Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world and immerses us in a very interesting cultural diversity. If in some countries it is a celebration rooted in tradition, in others it is not celebrated in the same way or even goes unnoticed.
Born in Christianity to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, this celebration has evolved over the centuries, incorporating cultural and social elements. It is also gastronomic, through its Christmas dishes, typical of each region.
You can discover the world from your table. Exploring the gastronomy that characterizes each country is a way to immerse yourself in cultural diversity. Especially on the occasion of Christmas, where we taste specialties specific to each corner of the planet where this holiday is celebrated.
We could know the world through its dishes. Noëlso let's find out!
RAGOUT OF GOMBO (GHANA)
Also known as scrollokra is a large vegetable, similar to bajoca, typical of West Africa. The star of this stew is okra soup, which combines shrimp, beef, onion and palm oil. This dish is particularly popular at Christmas in countries like Nigeria and especially Ghana, where it is a hit in Christian families.
SCALLOPS GRATINIZED (FRANCE)
French gastronomy is renowned for its rich culinary tradition, especially during the Christmas holidays, known as “Réveillon”. Typical dishes include foie gras, roast chicken, oysters, game and scallops, which are characterized by their large size and flavor. The quintessential Christmas dessert is the bûche de Noël, a chocolate cake filled with cream whose origins date back to Celtic France.
YORKSHIRE CAKE (UK)
The UK's most iconic cake is made from flour, eggs and milk and is shaped like a bowl. Why? In the past, cooks used it to catch the fatty drippings from meat. Although it is eaten as a dessert, it is also topped with meat and vegetables at the British Christmas dinner, where roast turkey, bread sauce and delicious gingerbread biscuits are a given.
ZAKUSKI (RUSSIA)
In Russia, Christmas dishes are numerous. It is not just one main dish, but a variety of hot and cold appetizers. One example is zakuski. They consist of hot and cold appetizers, such as eggs with caviar or salmon, accompanied by vodka. Other Christmas dishes include Russian salad (called Olivier) and pelmeni, meat-filled dumplings typical of Eastern Europe.
FRUIT CAKE (INDIA)
Although India is predominantly Hindu, this country of intense flavours is marked by Portuguese, British and French influences. India celebrates Christmas with many tasty dishes such as biryani rice and chicken masala, but it is in the desserts that the arrival of Christmas is particularly felt: masala biscuits, Kerala plum cake, Goan neureos and fruit cake, made with caramel, dried fruits, coconut flakes and notes 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. The turkey, omnipresent on the American continent, is stuffed with almonds. For dessert, you can't do without a delicious apple pie accompanied by a glass of punch and, of course, tequila.
BROTH WITH CAPPELLETTI (ITALY)
Christmas in Italy is infused with some of the best flavors from all over Europe, from caponata di pesce (fish salad) to the famous panettone and the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Among all the options, cappelletti stand out, as they are a type of baked tortellini stuffed with cheese or meat. They are served with a good Lambrusco red wine and a coq au capon broth, creating one of the most delicious Christmas dishes in the world.
OVEN-ROASTED TURKEY (USA)
In the United States, turkey is the star of Christmas, with the stuffing varying by region (prunes, onions, etc.). The meat is usually accompanied by peas, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. With globalization, dinner is often adapted to the different nationalities present, with specialties such as lasagna or cappelletti broth for Italians, or the Polish sausage keilbasi for immigrants from Central Europe.
KFC (JAPAN)
This is not a joke. Since globalization has reached countries with lesser-known traditions like Japan, it is common for the Japanese to choose not to cook at home at Christmas, preferring to go to KFC. This custom has its origins in the marketing campaign that KFC launched in 1974 in Japan with the slogan “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii” (Kentucky for Christmas), offering very low prices with menus based on turkey or chicken. Japan is not lacking in exquisite dishes and a beautiful and tasty culinary tradition, but this choice has become a Christmas tradition.