AndIn Portugal, it is common knowledge that a Christmas menu would not be complete without cod, turkey and dessert items including cakes and rabandas. In some parts of the country, octopus, goat, lamb or mutton are also commonly eaten.
However, menus abroad vary a lot, depending on the traditions of each country and the gastronomic tastes of different people.
we weThe Christmas plate varies by state, but in general, the tables always feature turkey, chops and mashed potatoes, all accompanied by their own sauces and fillings, even corn and roasted vegetables. For dessert, the usual gingerbread pie and cookies.
In the southeast of the country, thanks to Mexican influence, tamales have also become a model for Christmas days in Texas, as have empanadas and piscochitos, butter cookies with cinnamon and anise, which are very popular in New Mexico.
But the differences are, for example, in JapanAs there were only 1.9 million Christians in 2022, it has become customary to turn to the fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in North America to put it on the table these Christmas days.
Yes, that's right, every year Japanese people flock to this chain's fried chicken restaurants to celebrate Christmas, even if they are not Christians. This tradition was born in the 1970s, when the first KFC restaurant was opened in Japan. At that time, and more specifically in 1974, the chain launched the “KFC is Christmas” campaign, in an attempt to increase sales at this festive time, after… What was claimed to be Christmas. An American went to the restaurant on Christmas Day because the fried chicken was the closest thing to the typical turkey eaten at this time of year.
Back in Europe, herring, for example, is a staple fish at Christmas DenmarkIt is eaten smoked, fried, or even pickled. In fact, in this last form, we tend to eat more food at this time, spiced with cinnamon, cloves and sandalwood.
On the other hand, Danes also eat pork, duck or goose meat, mainly baked, with pickled and fermented vegetables as a side dish.
in GermanyOn the other hand, traditions vary by region, but roasted goose, turkey or duck is considered a staple, and is traditionally served with bread dumplings on the side. There are also those who eat sausages accompanied by potato salad, or some types of fish, such as carp, salmon or hake, accompanied by fried potatoes, “kartoffelpuffer”, a style of potato pancake and/or sauerkraut.
A little further north, in United kingdomTurkeys and chickens are also the kings of the season, but that doesn't mean they're the only expected presence on Christmas tables. At this time of year, Britons enjoy something called Yorkshire pudding, which is a pudding made from eggs, flour, milk or water, baked in the oven and serves as an accompaniment to a wide range of dishes.
Also noteworthy is the “British Farmer's Lunch” which consists of a plate of cold meats, cheeses, bread and sauce, among other foods.
in Goa, IndiaOn the other hand, today there is still some influence from the presence that Portugal had in the region over several centuries. In a largely Hindu country, Christian communities in Goa eat a traditional dish called sorpotel at Christmas, a spicy stew consisting of pork, including liver and heart, slow-cooked and seasoned with cinnamon, cumin and pepper.
already exists VenezuelaTraditions at Christmas time vary in terms of food, and there may be hallaca – chicken salad – on the table or a so-called “Christmas plate”, which contains a little bit of everything. It usually contains hallaca, a meat stew served topped with corn dough and wrapped in banana leaves, accompanied by a slice of pan de jamon (pork bread), bread stuffed with pork, raisins and olives.
You can also find a portion of chicken salad in this dish, made with chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, onions, mayonnaise, and ham.
Finally, in BrazilIn addition to cod and turkey, which are remnants of Portuguese influence in the South American country, Christmas dinner also usually consists of rice in its most varied forms, farofa, salpicao – that is, a salad with cold chicken, mayonnaise and various other items – and couscous, among many other foods. Other typical at this time.
Due to the influence of Italian immigrants, panettone, a huge cake filled with raisins or chocolate, typical in some Italian regions, has become part of Christmas in Brazil.
Read also: The Pope asks “not to confuse the “Christmas Party” with consumerism”
“Hardcore alcohol maven. Hipster-friendly analyst. Introvert. Devoted social media advocate.”
