75 Unique Holiday Foods from Around the World

Food is the cornerstone of the holiday season. It brings friends and family together to share memories, cultural traditions, and great flavors.

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From figgy pudding to fruitcake, many foods may bring on holiday cheer — or a foul taste in your mouth. Depending on where you live, foods that are considered a normal part of the holiday feast to some may seem downright strange to others.

Here are 75 unique holiday foods enjoyed around the world.

1. Sushi (Japan)

Sushi is an artful dish that combines vinegared rice with various ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. It’s a beloved culinary tradition in Japan, often enjoyed in sushi bars or at special gatherings.

2. Paella (Spain)

Paella is a vibrant rice dish originating from Valencia, traditionally made with saffron, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. Its communal serving style and colorful presentation make it a staple at festive occasions in Spain.

3. Tacos al pastor (Mexico)

Tacos al pastor feature marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served in soft corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. This street food favorite is a must-try for anyone visiting Mexico, reflecting the country’s rich culinary culture.

4. Croissant (France)

The croissant is a flaky, buttery pastry that has become a breakfast staple around the world. Originating in Austria and popularized in France, its layers of dough create a delightful texture that is irresistible with coffee.

5. Risotto (Italy)

Risotto is a creamy rice dish made by slowly cooking arborio rice in broth, often flavored with ingredients like saffron, mushrooms, or seafood. This comforting dish is known for its rich flavors and creamy texture, making it a beloved choice for special dinners.

6. Biryani (India)

Biryani is a fragrant rice dish layered with marinated meat and spices, often garnished with fried onions and boiled eggs. This festive dish varies by region in India, showcasing a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions.

7. Dim Sum (China)

Dim Sum consists of a variety of small dishes, including dumplings, buns, and pastries, traditionally served in steamer baskets or on small plates. This communal dining experience is often enjoyed during brunch with family and friends, celebrating Chinese culinary traditions.

8. Ceviche (Peru)

Ceviche is a refreshing dish made from fresh fish marinated in citrus juices, typically accompanied by onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. It is a staple of Peruvian cuisine, showcasing the country’s abundant seafood and vibrant flavors.

9. Haggis (Scotland)

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's stomach filled with a mixture of minced meat, oats, and spices. Often served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), it embodies the rich culinary heritage of Scotland.

10. Poutine (Canada)

Poutine is a delicious dish consisting of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. Originating from Quebec, it has become a beloved comfort food across Canada, enjoyed at diners and festivals alike.

11. Pho (Vietnam)

Pho is a fragrant noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and an array of fresh herbs. It is a national dish of Vietnam, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or lunch.

12. Goulash (Hungary)

Goulash is a hearty stew made with beef, vegetables, and paprika, often served with bread or dumplings. This comforting dish reflects Hungary’s rich culinary traditions and is perfect for sharing during gatherings.

13. Fettuccine Alfredo (Italy)

Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish made with fettuccine noodles, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Its rich, velvety sauce is a favorite among pasta lovers and is often enjoyed during special occasions.

14. Baklava (Middle East)

Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with nuts and honey, commonly enjoyed during celebrations. Its rich flavor and flaky texture make it a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth.

15. Kimchi (Korea)

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented vegetables, typically cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, and ginger. It is a staple in Korean cuisine, known for its bold flavors and health benefits.

16. Cannoli (Italy)

Cannoli are Italian pastries consisting of tubular shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese and often garnished with chocolate chips or candied fruit. They are a popular dessert at Italian celebrations, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

17. Ramen (Japan)

Ramen is a flavorful noodle soup that comes in various styles, including shoyu, miso, and tonkotsu. This beloved dish has gained international fame, with ramen shops dedicated to perfecting its rich broths and toppings.

18. Churrasco (Brazil)

Churrasco is a traditional Brazilian barbecue featuring skewered and grilled meats, often served with chimichurri sauce. This communal dish reflects Brazil’s rich grilling culture and is enjoyed during festive gatherings.

19. Tiramisu (Italy)

Tiramisu is a luscious dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder. It is a favorite in Italian cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and creamy texture.

20. Tom Yum Goong (Thailand)

Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour shrimp soup, known for its fragrant herbs and spices like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers. This iconic dish embodies the bold flavors of Thai cuisine and is often enjoyed as an appetizer.

21. Nasi Goreng (Indonesia)

Nasi Goreng is a flavorful fried rice dish, typically made with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), vegetables, and protein like chicken or shrimp. This popular dish is often served with fried eggs and is a staple of Indonesian street food.

