Popular Christmas delights across India

From coastal to northern India Christmas flavours of India

As the Christmas bells begin to ring across India, the season of joy is incomplete without its unique culinary delights. From the northeastern hills to the coastal regions, the diversity of Indian Christmas dishes showcases the nation’s multicultural vibrancy.

With less than two weeks left until Christmas, the festive season in India has begun to come alive with a rich array of culinary delights. From the misty hills of the Northeast to the coasts, Christmas dishes across the country reflect India’s diverse cultural tapestry.

In Christmas, like in every other festival, Indian kitchens transform into bustling spaces, filled with the aroma of age-old recipes handed down through generations. Christmas food in India goes beyond mere sustenance. Each dish tells a story of regional traditions and communal efforts, embodying the warmth and love of the season.

This year, as you prepare for the festivities, why not add a touch of India’s Christmas magic to your table? Whether it is the smoky richness of Nagaland’s pork, the intricate sweetness of Kerala’s achappam, or the indulgent layers of Goan bebinca, there is a flavour to cherish for everyone.

Here is a closer look at some of the most iconic and unique Christmas dishes from across the country.

Smoked Pork

In Nagaland and other northeastern states, smoked pork is a centrepiece of Christmas feasts. Prepared with care over woodfires, this dish exudes an earthy aroma that defines the festive table. Often cooked with bamboo shoots, smoked pork combines the richness of meat with the tanginess of local spices, offering a smoky, hearty dish that resonates with the chill of the season. The delicacy is said to be a staple of the cuisine of the Meghalaya and across many tribes of northeast India, this life-saver is perfect for quick meals and house parties.

Christmas Doughnuts

Doughnuts may not traditionally scream ‘Indian Christmas’, but in Goan households, they take on a unique twist. Fried to golden perfection and dusted with sugar, these treats are infused with hints of cardamom and nutmeg, giving them a distinctly festive flavour.

Palappam

Kerala’s Christmas feasts are incomplete without palappam, a lacy, soft rice pancake with a crispy edge. Served alongside rich chicken stew or duck moilee, palappam soaks up the flavours beautifully. The slightly sweet and tangy taste of fermented rice batter makes it a versatile accompaniment to both savoury and spicy dishes, embodying the coastal charm of Kerala.

Bebinca

Known as the ‘Queen of Goan Desserts’, bebinca is a multilayered pudding made with coconut milk, sugar, egg yolks, and flour. Each layer is carefully baked to perfection, creating a soft, caramelised texture that melts in the mouth. Bebinca is more than just a dessert.

Neyyappam

Neyyappam, a deep-fried rice pancake made with jaggery and cardamom, is a sweet treat synonymous with southern India’s festive celebrations. The use of ghee in its preparation gives it a rich flavour, while the jaggery imparts a caramel-like sweetness. Often served as an offering in churches, neyyappam is a culinary gift that celebrates faith and festivity.

Roast Chicken

A global favourite, roast chicken holds a special place on Indian Christmas menus. While the Indian version often includes marination with tandoori spices or garam masala, it retains its golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior. Served with roasted vegetables or spiced gravy, this dish is the star of many Indian homes during Christmas.

Kulkuls

Kulkuls, small, shell-shaped fried snacks, are a quintessential part of Christmas in Goa and regions of coastal Karnataka, notably Mangaluru. Made with flour, sugar, and coconut milk, these crunchy treats are coated in powdered sugar or dipped in a light sugar syrup for a sweet finish. The delicacy is prepared especially during Christmas by Indian Catholics. Also referred to as Kidiyo, the appearance of the snack looks like a worm and with textured ridges achieved by rolling it with a fork.

Duck Moilee

This luscious duck curry, cooked in creamy coconut milk with a hint of turmeric and green chilies, is a festive specialty in Kerala. Duck moilee is a perfect companion to palappam, as the gravy seeps into the soft pancakes, creating a harmony of textures and flavours. Its mild yet aromatic profile makes it a crowd-pleaser during the Christmas feast.

 Sorpotel

Sorpotel, a spicy Goan pork curry, is a dish steeped in tradition. Made with pork, liver, and a host of spices, it has a tangy kick from the addition of vinegar, a hallmark of Portuguese-influenced Goan cuisine. Prepared days in advance, sorpotel’s flavours deepen with time, making it a quintessential Christmas dish.

Achappam

Achappam, or ‘rose cookies’, are deep-fried delicacies shaped like intricate flowers. Made with rice flour, coconut milk, and sesame seeds, these crispy cookies are a visual and culinary delight. The golden, crunchy snacks are a hit with children and adults alike, adding a festive charm to Kerala’s Christmas celebrations.

Guava Cheese

In Maharashtra, a unique Christmas treat that captures the essence of local flavours is Perad or Goiabada, a sweet made from guava. This delightful fudge-like delicacy combines the rich pulp of ripe guava with sugar, creating a dense, sweet block that is often enjoyed during Christmas celebrations. The addition of a touch of lemon juice adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness, making it even more irresistible. Perad is beloved not only for its delicious taste but also for its versatility, it can be enjoyed on its own, paired with cheese, or even used as a filling for pastries. The texture is smooth and slightly chewy, making each bite a flavourful experience. A traditional part of festive feasts in Maharashtra, Goiabada is a perfect example of how local ingredients and simple preparations come together to create a cherished holiday treat that is both unique and deeply rooted in regional culture.

Allahabadi cake

Among the many cherished Christmas traditions in India, the Allahabadi cake from Lucknow stands out as a delectable symbol of the city’s rich culinary history. This spongy, aromatic cake, often served during Christmas, has become an integral part of festive celebrations in the region. Known for its unique texture and blend of flavours, the Allahabadi cake reflects the fusion of Mughal, Awadhi, and European influences that define Lucknow’s cuisine.