Christmas dinner traditions vary widely around the world, and what might be considered unusual in one culture could be a staple in another. Here are some examples of unusual or unique Christmas foods from different countries:
- Japan: KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is a popular Christmas meal in Japan. This tradition began in the 1970s when a successful KFC marketing campaign promoted fried chicken as a Christmas dish.
- Greenland: Mattak is a traditional Inuit delicacy eaten during Christmas. It consists of whale skin with a strip of blubber inside. It’s considered a festive treat.
- Iceland: In Iceland, fermented skate called “hákarl” is a traditional Christmas dish. It has a strong ammonia smell and a challenging taste, making it an acquired taste for many.
- Sweden: Lutfisk, a dried fish dish, is a traditional Christmas meal in Sweden. It is made from aged stockfish (air-dried whitefish) or dried/salted whitefish and lye.
- Italy: In some parts of Italy, especially in the region of Naples, a dish called “Feast of the Seven Fishes” is popular. It involves serving a variety of fish and seafood dishes on Christmas Eve.
- Philippines: “Balut” is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo, and it’s often consumed during Christmas. It might be considered unusual in many Western cultures.
- Australia: With Christmas falling in the summertime, Australians often enjoy a barbecue featuring seafood like prawns, lobsters, and other grilled meats.
- Finland: In Finland, a traditional Christmas dish is “lanttulaatikko,” a casserole made with rutabaga (a type of Turnip). It’s sweetened with molasses or syrup and is an integral part of the Christmas table.
- United Kingdom: While not necessarily unusual, Christmas pudding (also known as plum pudding) might seem unique to those not familiar with British traditions. It’s a dense, moist, and heavily spiced dessert often containing suet.
These examples highlight the diversity of Christmas traditions around the world, with each culture contributing its unique flavors and dishes to the festive season. Keep in mind that these traditions can vary even within countries, as regional customs and personal preferences play a significant role in shaping holiday meals.
Stephen is a hospitality professional from Johannesburg South Africa. His career started with THF hotels in the UK and subsequently with the Southern Sun Hotel group in Johannesburg. Stephen’s first steps into entrepreneurship was Hickmore Recruitment / CareerMap, a leading supplier of Senior and Exec recruitment services. Stephen was a founder of Pple Hospitality (formerly HSC) the largest Hospitality Industry full-service outsourced staffing company in South Africa. In March 2020 Stephen became a director and owner of the Swiss Hotel School South Africa, which is now his full time endeavour. Stephen writes for a number of publications on food and hospitality industry matters, trends and opinions.
