlova – Australia and New Zealand
In the warm climates of Australia and New Zealand, pavlova is the dessert of choice for Christmas. This meringue-based cake, topped with fresh fruits like kiwi, strawberries, and passionfruit, is both light and refreshing.
It’s the perfect way to end a summer Christmas meal, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tang.
8. Tamales – Mexico
For many Mexican families, tamales are a Christmas staple. These corn dough pockets, stuffed with a variety of fillings such as pork, chicken or cheese, are wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.
Tamales are often enjoyed with a warm cup of atole, a thick, sweet corn drink, making them the heart of a festive Mexican holiday gathering.
9. Christmas Pudding – United Kingdom
In the UK, Christmas pudding is a beloved tradition. This dense, steamed dessert is made with dried fruits, spices and suet, and is often served with a generous pour of brandy, set alight just before serving for dramatic flair.
The pudding is rich, comforting and a perfect way to close a festive Christmas meal.
10. Kiviak – Greenland
For those seeking something truly unique, Kiviak from Greenland is a Christmas delicacy unlike any other. Made by fermenting auks (small birds) inside a seal skin for several months, this dish is traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season.
While it may be an acquired taste for many, it holds deep cultural significance for Greenlandic families.
11. Lechón – Philippines
In the Philippines, lechón or roasted whole pig, is a symbol of celebration and togetherness. This dish is often the star of Christmas gatherings, with its crispy skin and tender meat being the highlight of any feast.
Lechón is typically served with a tangy dipping sauce and is a must-try for anyone looking to taste the true spirit of Filipino hospitality.
12. Sauerbraten – Germany
For those who love hearty, savory meals, sauerbraten is a must-try. This marinated pot roast, typically made from beef, is slow-cooked to perfection and served with rich gravy, potato dumplings and red cabbage.
It’s a dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of a traditional German Christmas meal.
13. Joulupöytä – Finland
In Finland, Christmas is all about the Joulupöytä, a festive spread that includes a variety of dishes, such as ham, salmon, casseroles, and pickled vegetables. One of the standout dishes is joulupuuron, a sweet rice porridge traditionally eaten for breakfast on Christmas Day.
A hidden almond is often placed inside the porridge, and the person who finds it is said to have good luck for the year ahead.
14. Bûche de Noël – France
In France, Bûche de Noël or Yule log cake, is a stunning dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Made from sponge cake, rolled and filled with rich chocolate buttercream.
This cake is shaped to resemble a log and decorated with festive touches like holly and powdered sugar “snow.” It’s a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for the holiday table.
15. Cozonac – Romania
A sweet and festive bread from Romania, cozonac is filled with a variety of fillings, such as walnut paste, cocoa, or Turkish delight. The bread is rich and slightly sweet, often served during Christmas and other major holidays.
With its soft, fluffy texture, cozonac is the perfect companion to a hot cup of tea or coffee during the Christmas season.
16. Pork and Sauerkraut – Germany and the U.S.
In Germany and parts of the United States, pork and sauerkraut is a popular dish during Christmas celebrations. It’s believed that eating pork brings good luck, while the tangy sauerkraut complements the richness of the meat.
This combination is often enjoyed on Christmas Eve, alongside mashed potatoes or dumplings.
17. KFC – Japan
In Japan, Christmas is often celebrated with a surprisingly western twist: KFC. It has become a Christmas tradition for many Japanese families to order a special KFC meal, sometimes even reserving it weeks in advance.
While it may sound unusual, it’s become a festive phenomenon and a fun, unconventional way to enjoy Christmas.
18. Sarma – Balkans
In the Balkans, sarma, cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, are a Christmas favorite. The savory, comforting dish is slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings.
Whether enjoyed with a side of mashed potatoes or fresh bread, sarma is a meal that brings people together.
19. Rabanadas – Brazil
Brazilian Christmas celebrations wouldn’t be complete without rabanadas, a sweet treat that’s similar to French toast. Sliced bread is soaked in milk and egg, then fried and dusted with sugar and cinnamon.
It’s a popular dessert during the holiday season, often enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.
20. Glögg – Sweden and Finland
To warm up during the chilly holiday season, glögg, a spiced mulled wine, is a popular drink in Sweden and Finland. Typically made with red wine, sugar and a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
Glögg is served hot and often accompanied by almonds and raisins. It’s a cozy drink that perfectly complements the festive spirit.
Conclusion
From savory feasts to sweet treats, Christmas dishes around the world are as diverse as the cultures they represent.