22. Jollof Rice (West Africa)

Jollof rice is a vibrant dish made with rice cooked in a rich tomato sauce, often served with chicken or fish. This beloved West African staple is a centerpiece at celebrations and gatherings, reflecting diverse culinary traditions.

23. Moussaka (Greece)

Moussaka is a layered casserole made with eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, enjoyed during festive gatherings in Greece. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a beloved comfort food during special occasions.

24. Gnocchi (Italy)

Gnocchi are soft potato dumplings often served with various sauces, from tomato to pesto. This traditional Italian dish is cherished for its comforting texture and versatility, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.

25. Banh Mi (Vietnam)

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. This fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors has become a beloved street food staple.

26. Hallacas (Venezuela)

Hallacas are a traditional dish made from cornmeal dough filled with a mixture of meats, olives, and vegetables, wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled. This festive dish is typically prepared during Christmas and symbolizes family gatherings and culinary heritage.

27. Cotechino con lenticchie (Italy)

Cotechino is a large pork sausage traditionally served with lentils during New Year’s celebrations in Italy. The dish symbolizes wealth and prosperity, with the lentils representing coins for good fortune in the coming year.

28. Oliebollen (Netherlands)

Oliebollen are deep-fried dough balls filled with raisins or currants, commonly dusted with powdered sugar. These treats are especially popular during New Year’s Eve, where they are enjoyed as a festive snack.

29. Chili con carne (United States)

Chili con carne is a hearty stew made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, often topped with cheese and sour cream. This dish is frequently served at holiday gatherings, reflecting the warming comfort of home-cooked meals.

30. Turrón (Spain)

Turrón is a traditional Spanish nougat made from almonds, honey, and sugar, typically enjoyed during Christmas. It comes in various textures, from soft and chewy to hard and crunchy, making it a versatile treat for all to enjoy.

31. Khichdi (India)

Khichdi is a comforting dish made with rice and lentils, often flavored with spices and vegetables. It is commonly prepared during festive occasions as a symbol of simplicity and nourishment.

32. Kreplach (Jewish Communities)

Kreplach are dumplings filled with meat or potatoes, traditionally served in chicken soup during Jewish holidays. This comforting dish is often made in large batches for family gatherings, representing the warmth of togetherness.

33. Pannukakku (Finland)

Pannukakku is a Finnish oven-baked pancake that is fluffy and rich, often served with jam and whipped cream. This delightful dish is a popular choice for holiday breakfasts and gatherings, embodying the spirit of celebration.

34. Tortellini in Brodo (Italy)

Tortellini in Brodo is a traditional Italian Christmas dish featuring small, ring-shaped pasta filled with meat or cheese, served in a flavorful broth. This comforting and elegant soup is a symbol of warmth and family gatherings during the holiday season in Italy.

35. Fricadelle (Germany)

Fricadelle are flavorful meatballs made with a mixture of ground meats and spices, often served at holiday feasts. These comforting bites are a nod to traditional German cooking, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

36. Tamales (Mexico)

Tamales are traditional Mexican holiday treats made from masa (corn dough) filled with meats, cheeses, or fruits, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. They are often prepared in large batches during Christmas and New Year celebrations, symbolizing family unity and tradition.

37. Risalamande (Denmark)

Risalamande is a creamy Danish rice pudding mixed with whipped cream, vanilla, and chopped almonds, traditionally served at Christmas. Often accompanied by a cherry sauce, it's part of a fun holiday game where a hidden whole almond brings good luck to the person who finds it.

38. Feijoada (Brazil)

Feijoada is a hearty Brazilian stew made with black beans and a variety of pork cuts, traditionally served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices. This rich dish is enjoyed during family gatherings and is often prepared for special occasions like holidays.

39. Christmas Pudding (United Kingdom)

Christmas Pudding, also known as plum pudding, is a dense dessert made from dried fruits, suet, spices, and molasses, steamed for hours and often soaked in brandy. This traditional British dessert is a centerpiece of the Christmas meal, with each family adding their own personal twist to the recipe.

40. Pierogi (Poland)

Pierogi are Polish dumplings stuffed with fillings like potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut, boiled and often fried for a crispy finish. They are a staple of Polish holiday meals, particularly during Christmas Eve celebrations, and are served with sour cream or melted butter.

41. Mincemeat Tarts (Canada)

Mincemeat tarts are a Canadian holiday tradition, made from a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes alcohol, enclosed in a flaky pastry shell. Despite the name, modern versions are meatless and enjoyed as a festive dessert during Christmas and New Year's celebrations.

42. Pavlova (New Zealand)

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries and kiwi, named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Popular in New Zealand and Australia, it’s often served during Christmas and summer holidays, offering a light and refreshing sweet treat.

