I’m sitting here with a Christmas food hangover… Visions of sugar plums still dancing through my head.
This year, the Christmas spread was bigger than usual and all of my favorite Christmas dishes were there, plus more!
I met my cousin’s boyfriend for the first time and, to my surprise, he had never had one of my favorite dishes.
How could someone live 30+ years withOUT ever having Tourtière?!
It seemed impossible! That yummy, warm, spiced meat pie that my gramma and mom always serve for breakfast and dinner has been a staple my entire life.
That’s when I got to thinking about Christmas food traditions from around the world…
I called up a few friends and got curious about the food their families eat during the holiday season.
Living in Canada, we’re a cultural hodge-podge so it’s really no surprise that Christmas traditions vary tremendously based on cultural descent.
Here’s a list of 10 kinda bizarre Christmas dishes I found from around the world.
This list was inspired by traditions from my heritage, my friends’ heritage and, of course, some of my favorite countries I’ve traveled to.
1) Austria: Weiner Schnitzel and Erdäpfelsalat (potato salad)
This is a classic Austrian dinner that’s enjoyed by Alex and her family every Christmas Eve. I’ve had weiner schnitezel before, but I haven’t tried this specific type of potato salad. Putting it on my “must eat” list right now!
2) Sweden: Köttbullar
Thanks to Ikea, I think everyone can guess what this traditional Christmas food is… Meatballs!! I have ancestors from Sweden, but this Christmas dish doesn’t make the cut at our Christmas celebration.
3) India: Allahabadi
India is not known to be a Christian country, but it’s one of my favorite countries and I was curious to find out what, if any, Christmas traditions exist. Sure enough, India never disappoints! Allahabadi is a traditional Indiam rum fruit cake. YUMMM!
It originated from the city of Allahabad and it’s a mixture of maida, eggs, clarified butter, sugar, petha, marmalade, nuts, ginger and fennel (plus or minus a few ingredients depending on the specific recipe).
I’ve never tried this before, but I’m a sucker for trying exotic foods… especially when they’re sweet and spicy.
4) Norway: Gløgg
I really need to thank my Norwegian ancestors for this delicious Christmas drink… Mulled wine!
This traditional belly-warmer has definitely made it’s way across the world. Nothing beats sipping a cozy Christmas drink in front of a roaring fire. I might have to brew a batch of this today!
5) Philippines: Bibingka
The Philippines is another one of my favorite countries. Aside from the stunning scenery, the people are some of the most friendly, hospitable people I’ve ever met and the food is pretty tasty too!
Bibingka is a type of rice cake from the Philippines that’s traditionally eaten during the Christmas season. It’s a sweet, spongy cake with a traditional banana leaf lining that’s served warm or hot. I’m definitely adding this yummy cake to my list of adventurous recipes to conquer.
6) Italy: Polenta and Spezzatino
This traditional polenta and meat stew dish harolds from Northern Italy. I’ve had polenta before and possibly a variation of spezzatino. Alex is Italian and I’m planning on sweet-talking her into making this traditional dish for me. 😉
7) Czech: Vánoční rybí polévka
This Christmas fish soup is so traditional, it was hard to find a decently translated recipe but I’m still sold on this dish!
My Grandfather (and a few family members on the other side of my family) is from the Czech Republic. Over the years, I’ve tried a few Czech dishes, but I’ve never tried this tasty sounding soup.
I’m going to do some digging to find a family recipe and give it a whirl!
8) Bolivia: Picaña
This is another tempting traditional soup that’s served at midnight on Christmas Eve in Bolivia. I’ve never been to Bolivia at Christmas time, but I did manage to wind up in the religious mecca of Copacabbana at Easter when I was in Bolivia and I was blown away by their devout celebration.
This soup is a mixture of chicken, beef, lamb, various vegetables and spices, wine and beer.
Clearly, I’m in a soup mood today. I’m putting this recipe on my “cook soon” list right now.
9) Argentina: Salads and Sweets!
This is one of my favorite countries I’ve traveled to and it’s home to one of my nearest and dearest.
Right as I was about to publish this blog post, my Whatsapp message asking about her holiday food traditions was answered…
At Christmas time, it’s summer in Argentina so it’s common to eat a lot of salads and cooling food.
And in Argentinian fashion, the holiday is riddled with sweet treats. I spent almost 1 month in Argentina, and I became utterly obsessed with Dulce de Leche. This beyond-delicious sweet treat is made by boiling condensed milk. Wowza is all I have to say. If you ever see this, TRY it. Do it for me. Your taste buds will be thanking me!
10) French Canadian: Tourtière
Last, but definitely not least, is Tourtière – that savory meat pie I can eat around the clock.
My Grandma got me turned onto this dish and now my mom cooks it over the holidays too!
It’s a mixture of beef, pork and some warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, along with onions, garlic and a few other tasty spices that are sure to put a big ‘ol smile on face every time!
Learning about different cultures, traditions and trying new foods are some of the reasons I love to explore the world.
This year, I’ve enjoyed learning more about my cultural descent and how the food I eat over the holiday season ends up on my plate.
What are some of the traditional foods your family eats over the holidays?
Keep the Christmas traditions flowing by sharing your favorite Christmas dishes or family traditions below!
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Leanne
