Cuisine is an indispensable part of festivals, where traditional dishes are not only for enjoyment but also carry deep cultural, religious and historical significance. Each country and culture has its own special dishes for major festivals, reflecting the diversity and richness of world cuisine. Let’s explore the special traditional dishes in major festivals around the world, from Christmas in Europe to Lunar New Year in Asia.

Christmas and Traditional Foods

Christmas is one of the biggest festivals in the world, especially popular in Western countries. This is an occasion for families to gather together and enjoy meaningful traditional dishes.

1. Roast Turkey (UK, US)

One of the traditional dishes that cannot be missed during Christmas in the UK and the US is roast turkey. The turkey is carefully marinated, then roasted until golden brown, usually served with cranberry sauce and side dishes such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Roast turkey is not only the main dish at the Christmas party but also symbolizes prosperity and happiness.

2. Christmas Bûche (France)

Bûche de Noël, also known as Yule log, is a traditional French dessert during Christmas. The cake is shaped like a log, made from sponge cake rolled with cream and covered with chocolate on the outside. Bûche de Noël is not only delicious but also symbolizes warmth and luck in the cold winter.

3. Stollen (Germany)

Stollen is a traditional German sweet bread, often made at Christmas. Stollen is made from flour, raisins, almonds, and various dried fruits, and is covered in powdered sugar. Not only is this delicious cake delicious, it also symbolizes prosperity and joy during the holiday season.

Lunar New Year and Traditional Dishes

Lunar New Year, also known as Tet Nguyen Dan, is the most important festival in the culture of many Asian countries, especially in China, Vietnam, and Korea. During Tet, families gather and prepare traditional dishes together, bringing good meanings for the new year.

1. Banh Chung, Banh Tet (Vietnam)

In Vietnam, banh chung and banh tet are two indispensable dishes during the Lunar New Year. Banh chung, with its square shape symbolizing the earth, and banh tet, with its long cylindrical shape symbolizing the sky, are made from sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in dong or banana leaves. Both cakes symbolize gratitude to the earth, sky, and ancestors and pray for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

2. Jiaozi (China)

Jiaozi, also known as dumplings, are the most popular traditional food during the Chinese New Year. Jiaozi are shaped like ancient coins, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Jiaozi are usually filled with pork, shrimp, and vegetables, giving them a delicious, rich flavor and full of nutrition.

3. Tteokguk (South Korea)

Tteokguk is a traditional Korean rice cake soup, traditionally eaten on the first day of the Lunar New Year. The soup is made from thinly sliced ​​rice cakes, cooked in a beef broth, and sometimes with eggs and seaweed. Eating Tteokguk on New Year’s Day is said to bring growth, good luck, and good health.

Diwali Festival And Traditional Indian Cuisine

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest festivals of India, widely celebrated across the country and by Indian communities around the world. During this festival, Indians prepare sweet and rich dishes to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.

1. Ladoo

Ladoo is a traditional Indian sweet, usually made from gram flour, sugar, and ghee (butter). Ladoo is small, round, easy to eat, and very sweet, and is often made during festivals, especially during Diwali. This sweet not only brings joy but also symbolizes good luck and fortune.

2. Samosa

Samosa is a popular snack during Diwali, made from flour and filled with potatoes, peas and spices like cumin, coriander. Samosa is triangular in shape, deep fried and often served with sauces like chutney or yogurt. This dish is not only delicious but also symbolizes abundance and fullness.

3. Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a traditional Indian sweet made from milk powder, deep fried and soaked in rose-scented syrup. This is an indispensable dessert during Diwali, bringing a sweet and charming taste, symbolizing love and happiness.

Oktoberfest And Traditional German Food

Oktoberfest is a famous German beer festival, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. In addition to beer, this festival is also an opportunity to enjoy traditional German dishes, rich and delicious.

1. Bratwurst

Bratwurst is a famous German sausage, usually made from pork, beef or veal, grilled until golden brown. Bratwurst sausages are often served with bread, sauerkraut and mustard. This is an indispensable dish at every Oktoberfest, symbolizing the richness and tradition of German cuisine.

2. Pretzel

Pretzels are a popular type of bread with a unique shape and are often sprinkled with salt. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and are often eaten with beer and sausages at festivals in Germany. Not only are they delicious, but they are also a symbol of hospitality and friendship.

3. Schweinshaxe

Schweinshaxe, also known as roasted pork leg, is a traditional German dish, often appearing at Oktoberfest parties. The pork leg is roasted thoroughly, the skin is crispy, the meat is tender and fragrant, often served with potatoes and sauerkraut. This dish is not only delicious but also shows the heartiness and coziness of the party.

Conclude

Every major festival in the world has its own traditional dishes, reflecting the culture and spirit of each nation. These dishes are not only for enjoyment but also contain profound cultural, historical and religious values. Through cuisine, we can understand more about the diversity and richness of cultures around the world, thereby further appreciating and loving traditional values.

Let’s explore and enjoy these traditional dishes during festivals, to experience and feel the uniqueness and meaning that cuisine brings.