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    Home » Cuisines

    Around the World: Traditional Christmas Dishes

    Published: Dec 21, 2020 · Modified: Aug 25, 2021 by Neriz

    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! 

    A collage of images showing various traditional Christmas dishes from around the world.

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Northern Europe
    • Western Europe
    • Asia
    • Recommendations

    Northern Europe

    A closer shot of a saucepan filled with Swedish mulled wine, with t he spices floating; on the side, raisins and blanched almonds are shown.

    Swedish Mulled Wine (Glögg)

    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.

    A classic Christmas bread from Norway, Julekake shown here as slices, highlighting the raisins inside and the soft texture of the bread.

    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.

    A traditional Christmas buns in Sweden during Santa Lucia Day, saffron buns, or lussekatter, served with a cup of coffee.

    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. 🙂

    A classic carrot casserole from Finland; always served with baked ham on Christmas tables.

    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.

    A traditional Christmas Cake from Sweden, Saffron cake decorated with almonds, ready for serving.

    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, part of Swedish Christmas treats, served with a cup of espresso.

    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

    Originally from Frankfurt, Germany, these baked marzipan cookies are simply delicious; served here with a cup of coffee.

    German Baked Marzipan Cookies

    The taste and smell of almonds — I will always remember Frankfurt’s Christmas market because of these tempting treats. 

    Now you can experience the same thing in your own kitchen. I dare you to stop at just one marzipan cookie!

    Slices of panforte served with a glass of wine.

    Panforte

    Originally from the Tuscany region, it’s now commonly available in other Italian regions as well, although still not as common as Panettone.

    Expect a mix of nuts and dried fruits in every bite of this Italian treat, and if you can, serve it with some Vin Santo — just like the locals do.

    An overhead image of Portuguese Rice Pudding, one of classic desserts that is served on Christmas tables in Portugal.

    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.

    Most popular Christmas cookies in Germany, these flourless cookies are made of ground nuts, glazed with chocolate or icing sugar.

    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!

    A classic Italian Christmas Cake, Panettone is great with coffee, tea or dessert wine.

    Panettone

    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.

    A stack of Spanish polvorones, dusted with powdered sugar, and some whole almonds around it.

    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.

    These Spanish polvorones are so good that you’ll probably end up making them the whole year-round.

    Asia

    An overhead shot of a cast iron pan with Filipino Coconut Rice Cake, some sliced, with grated cheese on the side

    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!

    A closer shot to slices of Food for the Gods, highlighting the dates and walnuts inside.

    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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    Hej there!

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