When you think of Christmas food, you might think of roast turkey, pudding or yule log. However, each country has different dishes to celebrate this special occasion. Let’s explore 7 traditional Christmas dishes from around the world. Maybe you can add them to your upcoming party.
1. Germany
Germans have a very special concept. They believe that those who do not eat a full dinner on Christmas Eve will have bad luck. Therefore, everyone allows themselves to eat more than usual. In Germany, roast goose and purple cabbage are the kings of the party. In addition, Germans love sweets so fruit cakes are very popular. The Christmas Stollen is one of the best Christmas pastries in the world.
2. Poland
The Poles don’t eat meat in December. However, they hold a huge party called Wigilia. A banquet table has up to 12 dishes representing for Jesus’ 12 apostles. The menu includes herring with cream sauce, fruit jam, vegetable salad, mushroom soup, steamed potatoes, etc.
Besides, Barszcz soup is a must-have appetizer every Christmas. People use beetroot and uszka (powder rind filled with mushrooms and onions) to make it.
3. Spain
Spanish celebrates Christmas at 10pm on December 24th. Although the menu is different in each region, it is indispensable for pate, ham and salchichon and shrimp. The main dish is beef steak served with blue cheese cake. Spaniards often enjoy them with red wine. In addition, the desserts are extremely diverse. They have mantecados, macaroons and turrons and many other goodies.
4. Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, tamales are a Christmas favorite. People wrap Tamales filled with meat and vegetables in banana leaves as a gift. During the holiday, Costa Ricans will gather and make this traditional cake together.
Besides, Costa Rica’s Christmas cannot be complete without the extremely famous eggnog cocktail. They add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or rum to the eggnog for a delicious, rich flavor.
5. France
Le Réveillon is a French midnight Christmas meal. They enjoy pork with cabbage or goose stuffed with crispy roasted chestnuts. In addition, Coquilles Saint – Jacques is a traditional Christmas dish of the French. It is made from scallops, butter, herbs.
Meals are served with champagne or wine. In particular, the dessert is usually panettone with the shape of a giant mushroom.
6. Denmark
If you celebrate Christmas in Denmark without enjoying Risalamande, your trip is not really complete. Both locals and visitors love this rice pudding. It is a blend of rice, cream, almonds and red cherry sauce. The dish has an irresistible taste that makes diners want to eat more.
For the main course, Danes usually eat grilled pork on Christmas Eve. However, there are also people who choose roast duck instead. Roast duck will be served with caramelized potatoes and gravy.
7. Russia
Selyodka pod shuboy is a popular salad during the Russian Christmas season. The shape of this dish reminds us of the layers of robes on top of fish. Therefore, the Russians gave it a rather funny name “herring under a fur coat”. Ingredients for making salad include herring, beets, carrots, potatoes, eggs and mayonnaise.
Christmas is a great holiday to enjoy the best food. Hope you can get some ideas for your party from the list of traditional Christmas dishes above. Read more interesting articles about Christmas here.