In this infographic we share 5 of the weirdest things people eat around the world at Christmas.
Here’s what makes the list:
- Fried worms, South Africa
- Roasted sheep head, Norway
- ‘Herring in a fur coat’, Russia
- KFC, Japan
- Dumplings, Poland
Check out the infographic for more detail.
Christmas is a time for festive feasting and traditional dishes that bring families together. However, not all Christmas foods are the same. While some countries celebrate with roast turkey and cranberry sauce, others have culinary traditions that might seem unusual to outsiders.
In this blog post, we’ll take a gastronomic journey around the world to explore five weird Christmas foods that you might not have heard of before.
Fried Worms – South Africa
South Africa is known for its diverse culture and culinary traditions, and one of the most unique Christmas delicacies is fried mopane worms. These edible caterpillars, also known as “Mopani worms” or “madora,” are the larvae of the emperor moth and are a popular seasonal snack during the holiday season.
To prepare fried worms for the Christmas table, they are first harvested from the mopane trees in the wild. The worms are then boiled to remove any impurities, sun-dried, and finally deep-fried until they become crispy. They are often seasoned with spices like chili powder or salt, giving them a savory and slightly nutty flavor.
Fried worms may not be everyone’s idea of a festive treat, but in South Africa, they are considered a delicacy and are enjoyed as a source of protein and a symbol of unity among family and friends during Christmas celebrations.
Roasted Sheep Head – Norway
In Norway, Christmas dinner takes a surprising turn with the inclusion of smalahove, a traditional dish consisting of roasted sheep’s head. While the idea of eating a sheep’s head might be unsettling for some, it has deep roots in Norwegian culture and is considered a delicacy during the holiday season.
To prepare smalahove, the sheep’s head is first skinned and then soaked in a mixture of water and lye to remove the wool. After thorough cleaning, the head is salted and dried. It is then smoked and roasted until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy. The dish is typically served with mashed rutabaga, potatoes, and a mustard sauce.
Despite its somewhat intimidating appearance, smalahove is cherished as a symbol of Norwegian heritage, and many Norwegians look forward to savoring this unique Christmas dish with their loved ones.
‘Herring in a Fur Coat’ – Russia
In Russia, Christmas Eve is celebrated with a grand feast known as “Sviata Vechera,” and one of the standout dishes is “Herring in a Fur Coat,” also known as “Shuba.” This layered salad may sound strange, but its combination of ingredients creates a delightful and unexpected flavor profile.
Herring in a Fur Coat is made by layering pickled herring fillets with grated boiled vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and beets. Each layer is separated by a generous spread of mayonnaise, creating a creamy and colorful dish. The salad is traditionally garnished with chopped onions and eggs.
Despite its unusual name, this dish is a beloved part of the Russian Christmas tradition, with its vibrant colors symbolizing the festive spirit of the holiday season. The sweet and tangy flavors of the pickled herring combined with the earthy notes of the vegetables make for a surprisingly tasty Christmas treat.
KFC – Japan
While many countries opt for homemade or traditional dishes during the Christmas season, Japan has a quirky Christmas tradition that involves a fast-food favorite: Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC. In Japan, KFC has become synonymous with Christmas celebrations.
This unique Christmas tradition began in the 1970s when KFC launched a marketing campaign promoting “Kentucky for Christmas.” The catchy slogan and the idea of enjoying fried chicken on Christmas Eve quickly caught on, and it has since become a widespread and beloved custom.
Japanese families often place their KFC orders weeks in advance to secure their Christmas feast. The KFC Christmas meal typically includes fried chicken pieces, a Christmas-themed bucket, and sides like coleslaw and biscuits. Some KFC locations even offer special Christmas menus with unique items that cater to the holiday spirit.
So, while it may seem strange to some, enjoying a bucket of KFC on Christmas Eve is a cherished tradition in Japan, and it’s a testament to the power of effective marketing campaigns.
Dumplings – Poland
Poland has its own quirky Christmas food tradition, and it involves a dish that might not seem all that weird on its own – dumplings. However, it’s the way these dumplings are prepared and served that makes them unique to Polish Christmas celebrations.
Known as “pierogi,” Polish Christmas dumplings are typically stuffed with a variety of fillings, including mushrooms, sauerkraut, cheese, and fruits like cherries or plums. What sets them apart during the holiday season is their preparation. It is customary to prepare pierogi with an extra ingredient: a small, hidden coin.
As part of the Christmas Eve dinner, each family member takes a dumpling and carefully bites into it. Whoever finds the coin inside their dumpling is said to have good luck and prosperity in the coming year. It adds an element of surprise and excitement to the Christmas meal, making it a fun and memorable tradition for Polish families.
Conclusion
Christmas is a time for traditions, and these unusual Christmas foods from around the world showcase the diversity of holiday celebrations. While some may find these dishes strange or even challenging to the palate, they are a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that makes the holiday season so special.
Whether it’s fried worms in South Africa or KFC in Japan, these unique Christmas foods reflect the creativity and heritage of each country, adding a touch of wonder and adventure to the global celebration of Christmas.
So, this holiday season, why not step out of your culinary comfort zone and try something new? You might just discover a new favorite Christmas tradition!
