Unique festive dishes from all over the world, which must be tasted in life

19 Jul 2023

Almost all countries of the world have their favorite national dishes that they prepare for holidays. These dishes form the identity and color of the country. And it is a business card for all visiting guests and tourists, and also leaves a pleasant aftertaste to remember. We have selected 50 of the most original national dishes from different countries, so that you know exactly what you should try first and foremost when visiting one or another country.

Braai, South Africa

When a dish has its own national festival in honor of it, you know it is well-liked. In South Africa, a few things are associated with holidays. 

It serves as the equivalent of BBQ in the county and promotes social interaction. In South Africa, a braai is a celebration of getting together and sharing food with friends and family. It is much more than just cooking and eating meat directly off the grill.

Braai (South Africa).jpg?format=webp@South African Braai/ Riverside/YouTube.com

Roasted Goose, Dumplings, and Red Cabbage, Germany

German Christmas celebrations typically feature a hearty goose feast, delicious potato dumplings, and copious amounts of red cabbage on the side. One of the best and most popular dinners enjoyed by Christians in Germany during the annual holiday is this three-course meal in one.

The major ingredients of the meal's cooked goose include various aromatics and nuts, such as chestnuts and even apples. On the other hand, some cocktails combine mouthwatering spices with red cabbage.

Roasted Goose, Dumplings, and Red Cabbage (Germany).jpg?format=webp@Christmas Menu: Goose with Dumplings & Red Cabbage by Backstuebchen/NEFF Home Appliances/YouTube.com

Fig Pudding, England

A delicious dessert-like dish known as "fig pudding" or "figgy pudding" is consumed as a fasting meal during Christmas in England. For the making of this delicious food item, dried fruits are blended with creamy layers of nuts, fruits, and honey.

The sweetened pork meat fillings in the dish also contribute some delicious flavors. To improve flavor, liquids are occasionally also injected into the pudding. Figgy pudding is strange because it doesn't actually include any figs or plums at all!

Fig Pudding (England).jpg?format=webp@Figgy Pudding | A Victorian Christmas Tradition/ Tasting History with Max Miller/YouTube.com

Reindeer Meat, Iceland

Despite being known around the world for its stunning natural beauty, few people are familiar with the cuisines of Iceland. Icelanders eat anything, including grazing reindeer and thrashing whales. Wild reindeer steak is a favorite food in Iceland and is typically prepared with lots of butter and garlic.

Even though many people are often leery of the thought of grilling reindeer steak, locals claim that it is mouthwatering enough to convert others. After all, the best way to explore the world is to broaden your palate.

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Banana Leaf-Wrapped Fish, Fiji

Due to its substantial filling qualities and obvious deliciousness, this traditional Fijian dish is primarily consumed throughout the day of Christmas. The classic Fijian method of cooking the banana leaf-wrapped fish meal involves scorching coconut milk on a hot stone.

The entire fish or evenly cut sections of it are cooked by the Fijians by being wrapped in a sizable banana leaf. This dinner is highly nourishing and filling.

Banana Leaf-Wrapped Fish (Fiji).jpg?format=webp@Sambal Fish Wrapped In Banana Leaves - 香蕉叶三巴鱼/ The Meatmen Channel/YouTube.com

Mince Pie, England

Traditional mince pies must be consumed in order to celebrate Christmas in England! Every Brit should consume this delicious and filling dish because of its distinctive flavor and lasting satisfaction.

Traditional mince pies are cooked with meat that has been spiced and sweetened, although the recipe has changed over time. Now, you may anticipate that a minced pie will have sugar, spices, several dried fruits, and possibly some alcoholic beverages.

Mince Pie (England).jpg?format=webp@How to Make Mince Pies - The Victorian Way/English Heritage/YouTube.com

Stuffed Vegetables, Bulgaria

One of the tastiest meals you can eat all day is this Bulgarian Christmas tradition dinner, which combines nutritious veggies with the proper carbs and fats obtained from meats. Due to how simple the dish is, stuffed veggies are prepared and consumed in Bulgaria throughout the Christmas season.

