7 Traditional Christmas Dishes from Various Countries and the Stories Behind Them

JAKARTA - Christmas is celebrated in many countries with their own traditions and special dishes. Although most people may be familiar with roast turkey or Christmas pudding, various countries have unique dishes that are an important part of their celebrations.

Here are 7 traditional Christmas dishes from various parts of the world, as reported by the BBC website.

1. Venezuela – Hallacas

In Venezuela, Christmas is synonymous with hallacas, a traditional dish that has been around since the 15th century. Hallacas are made from corn dough filled with beef, pork, or chicken, mixed with raisins, capers, olives, and spices.

After that, it is wrapped in banana leaves, boiled or steamed. Making hallacas is usually a family activity, where all members participate, often even as a gift for friends and neighbors.

2. Poland – Barszcz Wigilijny

In Poland, Christmas begins on Christmas Eve with barszcz wigilijny, a red beet soup served with small dumplings filled with mushrooms, or uszka.

Christmas Eve in Poland is full of symbolism with 12 dishes that symbolize the 12 months and 12 apostles. This tradition also includes breaking the Christmas wafer opłatek before eating the dish.

3. Denmark – Risalamande

In Denmark, the popular Christmas dessert is risalamande, a cold rice pudding with whipped cream and hot cherry sauce.

Uniquely, one whole almond is hidden inside the pudding. Whoever finds it must be silent until everyone has finished eating and is entitled to a small gift. Risalamande is a fun Christmas tradition for families.

4. Portugal – Lampreia de Ovos

Portugal has a unique Christmas treat called lampreia de ovos, inspired by the lamprey eel. This dish is made from egg yolks and sugar that is shaped to resemble thin yellow threads. This tradition originated with nuns in the 15th century and is still popular today, especially in areas near the Minho River and the Tejo River.

5. South Africa – Malva Pudding

In South Africa, Christmas falls in the summer. The favorite dessert is malva pudding, a soft sponge cake with apricot jam soaked in vanilla cream sauce, sometimes added Malvasia wine. This dish has been around since the 17th century and has become a part of the warm and sweet Christmas tradition.

6. Ethiopia – Doro Wat

In Ethiopia, Christmas is called Ganna and celebrated on January 7. The main dish is Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew served with injera, a fermented flatbread. There is a tradition of gursha, which is giving a piece of Doro Wat directly into someone else's mouth as a sign of love and respect, which is considered very important in Ethiopian culture.

7. Japan - KFC Fried Chicken

In Japan, Christmas is synonymous with fried chicken, especially from KFC. This tradition began in 1970 and has become a national phenomenon since 1974. More than 3.5 million people in Japan enjoy KFC fried chicken for Christmas every year. Many families order in advance to ensure they can celebrate with this dish.

From hallacas in Venezuela to KFC fried chicken in Japan, it's clear that Christmas can be celebrated in very different ways in every country. Despite the unique dishes, all of these traditions bring togetherness, warmth, and joy on Christmas Day.