Christmas in India is a beautiful blend of faith, festivity, and food. From richly spiced curries to indulgent desserts, the culinary traditions associated with this festival are as diverse as the country itself. Christmas meals are not just about food but also about the spirit of togetherness. Families gather to cook and share these festive dishes, and neighbours and friends exchange homemade sweets and snacks. This tradition of sharing strengthens bonds and spreads the joy of the season.
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Goan Christmas tables are laden with Portuguese-influenced dishes like bebinca (a layered dessert) and feijoada (bean stew with meat). Known for its Christian population, Kerala showcases dishes like mutton stew, Christmas puddings, and traditional wines made from local fruits. Pork dishes like smoked pork curry or fermented bamboo shoot pork are often highlights in Nagaland and Meghalaya. Roast chicken, puddings, and mince pies feature prominently in Anglo-Indian Christmas celebrations across cities like Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
In urban areas, traditional Christmas dishes often receive modern updates. Home bakers experiment with fusion plum cakes using chocolate or orange zest. Vegan and gluten-free options for traditional dishes cater to changing dietary preferences. Likewise, gourmet versions of biriyani, with exotic ingredients, add a contemporary flair to festive spreads. These seven dishes, each with its unique flavours and history, capture the essence of Christmas in India, making the celebrations truly special.
Plum Cake
The quintessential Christmas dessert in India, plum cake is a dense, rich cake brimming with dried fruits and nuts. These ingredients are soaked in rum or brandy weeks in advance, infusing the cake with a deep, boozy flavour. Often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this festive treat is a centerpiece of Christmas celebrations, served with tea or as a dessert.
Vindaloo
Hailing from Goa, vindaloo is a fiery, flavourful curry traditionally made with pork. Marinated in vinegar, garlic, and a blend of spices, this dish is often prepared during Christmas. It pairs beautifully with rice or bread and reflects the Portuguese influence on Goan cuisine. For those preferring a milder option, chicken or lamb vindaloo variations are also popular.
Appam And Stew
In Kerala, Christmas morning often begins with appam (soft rice pancakes) served alongside a creamy stew. Made with coconut milk, vegetables, or meat (like chicken or mutton), the stew is delicately spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The combination of appam and stew is light yet satisfying, embodying the coastal flavours of the region.
Sorpotel
Another Goan delicacy, sorpotel is a hearty pork dish cooked with liver, spices, and vinegar. This dish is prepared days ahead of Christmas, as the flavours intensify over time. It is served during festive gatherings with sannas (Goan steamed rice cakes) or bread, making it a beloved part of Christmas feasts.
Duck Moilee
Kerala’s Syrian Christian community celebrates Christmas with Duck Moilee, a creamy curry made with duck meat, coconut milk, and spices like turmeric, curry leaves, and green chillies. Paired with appams or rice, this dish reflects the region’s love for coconut-based curries and rich, festive flavours.
Kulkuls And Rose Cookies
Christmas in India is incomplete without traditional sweets, and kulkuls and rose cookies hold a special place. Kulkuls are deep-fried, bite-sized snacks shaped like curls or shells, made from dough flavored with coconut milk and sugar. Rose cookies are intricately shaped using a special mold and fried until golden. Both are staple offerings in Indian Christmas households, especially in Goan and Mangalorean communities.
Roast Chicken
A centerpiece at many Indian Christmas tables, roast chicken combines the universal appeal of this dish with Indian spices and flavors. Typically marinated with a blend of yoghurt, garlic, ginger, chili, and garam masala, the chicken is roasted until golden brown and tender. The result is a succulent, flavourful dish with a crisp exterior and juicy interior. Served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fragrant rice, roast chicken has become a popular festive choice in households across India, blending global traditions with local spices.