Around the World in 12 Dishes: International Holiday Delights

United States — Christmas Ham

In the United States, holiday ham, often referred to as yule ham, is a classic Christmas tradition with roots in ancient Norse and Germanic cultures, where it was served during winter solstice feasts to honor the god Freyr. Over time, this custom evolved into a festive centerpiece, typically glazed with honey, brown sugar, and spices, and roasted to perfection. Today, the ham’s caramelized exterior and tender slices symbolize warmth and abundance, bringing families together to share a hearty meal alongside comforting sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.

France — Bûche de Noël (Yule Log Cake )

Directly translated as “log of Christmas,” the Bûche de Noël is France’s version of a Yule Log cake. Now popularized throughout Europe and in most French-speaking communities worldwide, the eye-catching sponge cake roll is usually decorated with chocolate or vanilla buttercream frosting mimicking tree bark and small meringue or marzipan pieces shaped into mushrooms. Rumor has it that the first bûche came from either a Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Lyon pastry shop. Although the origins of the dessert are still unsure, we do know that the tradition has its origins in the Feast of Yule, when families would slowly burn a large log of wood from Christmas Eve until New Years as an offering to the gods to ensure good harvests for the coming year.

Japan — Kentucky Fried Chicken

Kentucky Fried Chicken has been a popular Christmas go-to in Japan ever since a very successful marketing campaign in the 1970s. During that time, a KFC franchise decided to run a special promotion during Christmas. Since there weren’t any strong Christmas traditions in Japan, the novelty caught on and became an instant tradition. Nowadays, rare are the Japanese who are seen without a bucket of KFC in hand on a December 24th or 25th!

Mexico — Tamales

n Mexican Christmas traditions, tamales are a beloved staple, each one a little bundle of festive flavor and family tradition. Wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection, tamales feature a soft, flavorful masa dough filled with a variety of delicious fillings. Popular options include spiced shredded pork, chicken in green salsa, cheese with poblano peppers, or even sweet fillings like cinnamon and raisins. These versatile treats not only bring warmth and comfort to holiday tables but also represent the joy of togetherness, as families often gather to prepare them in a cherished communal activity known as a “tamalada.”

Philippines — Lechon

Though lechon, roast suckling pig, is popular in several parts of the world, it’s particularly important in the Philippines. Often thought of as one of the country’s national dishes, lechon also plays a role on holidays and especially around Christmas, when it’s enjoyed for dinner on Christmas Eve. Despite the many foreign culinary influences that have spread to the Philippines, the recipe for lechon remains incredibly simple, seasoned only with salt and pepper, except in some areas where lemongrass is also used.

China — Longevity Noodles

During China’s Lunar New Year, people will make sure to have long noodles, or “longevity noodles,” at their feast for good luck. However, the noodles must be eaten with caution, because the longer the noodle, the longer the life! Whoever prepares the noodles makes sure not to cut or break them, while the person enjoying them will gain even more luck if they can eat them without biting through the long pieces.  

England — Mince Pie

While we might think of pumpkin or pecan pie for the holidays, in England, mince pie take center stage as the pie of choice. The sweet treat supposedly dates back to the 1300s when knights returned from the Crusades with new spices. Nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon are mixed with dried fruit, called “mincemeat,” and baked into a pie. Definitely a must try! 

Italy — Feast of the Seven Fishes

Originally a southern Italian tradition, many Italian-American families also prepare the Feast of the Seven Fishes for Christmas Eve dinner. The traditional seafood and shellfish feast is typically made up of seven different dishes, in reference to the number of days God took to create the universe, while other families prefer to cook twelve dishes of fish, to represent the 12 apostles. Nothing fishy about this meal, count us in!

Israel — Latkes

Freshly fried in plenty of oil, crispy potato latkes are eaten throughout Hanukkah. The holiday marks how a small amount of oil meant to light the menorah lasted a miraculous eight days during the rededication of the Holy Temple back in 164 BC. Now, latkes have become synonymous with Hanukkah as the oil-laden pancakes are a symbol of the oil miracle.

Australia — Pavlova

While winter and Christmas go hand-in-hand in the northern hemisphere, most Australians can’t fathom having a white Christmas. By the end of December, summer is in full swing, and Christmas dinners make use of the outside barbecue rather than roasting ovens. Barbecued shrimp is often on the menu, as is pavlova, crispy meringue topped with fresh berries and cream. A fresher and lighter meal, which makes perfect before hitting the beach!

Spain — Lechazo (Roast Lamb)

In Spain, roast lamb, or cordero asado, is a beloved Christmas tradition that symbolizes warmth and togetherness. Often prepared in regions like Castilla y León, the lamb is simply seasoned and slow-roasted to perfection, yielding tender meat with a golden, crispy crust. Served alongside roasted potatoes and paired with Spanish red wine, this dish becomes the highlight of festive family gatherings, celebrating the rich flavors of the season and the joy of being together.

Poland — Red Borscht

In Poland, a carefully prepared Christmas Eve feast called Wiglia begins as soon as the first star appears in the sky. The special meal traditionally includes 12 dishes, representing the 12 apostles, including barszcz, a beet soup also known as red borscht, herring, carp, poppy seed cakes, and more.

As we journey through the festive flavors of the world, it’s clear that holiday traditions are as diverse and vibrant as the cultures they represent. From Spain’s succulent roast lamb to Japan’s crispy tempura, these dishes bring families and friends together to celebrate the season’s warmth and joy. While you’re busy savoring these international delights or hosting loved ones, let Anna’s Cleaning Services take care of the mess. Whether you need event cleaning for your holiday gatherings or a thorough deep clean before or after your guests arrive, we’ll ensure your home sparkles, so you can focus on making memories this holiday season.

by Janne Diaz & Lilian C. Alger