Christmas is celebrated in many corners of the world and immerses us in a very interesting and diverse cultural diversity. While in some countries it is a celebration rooted in tradition, in others it is not celebrated in the same way or even goes unnoticed.
Originating in Christianity to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, this holiday has evolved over the centuries, incorporating cultural and social elements. Also gastronomic, through its Christmas dishes, typical of each region.
You can discover the world through your table. Exploring the gastronomy that characterizes each country is a way to immerse yourself in cultural diversity. And it is no less so at Christmas time, where in every corner of the planet where it is celebrated, different Christmas dishes are tasted.
Could we know the world through its Christmas dishes? Let’s find out!
GOMBO STEW (GHANA)
Also known as okra, it is a large vegetable, similar to the bajoca, typical of West Africa. The star of this stew is the gombo soup, which combines shrimp, beef, onion, and palm oil. This delicacy is especially enjoyed at Christmas time in countries such as Nigeria and especially in Ghana, where it is a sensation for Christian families.
COQUILLES DE SAINT JACQUES (FRANCE)
French gastronomy stands out for its rich culinary tradition, especially during the Christmas festivities, known as Le Réveillon. Typical dishes include foie gras, chicken rôti, oysters, venison, and coquilles de Saint Jacques, the French version of scallops characterized by their large size and flavor. The Christmas dessert par excellence is the bûche de Noël, a cake filled with chocolate cream that has its roots in Celtic France.
YORKSHIRE CAKE (UNITED KINGDOM)
The UK’s most iconic cake is made with flour, eggs, and milk, taking the shape of a bowl. The reason? In the past, cooks used it to collect fat drippings from meat. Although consumed as a dessert, it is also stuffed with meat and vegetables during the British Christmas dinner, where there is no shortage of roast turkey, bread sauce, and delicious gingerbread cookies.
ZAKUSKI (RUSSIA)
In Russia, Christmas dishes are many. It does not revolve around just one main, but a variety of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Zakuski is one example, consisting of hot and cold appetizers, such as eggs with caviar or salmon, accompanied by vodka. Other Christmas dishes include Russian salad (known as Olivier) and pelmeni, meat-filled dumplings typical of Eastern Europe.
FRUIT CAKE (INDIA)
Although India is predominantly Indian, there are Portuguese, British, and French influences in this country of intense flavors. Indica celebrates with many Christmas dishes characterized by lots of flavor such as rice biryani and chicken massala, but it is in the desserts where the arrival of Christmas is especially appreciated: massala cookies, the plum cake of Kerala, the neurean pastries of Goa and the fruit cake, made with caramel, dried fruits, coconut zest and touches of sweet wine.
ROMERITOS (MEXICO)
The Aztecs, ancient inhabitants of Mexico City (Tenochtitlan), already prepared romeritos for their high nutritional value. This native aromatic plant is combined with mole, potatoes, and served with shrimp cake, creating a unique dish. Turkey, omnipresent throughout the Americas, is stuffed here with almonds. For dessert, you can’t miss a delicious apple pie accompanied by a glass of punch and, of course, tequila.
BROTH WITH CAPPELLETTI (ITALIA)
Christmas in Italy is infused with some of the best flavors in all of Europe, from caponata di pesce (sea salad) to the famous panettone to the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Among all the options, cappelletti stands out, being a kind of baked tortellini stuffed with cheese or meat. It is served with a good Lambrusco red wine and capon rooster broth, creating possibly one of the most delicious Christmas dishes in the world.
BAKED TURKEY (UNITED STATES)
In the United States, turkey is the star of Christmas, with the stuffing varying according to the region (prunes, onions, among others). The meat is commonly accompanied by peas, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. Given globalization, the dinner is often adapted to the various nationalities present, with specialties such as lasagna or broth with cappelletti for Italians, and Polish keilbasi sausage for Central European immigrants.
KFC (JAPAN)
This is no joke. Since globalization has reached even the most hermetic countries like Japan, it is common for Japanese people to choose not to cook at home during Christmas and prefer to go to KFC. This custom originated in the marketing campaign that KFC launched in 1974 in Japan with the slogan “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas), offering very cheap prices with turkey or chicken menus. Japan has no shortage of exquisite dishes and a beautiful and tasty culinary tradition, but this choice at your table is already a Christmas tradition.