The meal is produced by filling bell peppers all the way up with various kinds of meat, such as ground beef or pig. After that, the food is cooked before being covered with a homemade sauce.

Stuffed Vegetables (Bulgaria).jpg?format=webp@Bulgarian Style Stuffed Vegetarian Peppers/Albena Gazinova/YouTube.com

Chicken and Pork Tamales, Costa Rica

In Costa Rican homes, Christmas wouldn't be complete without chicken and pork tamales. Tico families have been preparing tamales for generations in order to spread the joy of celebration with loved ones.

The most traditional tamale in Costa Rica is wrapped in banana leaves with seasoned beef rolled within, while the recipe for this dish varies by location. The joy of the holiday is increased when tamales are served hot with fresh vegetables on top.

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Toshikoshi Soba, Japan

Toshikoshi Soba, a bowl of year-crossing noodles, is traditionally consumed by the Japanese to ring in the new year. The long buckwheat noodle represents a long life, and the texture's ease of cutting represents letting go of the challenges of the previous year.

Putting all the symbolism aside, if you start the new year with a bowl of hot, dashi-battered toshikoshi soba, an egg, and tempura, you are guaranteed to have a delightful year.

Toshikoshi Soba (Japan).jpg?format=webp@TOSHIKOSHI SOBA | Traditional Japanese New Year's Eve Soba (EP 252)/ Kitchen Princess Bamboo/YouTube.com

Haggis, Scotland

Haggis's appearance may not necessarily scream elegance, but its distinctive flavor more than makes up for it. Scotland's national dish is haggis. It is a hearty pudding made with oatmeal, minced meat, and seasonings that has been baked inside a sheep's stomach.

The meaty, crumbly haggis with a rustic peppery flavor creates a delicious supper, even though it may not be the item on our list with the best appearance.

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Ramazan Pide, Turkey

A traditional food in Turkish culture is Ramazan Pide, commonly referred to as Ramadan pita. During the holy month of Ramadan, it is customarily served for the Iftar. It is a soft leavened bread with a weave-like texture.

No other Turkish cuisine is as well-known for breaking the fast as a loaf of Pide, despite there being hundreds of traditional Ramadan dishes. Pide is sold in bakeries around the nation, with sales beginning just one hour before the evening break of fast.

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Bûche De Noël, France

When it comes to creating delectable and distinctive sweets, the French always appear to be a step ahead of the rest of the world. One such delicacy that is typically prepared to commemorate Christmas Eve is the Bûche de Nol.

This amazing dish is made up of a roll of sponge cake that is typically topped or covered with either coffee butter or chocolate cream. The dish is consumed as an homage to their lengthy Yule custom.

Bûche De Noël (France).jpg?format=webp@Traditional French Christmas Dessert: Bûche de Noël/Chef Majk/YouTube.com

Tteokguk, Korea

The first country that comes to mind when we hear the word "rice cakes" is Korea. Tteokguk is a flavorful soup made with rice cakes in the shape of discs and seasoned meat stock.

On the morning of the first day of the lunar calendar, it is customary in Korea to consume a warm bowl of tteokguk in hopes of a new beginning. Tteokguk tastes absolutely delicious when the meat broth is correctly seasoned and the rice cakes are perfect.

Tteokguk (Korea).jpg?format=webp@How to: Tteokguk in 5 mins!!/ Future Neighbor/YouTube.com

Butter Tarts, Canada

Butter tarts are typically eaten during Christmas and are regarded as a Canadian classic delicacy. This sweet delight is made with a ton of brown sugar, syrup, eggs, and butter, naturally.

People with a sweet tooth typically choose this Christmas delicacy since it is so delicious. You can easily pop the tart in your mouth and savor the savory flavors it is packed with because of the way it is baked, which makes it quite hard.

