Festive Plates from Across the Globe
With the holidays fast approaching, you might be curious about what celebratory foods are enjoyed around the world. Of course, there's the traditional Yule log cake that we all know of, but there are plenty of other festive dishes that go beyond the usual sweet treats. From hangikjöt to stollen, here are 20 unique holiday dishes from across the globe.
1. Bibingka (Philippines)
Bibingka is traditionally eaten during breakfast and is a beloved dish served during the holidays. Made with galapong (glutinous rice), coconut milk, margarine (can be substituted with butter or cream cheese), and sugar, this sweet rice cake is one that will have you licking your fingers.
2. Hangikjöt (Iceland)
Hangikjöt is a smoked lamb dish made from curing meat. Its name translates to "hung meat," and while lamb is traditionally used, mutton and horse meat can also be used. It's often served alongside potatoes, sauce, and canned peas.
3. Eggnog (United States)
A staple during the holidays in the United States (though its roots seem to stem from Europe), eggnog is a sweet drink made with eggs, yolks, sugar, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. It's typically enjoyed with a splash of liquor, like brandy or rum, and is garnished with nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.
Wheeler Cowperthwaite on Wikimedia
4. Kutia (Ukraine)
Kutia is served on Christmas Eve in Ukraine.
This cold wheat grain pudding combines poppy seeds, whole wheat berries, honey, and roasted nuts, making it packed with nutrients that nourish the body. As per tradition, it's important not to dig in until evening fully sets in.
5. Janssons Frestelse (Sweden)
Janssons Frestelse, or Jansson's Temptation, is a Swedish casserole dish consisting of potatoes, onions, heavy cream, and pickled sprats (small fish similar to sardines) or anchovies. It's commonly served with meatballs, ham, fish, cheeses, and vegetables.
erik forsberg from Helsingborg, Sweden on Wikimedia
6. Bánh Chung (Vietnam)
Served during Têt, or Lunar New Year, bánh chung is a square rice cake made from sticky rice, mung beans, pork, green onions, Vietnamese fish sauce, and a blend of salt, pepper, and sugar. This delicious dish is also offered to ancestors as a tribute and a symbol of gratitude.
7. Yebeg Wot (Ethiopia)
Yebeg wot is similar to doro wat (spicy chicken stew), which is considered Ethiopia's national dish. The difference is that yebeg wot is made with lamb, and this heart-warming stew combines onions, tomatoes, garlic, niter kibbeh (seasoned, clarified butter), and various spices.
8. Pavlova (Australia, New Zealand)
Though pavlova can be eaten year-round, it's a popular holiday dish enjoyed in both Australia and New Zealand. This meringue dessert looks like a giant fluffy marshmallow and is topped with whipped cream along with assorted fruits, like kiwi, strawberries, and blackberries.
9. Stollen (Germany)
Stollen is a German Christmas bread that may look similar to fruit cake. Even if you're not fond of fruit cake, don't let that deter you from trying a slice. After all, this bread is stuffed with candied fruit, nuts, spices, and marzipan filling, then topped with powdered sugar. What's not to love?
10. Kürtőskalács (Hungary)
Kürtőskalács, also known as chimney cake, is a popular holiday treat in Hungary. You'll find them everywhere, from carnivals and fairs to street markets. And that's no surprise: this chimney-shaped sweet bread is both delicious and fun to eat. Just make sure you don't get the cinnamon-sugar topping all over you.
11. Nanaimo Bars (Canada)
Chocolate lovers, this is the perfect dessert for you. This Canadian treat is a three-layer confection consisting of a coconut base, a creamy custard center, and a chocolate ganache topping. Sounds easy to make? They are—you'll be delighted to know that these don't require baking at all!
12. Malva Pudding (South Africa)
Malva pudding is a soft, spongy, toffee-like cake with an apricot jam filling, typically served with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream. Each bite is absolutely delectable, with that caramelized texture coming through to pair with whichever topping you choose.
13. Julekake (Norway)
At first glance, julekake might look similar to stollen, and that's because it is—it's just the Norwegian take on it. This tasty sweet bread (sometimes called a cake) is packed with candied fruits, raisins, and nuts, with a distinctively woodsy aroma and taste from the cardamom spice.
14. Buñuelos (Mexico)
Buñuelos are crispy disc fritters that are topped with cinnamon sugar or piloncillo (cane sugar) syrup. They may look similar to pancakes, only that they're fried. This is the kind of treat you can't just eat one of, and you'll likely end up losing count!
15. Mince Pies (United Kingdom)
Don't be fooled by the name; these mince pies don't contain any meat. Instead, they're mini sweet pies made from pastry dough, dried fruit (like apples or raisins), a splash of liquor, and a variety of spices ranging from nutmeg to cinnamon.
16. KFC (Japan, Taiwan)
We know—it might sound odd, but believe it or not, it's tradition to eat fried chicken during the holidays in Japan and Taiwan. Many families order it months in advance in preparation for the Christmas feast. Why, you ask? It's all due to clever marketing.
17. Čupavci (Croatia)
These Croatian sponge cakes are similar to lamingtons: soft square cakes covered with chocolate and rolled in coconut flakes. They're sometimes made with filling, where you can pick your jam of choice. Either way, these buttery treats are sure to disappear quick.
18. Spiced Hot Chocolate (Peru)
Ever thought about spicing up your cup of hot cocoa? Well, Peru has the perfect recipe: in a steaming mug of hot chocolate (made with creamy condensed milk), add in cinnamon, chili powder, cloves, and nutmeg.
It's often served alongside panetón, a cake-bread dessert speckled with dried fruits.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
19. Bûche de Noël (France)
Ah, the classic Yule log. This sweet, soft, spongy cake is made with heavy cream, eggs, sugar (lots of it), and vanilla extract. While the chocolate version—with hazelnut whipped cream—will look the most festive, you'll sometimes see a vanilla or eggnog version.
20. Panettone (Italy)
The last Christmas bread on our list is panettone. This is the same panettone that Peruvians know as panetón, a buttery-rich cake that's dotted with candied fruit, raisins, and various nuts, spiced with lemon zest. If you don't fancy serving it with hot cocoa, you can fill a glass of wine instead.
