17 Festive Holiday Foods from Around the World to Try This Winter
The winter season brings with it an array of delicious and unique holiday foods from all around the world. From savory stews to sweet pastries, countries have their own beloved dishes that are prepared specifically for winter celebrations. Trying these foods can be a delightful way to expand your palate and bring a bit of international cheer to your holiday season.
Some of these dishes are rich and hearty, perfect for cold weather, while others are sweet and comforting, ideal for holiday gatherings. Here’s a list of 17 holiday foods from different countries that you might want to try this winter.
Panettone – Italy
Panettone is a sweet, fluffy bread from Italy that’s traditionally enjoyed during Christmas. It’s filled with raisins, candied orange, and lemon zest, giving it a light, fruity flavor. Panettone is often served with coffee or dessert wine and can be enjoyed plain or toasted.
This holiday treat has become popular outside of Italy, with many families enjoying it as part of their Christmas traditions. Some even use leftover panettone to make French toast for a festive breakfast. Light yet rich, this dessert-like bread is a perfect addition to any holiday spread.
Latkes – Israel
Latkes are potato pancakes traditionally served during Hanukkah in Jewish culture. Made from grated potatoes, onion, and a bit of flour, they’re fried until crispy and golden brown. They’re typically served with sour cream or applesauce, creating a delightful blend of savory and sweet.
Eating foods fried in oil during Hanukkah symbolizes the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days, a central part of the holiday’s story. Latkes are simple yet delicious, offering comfort and warmth in every bite. For many, it wouldn’t feel like Hanukkah without a plate of hot, fresh latkes.
Tamales – Mexico
In Mexico, tamales are a traditional holiday food, especially around Christmas. These are made from masa (corn dough) and filled with meats, cheeses, or chilies, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. Tamales are often made by families as a group activity, as preparing them can be time-intensive.
Each tamale is individually wrapped, making it a great option for sharing with a crowd. In many Mexican homes, tamales are enjoyed on Christmas Eve alongside other holiday foods. Their savory, warm flavors make them perfect for the chilly winter season.
Tourtière – Canada
Tourtière is a savory meat pie enjoyed in Quebec, Canada, especially during the Christmas season. This hearty dish is filled with a mixture of ground meats, often pork, beef, or veal, and seasoned with spices like cinnamon and cloves. It’s baked in a flaky pastry crust and served warm, often with a side of tangy ketchup or chutney.
Tourtière has deep roots in French-Canadian culture and is a staple at holiday gatherings. The rich spices and warm flavors make it a comforting winter dish. Many families have their own secret recipe, making each tourtière unique.
Christmas Pudding – United Kingdom
Christmas pudding is a traditional British dessert made with dried fruits, spices, and suet. It’s steamed and then soaked in brandy, often set aflame just before serving, adding a dramatic touch to holiday gatherings. The pudding is rich, dense, and filled with flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, capturing the essence of the season.
It’s often served with a hard sauce, made of butter, sugar, and brandy, or a dollop of custard. Christmas pudding has a unique texture and flavor, making it a festive favorite in the UK. Some families make their pudding weeks in advance, allowing the flavors to mature.
Bûche de Noël – France
Bûche de Noël, or Yule log, is a classic French dessert made for Christmas. This cake is rolled to look like a log, symbolizing the yule log traditionally burned during winter festivities. It’s typically a sponge cake filled with chocolate or coffee buttercream and dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow.
Some versions are decorated with meringue mushrooms or marzipan leaves, adding to the woodland theme. The Bûche de Noël is both beautiful and delicious, making it a festive centerpiece. It’s a rich, creamy treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays.
Coquito – Puerto Rico
Coquito is a creamy coconut-based drink enjoyed in Puerto Rico during the holiday season. Often called Puerto Rican eggnog, it’s made with coconut milk, condensed milk, rum, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Coquito is typically served chilled and enjoyed at holiday gatherings and parties.
This festive drink has a smooth, rich flavor with a tropical twist, making it different from traditional eggnog. Coquito recipes vary, with some families adding their own secret ingredients. It’s a beloved holiday tradition that brings warmth and cheer to the season.
Stollen – Germany
Stollen is a festive German bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan, then dusted with powdered sugar. It’s traditionally enjoyed during Advent and Christmas as a holiday treat. The bread is dense yet soft, with a sweet, nutty flavor and a hint of spice.
Many Germans enjoy stollen with a cup of tea or coffee during holiday gatherings. The powdered sugar coating gives it a snowy appearance, adding to the holiday spirit. Stollen has a long shelf life, making it a popular gift during the holidays.
Bibingka – Philippines
Bibingka is a Filipino rice cake enjoyed during Christmas, especially after “Simbang Gabi” (Christmas Eve Mass). It’s made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, then topped with butter, grated coconut, and sometimes salted egg.
This sweet and slightly savory cake is baked in banana leaves, giving it a unique flavor and aroma. Bibingka is often enjoyed warm, making it perfect for the cooler winter evenings. This holiday treat brings comfort and joy to Filipino families celebrating Christmas. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a memorable holiday dessert.
Sufganiyot – Israel
Sufganiyot are jelly-filled donuts enjoyed during Hanukkah in Jewish culture. They’re fried in oil, symbolizing the Hanukkah miracle, and filled with sweet jam or custard. These fluffy, sweet treats are often dusted with powdered sugar, adding a delightful sweetness.
Sufganiyot are a favorite among both children and adults, and they’re often shared at holiday gatherings. Making sufganiyot at home can be a fun activity, and they’re best enjoyed fresh and warm. They add a sweet, festive touch to Hanukkah celebrations.
Pavlova – Australia and New Zealand
Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert that’s popular in Australia and New Zealand during the holiday season. It’s crispy on the outside and soft and marshmallow-like on the inside, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like kiwi, strawberries, and passionfruit. This light dessert is refreshing and often enjoyed as a Christmas treat in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
Pavlova is a festive way to end a holiday meal, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The colorful fruits make it visually appealing, adding to its holiday charm. Pavlova is a beloved holiday staple for Australians and New Zealanders alike.
Feijoada – Brazil
Feijoada is a hearty Brazilian stew made with black beans, pork, and spices, often enjoyed during the holiday season. This rich, flavorful dish is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Feijoada is typically served with rice, greens, and orange slices, which add a touch of brightness to the dish. In Brazil, feijoada brings families together, making it a perfect holiday meal. Its comforting flavors make it ideal for winter, even though it’s enjoyed year-round. It’s a delicious way to experience a taste of Brazilian culture.
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