Butter Tarts (Canada).jpg?format=webp@Apple Walnut Canadian Butter Tarts - How to Make Butter Tarts - Food Wishes/Food Wishes/YouTube.com

Latkes, Israel

Originally introduced by Northeastern Europeans, what was seen as "peasant" food in the early years of the conflict is today a well-known Hanukkah feast in modern Israel. To make it simple and quick to eat during hectic times, this dish is comprised of potatoes and is shaped like a pancake.

This delicious pancake's major ingredients are potatoes, eggs, and several kinds of cheese. This meal has a ton of current modifications, which vary from region to region.

Latkes (Israel).jpg?format=webp@Fast and Easy Potato Recipe for Holiday [ How to Make Latkes by Lounging with Lenny ]/ Lounging with Lenny/YouTube.com

Risgrynsgröt, Sweden

Although Swedish cuisine may not be the most well-known, there is more to it than meets the eye. Swedish people like eating Risgrynsgröt, or "rice grain porridge," along with other holiday favorites.”

Risgrynsgröt is served with almonds on top and is dusted with cinnamon.Nothing is more reassuring than a warm bowl of rice pudding on a freezing Christmas Eve, and this recipe is the ideal way to spend a night in the Nordic winter wonderland.

Risgrynsgröt (Sweden).jpg?format=webp@Risgrynsgröt—Swedish rice porridge for Christmas/Swedish Spoon/YouTube.com

Kushari, Egypt

Egypt's national meal, kushari, is typically consumed on the country's streets. Although there have been disagreements on its provenance, according to legend, this dish was initially prepared in the 14th century following Ibn Battuta's arrival and over time evolved into a staple in Egypt.

This quick-to-prepare recipe is made with yellow lentils, rice, and vegetables and is satisfying and healthy.

Kushari (Egypt).jpg?format=webp@The BEST Koshari in the world - Egyptian Vegan Street Food/ Middle Eats/YouTube.com

Shellfish, France

Nothing is more satisfying than stuffing oneself silly with a seafood platter, and the French are well aware of this. They enjoy serving shellfish as an entrée over the holidays and prefer it most among all the seafood options available on the market.

The flesh inside the shells is so luscious that it will melt in your tongue. Shellfish tastes nothing short of wonderful when combined with cocktails and sauces that are rich in cream.

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Eggnog, United States

The majority of us who do not reside in the United States first learned about this wonderful and enigmatic beverage through holiday movies. It turns out that the excitement around eggnog extends to reality as well! Cream, whipped egg whites, egg yolks, and loads of sugar make up the delicious beverage.

The frothy appearance of the eggnog is a result of the egg whites. However, as adults typically add some liquor for celebration, this beverage tends to differ depending on how people choose to drink it.

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Janssons Frestelse, Sweden

Janssons Frestelse, often referred to as "Jansson's Temptation" in the western portion of the world, is a confection made with love for the Easter festival. The ingredients for this hearty and delectable traditional Swedish dish include a ton of fresh potatoes, bread crumbs, onions, sprats, and cream.

This casserole dish is primarily made with pickled sprats because they give the food a tangy flavor. Even though the dinner is quite filling, Swedish people frequently eat it all throughout the holiday season without feeling the slightest bit weary.

Janssons Frestelse (Sweden).jpg?format=webp@Janssons frestelse—delicious Swedish sprats casserole/Swedish Spoon/YouTube.com

Grilled Prawns, Australia

Australians have a specific affection for grilled meals. Australians may not only eat grilled prawns, but they do have their own special variation known as “shrimp on the barbie.”

Australians typically marinade their prawns in a good amount of chile, ginger, and garlic before grilling them to perfection for the greatest results. Grilled prawns, along with garlic aioli and freshly squeezed lime juice, are without a doubt the greatest seafood you can eat on a hot summer Christmas.

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Joulupöytä, Finland

Finnish food is often straightforward and made with only natural, fresh ingredients. The "Yule table," or joulupöytä, is a spread of traditional Finnish delicacies served during Christmas. The feast includes a variety of foods that are popular on the holiday.

