If you’re like most people, you probably spend your holidays in the same spot every year. You sit around the table with your family, eat turkey or ham and assorted side dishes, maybe exchange gifts if it’s Christmas or your birthday, and call it a day. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to tradition, but you might be missing out on some great cultural food experiences that are available in your area (or somewhere nearby). If you’re looking to discover something new about another country, try one of these holiday foods from around the world
Bhang, India
A popular drink in India during the holidays is bhang, which is made from cannabis leaves and flowers. The drink is said to have a calming effect and is often used in religious ceremonies. Bhang is also used in traditional Indian medicine. People with high blood pressure or insomnia are advised to avoid it.
Bog myrtle, Denmark: People living in Denmark enjoy this spicy dish on Christmas Eve. It is made with mutton that has been soaked for six weeks before cooking. Onions are boiled with spices like cloves, black pepper, allspice and salt until they become brown and soft.
Pumpkin Pie, United States
Pumpkin pie is a classic holiday dessert in the United States. It’s made with a pumpkin puree, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The filling is placed in a pre-baked pie crust and then baked until set. Pumpkin pie is typically served with whipped cream or ice cream.
Monkey Bread, United States
This delicious, gooey treat is made by shaping dough into balls, coating them in melted butter or sugar, and baking them in a bundt pan. The result is a sticky, sweet, and utterly addictive bread that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.
Pączki, Poland
A pączki is a type of Polish doughnut that is deep-fried and often filled with fruit or cream. They are traditionally eaten on Fat Thursday, which is the last Thursday before Lent. Pączki are usually round, but sometimes they are shaped like a ring. The word pączek comes from the Old Polish word for bagel.
Elajjur, Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, a traditional dish called doro wat is served during holidays. Doro wat is a chicken stew that is cooked with berbere, a spice blend made with chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and other spices. The stew is usually served with injera, a sourdough flatbread.
Gingerbread Houses, Sweden
While gingerbread houses are a popular holiday tradition in many parts of the world, they actually originated in Sweden. The first gingerbread house was built in Stockholm in 1827, and today there are over 100 gingerbread houses on display in the city during the holidays. If you’re looking for something a little different this holiday season, why not try one of these unique holiday foods from around the world?
Sachertorte, Austria
A chocolate cake coated in dark chocolate icing, Sachertorte is a traditional Austrian dessert that is often served with whipped cream. This rich and decadent cake was created by Franz Sacher in 1832 and has since become a staple at Viennese cafes. If you’re looking for a unique holiday treat, Sachertorte is definitely worth trying!
Bûche de Noël, France
A Bûche de Noël is a French holiday tradition that dates back to the 19th century. The cake, which is made in the shape of a log, is usually decorated with meringue mushrooms and marzipan leaves. Christmas tree shaped sugar cookies are popular accompaniments. The origin of this food’s name is not clear but it may have been named after an early Christmas figure known as Buccha.