43. Coquito (Puerto Rico)

Coquito is Puerto Rico’s answer to eggnog, a creamy coconut-based beverage mixed with spices, rum, and condensed milk. Traditionally served during Christmas, it brings a tropical twist to holiday celebrations and is often passed around during family gatherings.

44. Fanesca (Ecuador)

Fanesca is a traditional Ecuadorian soup made with grains, squash, and salted fish, typically eaten during Holy Week. Its rich and varied ingredients symbolize unity and the harvest, making it a significant part of Easter celebrations in Ecuador.

45. Sachertorte (Austria)

Sachertorte is a decadent chocolate cake filled with apricot jam and covered in a smooth layer of dark chocolate glaze, originating from Vienna. It is often enjoyed during the Christmas season as a festive dessert, paired with whipped cream to balance the richness.

46. Buttered Rum (United States)

Buttered rum is a warm holiday beverage made from rum, butter, brown sugar, and spices, often enjoyed in colder climates during winter. Its rich, spiced flavors make it a comforting drink during Christmas or New Year festivities, especially in the northern United States.

47. King Cake (United States, Southern Region)

King Cake is a colorful pastry associated with the Mardi Gras celebration in the Southern U.S., especially in New Orleans. The cake, adorned with purple, green, and gold icing, contains a hidden baby figurine, and the person who finds it is tasked with hosting the next party.

48. Kransekake (Norway)

Kransekake is a towering Norwegian almond cake formed into a series of concentric rings, often served during weddings, Christmas, or special celebrations. The crisp yet chewy dessert is sometimes decorated with icing, candies, or small flags, symbolizing festivity and joy.

49. Panforte (Italy)

Panforte is a dense, spiced fruitcake from Italy made with nuts, honey, dried fruits, and spices, enjoyed primarily during the Christmas season. Originating from Siena, it’s a chewy, sweet treat that pairs well with coffee or dessert wine, offering a taste of Italian tradition.

50. Vitel Toné (Argentina)

Vitel Toné is an Argentine Christmas dish made from thinly sliced veal, covered in a rich sauce of tuna, anchovies, and mayonnaise. This cold appetizer, often served at holiday feasts, reflects Argentina’s Italian influence and provides a unique, savory flavor combination.

51. Spiced Wine (Germany)

Spiced wine, or Glühwein, is a warm, mulled wine infused with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel, commonly enjoyed at German Christmas markets. Its fragrant and warming nature makes it a staple during the colder months, adding cheer to holiday festivities.

52. Ham Hocks and Collard Greens (United States, Southern)

Ham hocks and collard greens are a traditional Southern U.S. holiday dish, often served at Christmas and New Year's dinners. The slow-cooked greens, flavored by the savory ham, symbolize good fortune and wealth for the coming year.

53. Turrón (Spain)

Turrón is a traditional Spanish nougat made from almonds, honey, and egg whites, served during Christmas and New Year celebrations. It comes in soft and hard varieties and has become a sweet symbol of Spanish holiday cheer.

54. Jansson's Temptation (Sweden)

Jansson's Temptation is a creamy Swedish casserole made from potatoes, onions, pickled sprats, and cream, traditionally served at Christmas dinners. This comfort dish balances salty and creamy flavors and is a holiday favorite that adds warmth to Swedish festive gatherings.

55. Porkkanalaatikko (Finland)

Porkkanalaatikko is a Finnish carrot casserole, sweetened with a touch of sugar and seasoned with nutmeg, typically served during Christmas. Its creamy texture and mild sweetness make it a beloved side dish on the holiday table in Finland.

56. Yebeg Wot (Ethiopia)

Yebeg Wot is an Ethiopian lamb stew slow-cooked with berbere spices, garlic, and onions, often served during Easter and other religious celebrations. Traditionally paired with injera, a sour flatbread, it reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage and festive spirit.

57. Doro Wat (Ethiopia)

Doro Wat is a spicy Ethiopian chicken stew made with berbere spice mix and slow-cooked to perfection, commonly served during holidays like Christmas. This rich, flavorful dish is typically accompanied by injera and is a centerpiece in Ethiopian festive meals.

58. Christopsomo (Greece)

Christopsomo, or "Christ’s Bread," is a sweet, round Greek bread flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and orange, baked especially for Christmas. It’s often adorned with a cross on top, symbolizing the religious significance of the season and served as a sign of blessings and prosperity.