A sizable chunk of baked ham served with bread and sauces is always the main course. Additionally, Joulupöytä serves Gravlax fish, casseroles, and, to wash it all down, mulled beverages.

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Curry Devil, Singapore

Despite the dish's sinister sounding name, Singaporeans eagerly anticipate it every year. With leftover vegetables and meats, this Asian-inspired curry with a strong spicy flavor is cooked on low heat until it takes on the consistency of a stew.

If you love spicy food, you absolutely must try this curry at least once. To counteract the heat, serve it with a freshly squeezed lime. This curry's flavor will undoubtedly stick in your mind.

Curry Devil (Singapore).jpg?format=webp@Soul Food: Curry Devil (Kari Debal) Recipe (how to cook Curry Devil video with recipe)/ Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore/YouTube.com

Doro Wat, Ethiopia

Ethiopia's national dish is Doro Wat, a hot chicken stew cooked in spices for hours. Not only is the dish authentic to its origins, but the spices also give it a great depth of taste that is hard to resist.

Doro Wat is served with a heaping portion of caramelized onions on top to give it a delicious bite. Even though cooking Doro Wat requires a lot of work, the flavor is unquestionably worthwhile.

Doro Wat (Ethiopia).jpg?format=webp@How To Make Spicy Ethiopian Chicken Stew: Doro Wat/Munchies/YouTube.com

Dolma, Iraq

Without the mouthwatering nibbles of hand-rolled, vine-leaf-wrapped delight, a holiday in Iraq is not complete. Dolmas are closely linked to Middle Eastern cuisine even though they originate in Greece and are popular throughout the world.

Dolmas are cooked using a combination of savory and aromatic spices as a tribute to the Middle Eastern culinary tradition. Dolmas are served with a drizzle of lime juice and olive oil on top to bring the flavor to a whole new level.

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Kransekake, Denmark/Norway

In Denmark and Norway, a spectacular cake known as kransekake—which translates to "wreath cake" in English—is baked for significant events. Although Kransekake has a taste that is identical to cookies, this cake is distinguished by its rolled-up appearance.

A Kransekake, which is made with a massive 18 rings stacked on top of one another, can easily serve 15 people. Danish folk typically cover the cake in powdered sugar and pour it with melted chocolate to elevate the flavor. The absolute highlight of every Christmas meal!

Kransekake (Denmark Norway).jpg?format=webp@How to Make Kransekake (Norwegian Christmas Cake)/ Imperial Sugar/YouTube.com

Bibingka, Philippines

Bibingka is a sort of rice cake that is frequently consumed in the Philippines on Christmas Eve. It is typically produced by combining glutinous rice with some coconut milk and sugar. Some people prefer sprinkling some margarine on top as well, claiming it improves the rice cakes' flavor and richness.

The meal is available for sale and buy in the Philippines during the whole holiday season, while being primarily enjoyed on Christmas. This mouthwatering rice cake meal is typically served with "Puto Bumbong," another classic dish.

Bibingka (Philippines).jpg?format=webp@The Yummiest Special Bibingka With Easy Recipe/Savor Easy/YouTube.com

Babka, Poland

Babka has a similar shape to panettone, so you're not entirely mistaken if you think of it as a miniature version of that cake. Traditional Babka recipes call for egg yolks in exorbitant quantities, yeast risings, and raisins steeped in rum.

Despite using yeast, it doesn't need to be kneaded and is therefore really simple to make. Babka, a chocolate- and rum-syrup-laced treat, is a favorite in every Polish home, especially around the holidays.

Babka (Poland).jpg?format=webp@Polish BABKA; How to make Polish food by Polish Your Kitchen/Polish Your Kitchen/YouTube.com

Pavlova, Australia

Both Australians and New Zealanders create Pavlova every holiday season, despite the fact that it needs a lot of work and several challenging steps.

This dish is filled with sweetness and has a chewy, delicate texture that is crunchy on the exterior and sensitive on the inside. It is topped with fresh fruits to give the dish a fresh note and to temper the added zing of sweetness.

