There is something special about holiday foods and drinks that make them a favourite of many around the world. From traditional delicacies to creative fusions, there are plenty of holiday food and drinks that make the holidays a truly memorable experience. This blog will explore some of the best holiday foods and drinks from around the world to enjoy during the most festive time of the year.
Traditional Holiday Food and Drinks Around the World
European Holiday Food
Christmas in France is one of the most festive times of the year. The traditional holiday meal includes oysters, foie gras, roast goose, and bûche de Noël, which is a yule log-shaped cake. To pair with the meal, French holiday beverages include mulled cider and mulled wine.
In Italy, the traditional New Year’s Eve meal is the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This seven-course meal includes dishes like squid, baccalà (salted cod), and Italian pizzelle cookies. To pair with the meal, Italians enjoy spumante, a sparkling white wine, and Prosecco, a sparkling Italian apéritif.
Asian Cuisine
Chinese New Year is one of the most beloved holidays in Asia. The traditional meal consists of dishes like dumplings, noodles, and fish. To pair with the meal, Chinese New Year beverages include sugarcane juice, tea, and rice wine.
In Japan, the traditional New Year’s Eve meal is called osechi ryōri. This multi-course meal includes dishes like herring roe, simmered seaweed, and grilled fish. To pair with the meal, Japanese holiday beverages include sake and o-zōni, a soup made with mochi and vegetables.
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Ramadan in the Middle East is a time of fasting and celebration. The traditional meal after sunset is called Iftar and typically consists of dishes like hummus, falafel, and kebabs. To pair with the meal, Middle Eastern holiday beverages include ayran, a yoghurt drink, and qamar el-deen, a drink made with apricot juice and lemon.
During the Persian New Year, the traditional meal is called sabzi polo mahi. This dish consists of steamed basmati rice, cooked herbs, and grilled fish. To pair with the meal, Persian holiday beverages include doogh, a yoghurt drink, and sharbat, a sweet syrup made with fruits and nuts.
Creative Holiday Food and Drinks
Global Fusion Cuisine
The holidays are a great time to experiment with global fusion cuisine. For example, Mexican-Italian cuisine pairs the flavours of Mexico and Italy together to create unique dishes like chorizo-stuffed ravioli and beef-filled tamales. French-Asian cuisine is another popular fusion, combining flavours like French pastries and Asian noodles to create dishes like miso-filled cream puffs and escargot-stuffed bao buns.
Unique Cocktails
The holidays are also a great time to enjoy creative cocktails. Holiday-inspired cocktails are drinks made with seasonal ingredients like cranberry, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Celebratory drinks are also popular for the holidays and typically include champagne and sparkling wine.
Holiday foods and drinks from around the world are a great way to make the season festive and memorable. From traditional dishes like osechi ryōri in Japan to creative fusions like Mexican-Italian cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Holiday cocktails like champagne and seasonal-inspired drinks are also popular around the world and make great additions to any holiday celebration.