59. Gravadlax (Sweden)

Gravadlax is a traditional Swedish dish of cured salmon, seasoned with dill and a mix of sugar and salt, often served during Christmas and Midsummer feasts. The delicate flavor of the cured fish makes it a festive appetizer, typically enjoyed with mustard sauce or rye bread.

60. Bûche de Noël (France)

Bûche de Noël is a French Christmas cake shaped like a yule log, made from a sponge cake rolled with buttercream and decorated to resemble a wooden log. This festive dessert is a symbol of the holiday season in France, embodying both tradition and culinary artistry.

61. Roast Goose (Germany)

Roast goose is a German Christmas dinner tradition, often served with red cabbage, potato dumplings, and gravy. The rich, tender meat makes it a festive centerpiece for holiday feasts, symbolizing abundance and celebration.

62. Vanocka (Czech Republic)

Vanocka is a sweet braided bread filled with raisins and almonds, traditionally baked for Christmas in the Czech Republic. The elaborate braiding of the bread symbolizes the Christ Child’s swaddling clothes, adding religious significance to this holiday delicacy.

63. Coquilles Saint-Jacques (France)

Coquilles Saint-Jacques is a French dish of scallops cooked in butter and white wine, often served in their shells during Christmas. This elegant seafood dish is a holiday treat, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of France during festive gatherings.

64. Rizogalo (Greece)

Rizogalo is a creamy Greek rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cinnamon, commonly served during festive holidays like Christmas. Its simple, comforting flavors make it a beloved dessert that warms both the body and the soul during the holiday season.

65. Kutya (Ukraine)

Kutya is a traditional Ukrainian dish made from boiled wheat, poppy seeds, honey, and dried fruits, served during Christmas Eve. This sweet, symbolic dish represents prosperity and is a vital part of the Christmas meal, often shared as the first course in Ukrainian households.

66. Latkes (Israel)

Latkes are crispy fried potato pancakes traditionally eaten during Hanukkah, symbolizing the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Served with applesauce or sour cream, these golden, savory treats are a festive favorite during the Jewish holiday season.

67. Tourtière (Canada)

Tourtière is a spiced meat pie from Quebec, filled with a mixture of pork, beef, or game, traditionally served during Christmas and New Year. Its flaky crust and savory filling make it a hearty and comforting dish for winter celebrations in French-Canadian households.

68. Soba Noodles (Japan)

Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are traditionally eaten in Japan on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing long life and prosperity. This simple yet significant dish is enjoyed as a way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new with hope and health.

69. Bibingka (Philippines)

Bibingka is a Filipino rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, baked in clay pots and served during Christmas. Topped with salted eggs or cheese, this sweet and savory delicacy is a popular treat after attending the early morning Simbang Gabi masses.

70. Puto Bumbong (Philippines)

Puto Bumbong is a sticky purple rice cake steamed in bamboo tubes, commonly eaten during the Christmas season in the Philippines. Topped with grated coconut and brown sugar, it is a beloved street food enjoyed after Simbang Gabi, marking the holiday spirit.

71. Christmas Ham (United States)

Christmas ham is a traditional holiday dish in the United States, glazed with honey or brown sugar and baked until caramelized. Served as a centerpiece for Christmas dinner, it represents festivity and abundance, shared among family and friends.

72. Pandoro (Italy)

Pandoro is a tall, star-shaped Italian Christmas cake dusted with powdered sugar, symbolizing the snow-capped mountains of Italy. This soft, buttery dessert is a festive treat enjoyed during the holiday season, often sliced and shared with family.

73. Cotechino con Lenticchie (Italy)

Cotechino con lenticchie is an Italian New Year’s Eve dish of pork sausage served with lentils, symbolizing wealth and prosperity for the coming year. The round lentils are said to resemble coins, and eating them at the year's end is believed to bring good fortune.

74. Christmas Eve Soup (Slovakia)

Christmas Eve Soup, or Kapustnica, is a traditional Slovak soup made with sauerkraut, mushrooms, and sausage, eaten as the first course of the Christmas Eve dinner. Its tangy and hearty flavors reflect the warmth of the holiday season in Slovak households.

75. Rosca de Reyes (Mexico)

Rosca de Reyes is a traditional Mexican pastry eaten on January 6th, celebrating Three Kings' Day. Baked in the shape of a crown and decorated with candied fruits, this festive bread contains a hidden figurine of baby Jesus, and the person who finds it is tasked with hosting the next party.

The Bottom Line

Many cultures celebrate the holiday season for different reasons. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year, food plays a central role in celebrations around the world.

From savory main dishes to sweet desserts, each culture brings a unique twist to this jolly season. With the holidays just around the corner, remember to enjoy all the delicious food and memories they will bring.