Want to know more about Christmas food traditions around the world? Then you should start with this list. No need for you to leave home to get a taste of how the rest of the world celebrate their Christmas!
Expect to find a mix of Christmas recipes for appetizers, mains, side dishes, and desserts from various countries worldwide.
Not only classic Christmas dinner recipes, but you are also in for treats and confectioneries that will surely tease your tastebuds!
Northern Europe
Although each country in the north has its own version of making this spiced, warm drink, I opted for the one from Sweden for this recipe.
Christmas is simply not the same without the aroma and flavor of this traditional drink.
Norwegian Christmas Bread (Julekake)
It might look like a normal raisin bread to you, but don’t be fooled.
Cardamom, a well-loved spice in the Nordics, is added to the dough — giving this Christmas treat a more complex (and festive) flavor.
Swedish Saffron Buns (Lussekatter)
Every 13th of December is St. Lucia day in Sweden, a tradition also marked by these soft and delightful saffron buns.
Personally, I think this is the time of the year when you start seeing saffron in every bageri (bakery) or coffee shop in Sweden — it comes in buns, cakes, and cookies. Keep reading, and you will see what I mean. 🙂
Finnish Carrot Casserole (Porkkanalaatikko)
Every Christmas table in Finland would have at least one type of casserole — the most common is Rutabaga.
However, that root vegetable is quite hard to find outside the Nordics, so I opted to include the second most common instead — Carrot Casserole.
Swedish Saffron Cake (Saffranskaka)
Remember what I said about Sweden and saffron for Christmas? Here is the second one.
A delicate balance of sweet and saffron in every bite of this cake. It looks so simple but packs a punch when it comes to flavor.
Swedish Saffron and Pistachio Cookies
Traditionally just with saffron, I see this combination quite frequently in Stockholm nowadays.
These Christmas cookies are excellent with coffee, tea, or mulled wine.
Western Europe
The taste and smell of almonds — I will always remember Frankfurt’s Christmas market because of these tempting treats.
Originally from the Tuscany region, it’s now commonly available in other Italian regions as well, although still not as common as Panettone.
Portuguese Rice Pudding (Arroz Doce)
It would be remiss of me to say that the locals only eat this during the holidays.
On the contrary, they love to eat sweet rice pudding the whole year-round. But it’s still quite common to see it on their Christmas table.
German Flourless Christmas Cookies
Although these are originally from Nuremberg (German state, Bavaria), almost every state in Germany has its own version of preparing these cookies.
It does not really make a difference if you ask me. They’re all irresistible!
It started in Milan, Lombardy, now it pretty much signifies Italian Christmas to the rest of the world. Even when we were in Thailand for a Christmas break, we saw some Panettone in one of their supermarkets.
So yeah, there is a reason why everyone is falling in love with this — about time you find out yourself.
Spanish Christmas Cookies (Polvorones)
Another treat that’s made of ground almonds. But this one is toasted; so, expect a deeper flavor in every bite.
Asia
Filipino Coconut Rice Cake (Bibingka)
A soft, sponge-like cake that showcases two of Filipino cuisine’s base flavors, salty and sweet.
Yes, it is a dessert, and yes — the flavors definitely work. You just have to give it a try!
Food for the Gods (Filipino Date and Walnut Bars)
This treat is available the whole year-round, but come Christmas, you see them even more.
These delectable nut bars are customarily given as gifts to friends and families — like fruit cakes!
So, what are you waiting for? Take your pick, try them at home, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Enjoy!
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