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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world, with each country bringing its unique traditions to the holiday table. From savory dishes to sweet treats, Christmas foods around the world showcase how different cultures can manifest themselves during the seasonal season.
10 Christmas foods around the world
Citing Taste of Home and Good Food, this article explores the 10 Christmas foods around the world that are sure to make the celebration more special.
1. United Kingdom
When it comes to Christmas foods around the world, the traditional Christmas dinner in the United Kingdom is a big deal. For the main course, a roasted turkey stuffed with a bundle of sausages is the British favorite. The turkey is accompanied by popular side dishes such as prawns, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Finally, a hearty slice of Christmas pudding completes the meal.
2. Mexico
During Christmas dinner in Mexico, tamales take center stage, cherished for their rich and spicy flavor. The vibrant spirit extends beyond the meal itself, as many families host a tamalada - a fun tamale-making party. Mexicans not only indulge in their traditional food scene, but they also embrace the joy and celebration of Christmas with loved ones.
3. United States
Americans go all out for Christmas dinner, enjoying either smoky roast turkey, roast ham or seafood, depending on the region. They often pair the main course with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing. For dessert, pumpkin and pecan pies are classic holiday favorites.
4. Australia and New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, Christmas falls in the summer, so the way people celebrate often takes advantage of the warm weather. New Zealanders enjoy roast lamb for their main course, while Australians love glazed ham. For dessert, both countries share the sweet and light Christmas pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.
The highlight of Christmas dinner in Australia and New Zealand is the festive barbecue, often enjoyed on the breezy beach.
5. France
Among Christmas foods around the world, the French approach to Christmas dinner is distinctive, especially for those who prefer seafood to meat. They indulge in fresh seafood such as oysters, lobsters, and shrimp. To finish off the evening, the French enjoy bûche de Noël, a Yule log-shaped cake made with sponge cake and buttercream.
6. Germany
A hearty Christmas dinner in Germany includes a multi-course meal of roast duck, rabbit or goose, accompanied by potato dumplings and red cabbage. In addition to gingerbread houses for dessert, Germans also enjoy stollen, a fruit bread filled with almonds, dried fruit, and various spices.
7. Poland
In Poland, Christmas Eve is marked by the Wigilia Feast, a dinner that includes 12 meatless, eggless, and milkless dishes symbolizing the 12 apostles and months. Popular dishes include barszcz (beetroot soup), pierogi (dumplings stuffed with sauerkraut or mushrooms), and carp. The meal ends with a slice of poppy-seed cake sprinkled with powdered sugar.
8. Italy
When it comes to Christmas dinner traditions, Italians are famous for hosting the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a meal that typically features seven types of fish and seafood dishes. Fried eel, shrimp, and octopus are among the most common dishes on the table. As in many countries, dessert is a must in Italy, with panettone, tiramisu, pandoro, nougat, and panforte being the top favorites.
9. Sweden
Swedes celebrate Christmas with a festive buffet known as Julbord, which features a variety of traditional Scandinavian dishes. The spread includes favorites such as herring salad, gravadlax, meatballs, and Christmas ham. Swedes also indulge their sweet tooth with lussekatter and rice pudding. A glass of Swedish glögg, a warm mulled wine flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, is also a popular holiday drink..
10. Japan
In Japan, Christmas is celebrated in a more modern and Westernized style, with one of the most famous holiday traditions being the enjoyment of KFC fried chicken. This quirky custom began in the 1970s after a successful marketing campaign by the brand. For dessert, the Japanese enjoy Christmas cake, a light sponge cake topped with a generous amount of whipped cream and strawberries.
Indeed, some of the Christmas foods around the world highlight the diversity of holiday traditions. Whatever you're eating for Christmas dinner, be sure to embrace the festive spirit and joyous celebration!
Taste of Home | Good Food
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