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Stollen Cake, Germany

The Stollen cake is yet another delicious Christmastime German food. This cake has a lot of dried fruits, candied currants, and oranges and is baked with yeast-leavened bread. Due to the cardamom spice addition, it has a distinctive flavor.

To improve the cake's overall flavor, many individuals like to add additional spices and lemon zest to the recipe. Due to its ability to be kept in a cool environment for an extended period of time, stollen cake can also be eaten after the holiday season.

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Fufu, Ghana

Although "Fufu" in some form can be found in many different nations, it is a mainstay of Ghanaian cooking. A ground ball of fermented cassava called "fufu" is consumed with meat or vegetable stews.

Due to its rounded form, which makes it useful for scooping stews out of bowls, fufu frequently serves as a spoon. Despite not being the healthiest dish on our list because it is made with starchy carbohydrates, Ghanaians can't seem to get enough of fufu, especially during holidays.

Fufu (Ghana).jpg?format=webp@HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC GHANA FUFU WITHOUT POUNDING 3 WAYS/ Sweet Adjeley/YouTube.com

Lussekatter, Sweden

On December 13, a few weeks before Christmas, Sweden and other Scandinavian nations observe St. Lucia's Day, also known as the Festival of Light. Many young girls are chosen to be "Lucia," who wears a crown of lit candles, and they dress up as "Lucia" around the nation, wearing white dresses with red sashes.

Each family's oldest daughter serves coffee and Lussekattert, or S-shaped saffron buns, to her parents for breakfast. These buns are produced with dough that has been infused with saffron and raisins for the "eyes" of the rolls.

Lussekatter (Sweden).jpg?format=webp@How to Make Lussekatter I Amazing Swedish Saffron Buns/ChainBaker/YouTube.com

Sufganiyah, Israel

A miracle involving the oil from the Temple after it was destroyed is the basis for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which gave rise to the custom of eating deep-fried doughnuts. When you sample a Sufganiyah, you will understand why this tradition has existed for many years.

These spherical doughnuts, which are also known as "spongy dough," are deep-fried in oil and have a variety of fillings and toppings, the most typical of which is strawberry jam and powdered sugar.

Sufganiyah (Israel).jpg?format=webp@How To Make Jewish Jelly Donuts (Sufganiyot) • Tasty/Tasty/YouTube.com

Biryani, India

Without Biryani, a holiday in South Asia is not regarded to be a holiday. The king of Indian food, biryani is stuffed with meaty richness and nutritious flavor.

This multi-layered rice dish with soft meat, served with chutney or raita, is the highlight of every celebration, whether it be a wedding or a festival. Even after eating a large platter of biryani, you can find yourself yearning more.

Biryani (India).jpg?format=webp@Simple Chicken Biryani | Restaurant Style Eid Special Biryani | The Bombay Chef – Varun Inamdar/ Get Curried/YouTube.com

Hangikjöt, Iceland

Icelanders have been consuming hangikjöt, a traditional dish, for decades on end. Although most Icelanders prefer to eat this dinner year-round, it is typically served at huge Christmas gatherings. Either mutton, horse meat, or lamb is used to prepare the dish, which is then heavily smoked.

Green peas and a generous amount of béchamel sauce are served alongside the entire dish to counteract its richness. Additionally, Icelanders favor eating the meat with "Flatkaka," a locally produced bread.

Hangikjöt (Iceland).jpg?format=webp@Traditional Icelandic Food #3 - All Our Wonderful Smoked Food/Just Icelandic/YouTube.com

Lutefisk, Norway

Whitefish that has been dried, salted, and lye-treated is lutefisk. We can imagine what you're thinking: doesn't soap contain lye, a chemical that can be corrosive? Despite how bizarre it may sound, the lye dissolves the fish's proteins, giving it a rather gelatinous feel.

