Discover Traditional Christmas Dishes from Around the World

Christmas is not only a religious holiday but also regarded as the most vibrant and festive season of the year. Around the world, streets are beautifully decorated in traditional shades of red, gold, and green, while a warm and joyful atmosphere fills homes and family gatherings.

In many countries, Christmas is a special time for families to come together around the dining table, enjoy traditional dishes, sip a glass of wine, and reflect on the year that has passed. The diversity of cultures, beliefs, and customs has created a rich and colorful panorama of Christmas cuisine across the globe.

Join Hanoi Larosa Hotel in exploring the most iconic traditional Christmas dishes from different countries, and experience the true spirit of the year-end festive season through distinctive flavors.

Panettone – The Christmas Symbol of Italy

Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread originating from Milan and is a staple during the Christmas season. The cake is tall and dome-shaped, resembling a mushroom, and is often packaged in elegant cylindrical boxes, making it a popular holiday gift.

Panettone is known for its delicate aroma of butter, orange or lemon zest, combined with dried fruits that create a mild and refined sweetness. Crafting an authentic panettone requires a meticulous fermentation process that can last many hours, or even several days.

Christmas Ham – An Essential Dish of Christmas in the Philippines

The Philippines is home to one of the largest Catholic communities in the world, which is why the Christmas season here often lasts from mid-December until the end of the year. On Christmas Eve, families gather for Noche Buena, the traditional Christmas feast.

Alongside the famous lechon (roast pork), Christmas ham – glazed with fruit-infused flavors – is an indispensable dish. It is typically served with pan de sal bread or queso de bola cheese, creating a rich and comforting festive meal.

Pavlova – The “Light-as-Cloud” Dessert of Australia and New Zealand

Pavlova is a well-loved dessert in Australia and New Zealand, commonly served at summer Christmas celebrations. What makes Pavlova unique is that it contains no flour, but is made from meringue, created by whipping egg whites with sugar.

The cake has a crisp outer shell and a soft, marshmallow-like interior, topped with fresh cream and fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries, offering a refreshing balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Turrón – Spain’s “Candy of Happiness”

Turrón is a traditional confection widely sold at Christmas markets throughout Spain. It is made from egg whites, honey or sugar, and a variety of nuts such as almonds and walnuts.

Spaniards believe that enjoying Turrón during Christmas brings good luck and happiness for the coming year – true to its affectionate nickname, “the candy of happiness.”

Mince Pie & Christmas Pudding – The Taste of Christmas in England

Mince pie is a classic British pastry featuring a buttery crust and a rich filling of dried fruits and spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and nutmeg. The top of the pie is often decorated with a star shape, symbolizing the guiding star in the Christmas story.

Meanwhile, Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Made with dried fruits and rum or other spirits, it delivers a warm, aromatic flavor that perfectly suits the cold European winter.

Bûche de Noël – France’s Sweet Christmas Log

Bûche de Noël is the iconic Yule log cake enjoyed in France during Christmas. The dessert is inspired by the tradition of burning logs in fireplaces to keep homes warm throughout winter.

The cake is typically made with chocolate sponge, rolled with smooth cream filling, and coated in chocolate buttercream, carefully decorated to resemble the texture of tree bark.

Weihnachtsgans – German Christmas Roast Goose

Weihnachtsgans is a traditional roast goose dish served during Christmas and important holidays in Germany. Goose meat is favored for its firm texture, juiciness, and rich flavor.

It is commonly accompanied by red cabbage, potatoes, or pickled vegetables, creating a harmonious balance between richness and gentle acidity.

Kourabiedes & Melomakarona – Greek Christmas Cookies

Kourabiedes and Melomakarona are two iconic Greek Christmas cookies found everywhere during the festive season. Melomakarona is made with orange, cinnamon, and honey, while Kourabiedes is coated in powdered sugar and topped with almonds.

Pecan Pie & Eggnog – The Flavors of Christmas in the United States

Pecan pie is a popular American dessert commonly enjoyed during Christmas and Thanksgiving. Made with pecans, eggs, butter, and corn syrup, the pie has a rich sweetness and moist texture.

Alongside it, Eggnog – a creamy drink made from milk, eggs, and spices – is a familiar symbol of the holiday season, often featured in classic Christmas films and celebrations across the United States.

Risgrynsgröt – Swedish Christmas Rice Porridge

Risgrynsgröt is a traditional Swedish rice porridge cooked with milk, closely associated with winter and especially Christmas Eve. The dish has a smooth, creamy texture and a light, comforting flavor, best enjoyed warm during the cold Nordic winter.

A Warm Christmas Experience at Hanoi Larosa Hotel

Beyond discovering traditional Christmas cuisine from around the world, the holiday season is also the perfect time to enjoy a cozy and refined stay. Hanoi Larosa Hotel is delighted to accompany you throughout the festive season, offering a warm and memorable holiday experience in the heart of Hanoi.