Holiday

What is better than a family Christmas meal? To get the magic to work, traditional dishes are invited to join our table. We present ten essential Christmas dishes from around the world.

1.  France: dishes prepared with scallops 

Scallops take pride of place in France as starters served in their shells, but also lightly fried with some herbs and butter. A tradition that is a hit with the entire family!

2. Portugal: Bacalhau Cozido delights the entire family

Traditionally, Christmas dinner is the opportunity to savour a serving of Bacalhau Cozido (cod prepared with potatoes and cabbage). And those with a sweet tooth love the thirteen desserts, a treat for young and old alike.

3. United States: traditional dishes that vary for each state

In the United States, traditional dishes generally differ from one state to another. However, some recipes are popular everywhere, such as delicious apple pies which very often from part of the meal, served with vanilla ice-cream and plenty of cinnamon!

4. Canada: Add something sweet and savoury to the menu

Canada is know for loving all things maple, that’s why a Maple Glazed Ham is the perfect dish to add to your holiday meal spread.

5. Romania: a traditional, warming soup for the entire family

The traditional Christmas soup is called Ciorba de Perisoare and mainly comprises meatballs, rice and eggs cooked in stock. The perfect way to start a meal!

6. Mexico: Chiles en Nogada is a must for every celebration

It’s the colours in particular that make it so traditional: Chiles de Nogada recalls the colours of the Mexican flag. This dish, served at Christmas, comprises a roast and stuffed peppers covered with a walnut sauce and accompanied with pomegranate seeds.

7. China: a large variety of dishes throughout the meal

In China, a festive meal is characterised by a very large number of different dishes. Very little rice is served. Instead, preference is given to dishes that are not normally eaten during the year Recipes prepared with meat and fish, but also Chinese fondue.

8. Italia: the famous and truly delicious Panettone

In Italy, it is impossible to imagine a Christmas meal without the famous and truly delicious Panettone. Whether it is filled with cream, candied fruit or chocolate, it is always part of the festivities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

9. New Zealand: Pavlova is integral to the party!

With Christmas falling in the middle of summer in New Zealand, light and fresh dishes are the order of the day. Therefore Pavlova, a meringue served with whipped cream and seasonal fruit, is always a welcome guest at the Christmas table!

10. Germany: Stollen is a delight for those with a sweet tooth

At the end of the Christmas meal, young and old alike enjoy savouring a portion of Stollen. This cake made with dried fruit and filled with almond cream is also covered with icing sugar. Delicious!

11. Switzerland: Chinese fondue given pride of place!

It may be surprising, but Chinese fondue is chosen by many families for their Christmas meal. This friendly dish allows each person to select their own ingredients and sauces and to share a moment together.