Whether you’re enjoying a turkey roast in the United States or sipping mulled wine in Sweden, the holiday season is a time to savor the flavors of tradition and share in the joy of food with loved ones.
This Christmas, why not try a dish from another corner of the world and experience the magic of global holiday cuisine?
FAQs =》
Q1. What are some common Christmas dishes in the United States?
Ans. In the United States, roast turkey is a classic Christmas dish, often served with sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy. Ham is also popular, particularly in Southern and Midwestern states.
Q2. Why do people eat seafood on Christmas Eve in Italy?
Ans. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a tradition observed by many Italian-American families, stemming from the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve. Seafood dishes like fried calamari, shrimp and baccalà (salted cod) are served in abundance to celebrate the holiday.
Q3. What is the significance of bûche de Noël in France?
Ans. Bûche de Noël or Yule log cake, represents the log that families would burn in their hearth during Christmas. The cake is a symbol of warmth and togetherness and is traditionally made from sponge cake, rolled with rich buttercream and decorated to resemble a log.
Q4. Why is bacalhau so important in Portugal at Christmas?
Ans.Bacalhau (salted cod) is a Christmas tradition in Portugal, as it has been an essential part of the diet for centuries. It’s often served on Christmas Eve, prepared in various dishes with potatoes, vegetables, and sauces. The tradition is tied to the country’s history of preserving fish through salting.
Q5. What is Kiviak in Greenland, and how is it prepared?
Ans. Kiviak is a unique dish made by fermenting small birds (auks) inside a seal skin for several months. It’s traditionally eaten during the Christmas season in Greenland and is a dish deeply rooted in local Inuit culture. While it may be an acquired taste, it is a symbol of traditional Greenlandic food practices.
Q6. What is the tradition behind pavlova in Australia and New Zealand?
Ans. Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit, is a popular Christmas treat in Australia and New Zealand. Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, it’s a light and refreshing dessert perfect for the summer Christmas season in the Southern Hemisphere.
Q7. Why do Mexicans eat tamales at Christmas?
Ans. Tamales are a Christmas tradition in Mexico, often made with corn dough and filled with various meats, chilies and vegetables. They are typically prepared and enjoyed in large family gatherings, making them a symbol of togetherness and holiday celebration.
Q8. What is the significance of lechón in the Philippines during Christmas?
Ans. Lechón (roast pig) is a festive Filipino dish often served at large Christmas parties and gatherings. It is a symbol of celebration and abundance, and the tender, crispy meat is typically shared among family and friends.
Q9. Why is stollen so important in Germany at Christmas?
Ans. Stollen is a traditional German fruitcake made with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan. Its distinctive shape is meant to resemble the swaddled baby Jesus, making it a symbol of Christmas. It’s often enjoyed with a warm drink, such as mulled wine, during the holiday season.
Q10. What is sauerbraten and why do Germans eat it at Christmas?
Ans. Sauerbraten is a pot roast, often made from beef, marinated in vinegar and spices before being slow-cooked. It’s a classic Christmas dish in Germany, served with sides like red cabbage and potato dumplings. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for festive gatherings.
Q11. What is the traditional Christmas drink in Sweden and Finland?
Ans. Glögg, a spiced mulled wine, is a popular Christmas drink in both Sweden and Finland. It’s made by heating red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, and is often served with almonds and raisins for added flavor. It’s a comforting drink for cold winter nights.
Q12. Can you try cozonac outside of Romania?
Ans. Yes. While cozonac is a traditional Romanian dessert, it has become a popular treat in several countries of Eastern Europe. The sweet, rich bread filled with walnuts, cocoa, or Turkish delight can be found in international supermarkets or bakeries, especially around Christmas time.
Q13. What are rabanadas and where are they eaten?
Ans. Rabanadas are a sweet treat popular in Brazil, similar to French toast. Bread is soaked in milk and egg, then fried and dusted with sugar and cinnamon. They are often enjoyed as a dessert or breakfast during the Christmas season.
Q14. How do people celebrate Christmas in Japan with KFC?
Ans. KFC has become a popular Christmas tradition in Japan, with many families ordering a special holiday meal from the fast-food chain. This tradition began in the 1970s as a marketing campaign, and it has since become a beloved way to celebrate the season in Japan.
Q15. What makes vörös káposzta (sweet and sour cabbage) so special in Hungary?
Ans. Vörös káposzta is a traditional side dish made with red cabbage, flavored with vinegar and sugar to create a sweet and sour taste. It’s commonly served with pork or sausages at Christmas and adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the meat. It’s a perfect complement to the hearty Hungarian Christmas meals.