But don't worry, the lye is removed, and the fish is cooked with salt so that it is safe to eat. In Scandinavian nations like Norway and Sweden, this dish is typically consumed as a winter delicacy.

Lutefisk (Norway).jpg?format=webp@Lutefisk - Learn how to make lutefisk with Lerøy/LeroySeafood/YouTube.com

Tangyuan, China

Typically eaten during the Winter Solstice Festival or the Lantern Festival, this traditional Chinese dessert is also prepared for weddings and other important events like family reunions. Tangyuan are sticky rice dumplings with a filling of some kind.

The rice balls are boiled and then served with water that is occasionally additionally sweetened or flavored with ginger, and the filling is typically sweetened red bean paste or black sesame paste.

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Hallaca, Venezuela

Making the dish is a significant element of the traditional Hallaca that Venezuelans enjoy during Christmas. Since making hallacas isn't the easiest task, the entire family participates in the process and produces enough to last the entire holiday season.

Making hallacas involves encasing corn dough in a plantain leaf. Typically, the filling consists of a combination of chicken, pork, and beans along with raisins and olives. The leaf is then boiled in boiling water after being tightly knotted with a string.

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Krusciki, Poland

Krusciki, often known as "angel wings," are sugar-dusted doughnuts that have been deep-fried. Their name comes from their distinctive form, and Polish families typically serve them around Christmas.

The secret is to make the dough both pillowy and crunchy so that when it is dropped into the hot oil, it will puff up and turn golden brown. Additionally, this dessert is prepared ahead of Lent so that your family can consume any remaining fat and other items that are off-limits during this season.

Krusciki (Poland).jpg?format=webp@How to Make Chrusciki (Angel Wings)/ Best Recipes with Sharon/YouTube.com

Yebeg Wet, Ethiopia

Anyone you ask will tell you that their favorite Christmas dish is a hearty stew. Thus, on Christmas Eve, Ethiopians bring forward the customary Yebeg Wot. Chefs and hospitable grandmothers patiently slow roast lamb for the delectable and mouthwatering stew.

In order for the lambs to be fattened up before Christmas, farmers are typically paid in advance for the lambs used in the stew. The typical Ethiopian berbere spice is used to make this buttery stew, which is then eaten with the country's flatbread, injera.

Yebeg Wet (Ethiopia).jpg?format=webp@ቆንጆ የበግ ወጥ አሰራር(yebeg wet) - Ethiopian Lamb Stew /Ethiopian Food Recipe/ EthioTastyFood/YouTube.com

Bahn Chung, Vietnam

Bahn Chung was initially popularized in Hong Kong but quickly acquired favor in Vietnam, especially on national holidays like "Tet." Square rice cakes made of sticky Vietnamese rice make up this delicacy.

While other types of meat are utilized in the recipe, pork is the most popular and traditional choice. To give the food an earthy flavor, the recipe also calls for mung beans. The vast and expansive Earth is represented by the Banh Chung historically.

Bahn Chung (Vietnam).jpg?format=webp@Bánh Chưng - Vietnamese Square Sticky Rice Cake | Helen's Recipes/ Helen's Recipes (Vietnamese Food)/YouTube.com

Pasteles, Puerto Rico

The Christmas spirit is very important to Puerto Ricans, and they enjoy celebrating by creating and eating Pasteles all day long. This dish is produced with a ton of adobo and pig stuffing, which are typically wrapped in a plantain “masa.”

Banana leaves are then used to wrap the entire dish. Puerto Ricans enjoy eating this traditional dish after the holiday even though it is cooked especially for Christmas; they prefer to freeze additional pasteles for future consumption in advance.

Pasteles (Puerto Rico).jpg?format=webp@Puerto Rican Pasteles Traditional/ Sabroso/YouTube.com

Spiced Hot Chocolate, Peru

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Peru celebrates the majority of its annual holidays with what they do best as they are known for producing some of the greatest cocoa beans for chocolate.

Holidays are spent enjoying hot, boiling cups of spiced hot chocolate in Peru. The beverage is produced with heavy milk and a variety of old-world spices that bring out the creaminess and richness of the chocolate foundation.

