Top 10 Must-Have Christmas Dishes in India
Christmas in India is a vibrant celebration filled with family gatherings, midnight masses, and, of course, delicious food. Indian Christmas feasts bring together traditional dishes with a touch of local flavors, creating a unique culinary experience. Here are the top 10 must-have Christmas dishes that add joy and flavor to the festivities in India.
1. Plum Cake (Christmas Cake)
No Indian Christmas celebration is complete without the iconic plum cake. This rich, dense cake is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, often soaked in rum or brandy. Its sweet and slightly boozy flavor makes it a festive favorite.
2. Appam with Stew
A classic from Kerala, soft and fluffy appams (rice pancakes) paired with a creamy coconut-based chicken or vegetable stew is a popular Christmas breakfast or dinner dish in South Indian Christian homes.
3. Roast Chicken or Roast Duck
While turkey may dominate Western Christmas tables, in India, roasted chicken or duck, marinated with Indian spices and cooked to perfection, often takes center stage at festive dinners.
4. Mutton or Chicken Biryani
Biryani is a beloved Indian dish for all celebrations, including Christmas. Richly spiced mutton or chicken biryani, served with raita and a side of pickles, adds a regal touch to the holiday menu.
5. Kulkuls
Kulkuls are sweet, fried snacks that are a staple in Indian Christmas kitchens. These small, spiral-shaped goodies, coated in sugar, are a traditional Goan and Mangalorean treat enjoyed during the holiday season.
6. Vindaloo
This spicy and tangy curry, often made with pork or chicken, is a must-have dish in many Indian Christian homes, especially in Goa. Served with rice or bread, it’s a flavorful addition to the Christmas spread.
7. Bebinca
A layered Goan dessert made with coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, bebinca is a festive favorite. Its rich and caramelized flavor makes it a perfect ending to a Christmas feast.
8. Pulao with Dry Fruits
For a festive yet simpler rice dish, pulao cooked with fragrant spices, saffron, and garnished with dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and raisins is a popular choice. It pairs beautifully with curries and roasts.
9. Wine-Marinated Sorpotel
This Goan delicacy, made with pork marinated in vinegar or red wine and slow-cooked with spices, is a tangy, flavorful dish that many families prepare days before Christmas to let the flavors develop.
10. Traditional Sweets and Desserts
Apart from bebinca and kulkuls, Indian Christmas feasts include a variety of sweets like guava cheese, marzipan, neureos (sweet dumplings), and rose cookies, each reflecting regional traditions.
Tips to Make Your Indian Christmas Feast Special
- Add a Local Twist: Incorporate spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to infuse Indian flavors into classic dishes.
- Mix and Match: Combine Western Christmas staples like roast chicken with Indian favorites like biryani or stew.
- Serve Homemade Wine: Many Indian households make their own Christmas wine, which pairs perfectly with the festive dishes.
These dishes bring the warmth and cheer of Christmas to Indian households, blending age-old traditions with regional flavors. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or a cozy dinner, these must-have dishes will make your Christmas celebration truly special.