Christmas is celebrated worldwide with a dazzling array of traditions, and nothing brings people together quite like a festive meal. From roasted turkeys to sweet treats, each country adds its unique twist to the holiday. Here are five of the most unique Christmas dinners that showcase the diversity of global traditions:
1. Japan: Fried Chicken and Strawberry Shortcake
In Japan, Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday, but it has become a time for indulgence, especially in fried chicken. Thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign by KFC in the 1970s, eating fried chicken on Christmas Eve has become a beloved custom. Families often pair their crispy chicken feast with a strawberry shortcake, a light sponge cake topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, for dessert.
2. Greenland: Mattak and Kiviak
For an adventurous palate, Greenland offers one of the most unusual Christmas feasts. Mattak, a dish made of raw whale skin and blubber, is a festive staple. Another delicacy, kiviak, involves fermenting seabirds in sealskin for several months. These traditional dishes reflect Greenland’s Arctic environment and indigenous culture, making their Christmas meals a truly unique experience.
3. Italy: The Feast of the Seven Fishes
On Christmas Eve, many Italian families observe "La Vigilia," or the Vigil, by abstaining from meat and indulging in a seafood extravaganza. The Feast of the Seven Fishes, a Southern Italian tradition, typically features seven different seafood dishes such as baccalà (salted cod), calamari, clams, and shrimp. This sumptuous spread honours the wait for the birth of Christ and emphasizes the Mediterranean’s culinary heritage.
4. South Africa: Braaied Meats and Malva Pudding
Christmas in South Africa falls during summer, so the holiday meal often revolves around a "braai," or barbecue. Families gather outdoors to grill an assortment of meats, including lamb, beef, and chicken. For dessert, malva pudding, a sweet and spongy dish served with custard, is a favourite. The warm weather and communal cooking make South African Christmas celebrations unique and lively.
5. Philippines: Lechon and Bibingka
Filipinos pull out all the stops for Noche Buena, their Christmas Eve feast. Lechon, a whole roasted pig, often takes centre stage with its crispy skin and tender meat. The table is also filled with local delicacies such as bibingka, a rice cake cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves. This meal reflects the country’s vibrant culture and deep Catholic traditions.
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