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Kutia, Ukraine

Kutia is a very traditional meal loved by people of all ages that was first served by Eastern Orthodox Christians in Ukraine during the Christmas season. This thick, gritty dish that resembles pudding is typically made of sweetened gravy and is typically served as part of a 12-course meal!

In addition to a ton of raisins, the pudding is created with a variety of nuts and seeds. Due to the numerous seeds and nuts it contains, kutia may only appear to be a festive dessert to some people, but it is actually a very nutritious food.

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Laufabrauð, Iceland

This is a traditional Christmas dish from Iceland known as "leafbread" or "snowflake bread." Due to the exorbitant cost of wheat flour, Icelanders were unable to purchase much bread or cookies, hence laufabrau was invented.

Its name is derived from the geometric shapes that are carved into the dough before it is fried. Who wouldn't want to indulge in this treat on a brisk Icelandic Christmas Eve in front of a crackling fire?

Laufabrauð (Iceland).jpg?format=webp@Laufabrauð / Leaf bread / Snowflake bread? - ICELAND FOOD CENTRE #09/Iceland Food Centre/YouTube.com

Hojuelas, Colombia

These sweet, fried pastries, which are typically offered at Christmas, are a Colombian favorite. The Spanish word hojuela, which meaning "flake," is also used to refer to the expression "icing on the cake" or "miel sobre hojuelas," which translates to “honey on flakes.”

Orange juice is used to flavor the dough strips before they are fried in oil until the outsides are beautiful and crunchy. They are served after being dusted with powdered sugar and removed from the oil. Yum!

Hojuelas (Colombia).jpg?format=webp@HOJUELAS COLOMBIANAS CRUJIENTES PARA NAVIDAD 🎄👌/ Easy Cooking with Cata/YouTube.com

Melomakarono, Greece

An egg-shaped biscuit known as melomakarono is created from flour and honey. It is a Christmastime dish that is customary to Greece.A Melomakarono cookie's unique feature is that it has diced almond within and is immediately drenched in caramel or honey syrup after baking to give it a deliciously nutty flavor. Melomakarono cookies have ground almond and dark chocolate decorations, and they are delicious.

Melomakarono (Greece).jpg?format=webp@24 Days Of Christmas Food Around The World/ KWOOWK/YouTube.com

Roast Turkey, USA

Thanksgiving without a turkey is like Friday without two pizzas, to paraphrase Joey from Friends. Wow, he's so right! Thanksgiving dinner is the biggest meal of the year in both the US and Canada, and a massive roasted turkey is the centerpiece of the entire feast.

The roasted turkey has become the centerpiece of the traditional Thanksgiving meal and is typically served with a variety of sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

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Vitel Toné, Argentina

Being creative and opulent enough to honor the tradition are key components of an Argentine holiday meal. Although the Italians were the ones who first came up with the concept of Vitel Toné, a traditional veal steak meal, it didn't take long for it to become a specialty of Argentina.

Even though a well-done veal steak is tasty on its own, it is customary in Argentina to slather the steaks in mayo and tuna sauce to give the meat more flavor, suppleness, and richness.

Vitel Toné (Argentina).jpg?format=webp@Cómo hacer la Salsa Vitel Tone | Maru Botana/ Maru Botana/YouTube.com

KFC, Japan

Although it may sound weird, the Japanese have a peculiar Christmas tradition of dining at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Every year for Christmas dinner, it is believed that 3.6 million Japanese families eat at the fast food establishment.

This custom dates back to 1974, when Takeshi Okawara, the first KFC manager in Japan, launched the "Kentucky for Christmas" promotion, which quickly became a national sensation. Since then, a lot of Japanese families enjoy a delicious bucket of chicken that is in high demand and must be ordered months in advance.

KFC (Japan).jpg?format=webp@KFC Christmas: A True Japanese Christmas Tradition🎄/OshareJapan/YouTube.com

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