42 Exotic recipes from around the world for festive and holiday seasons

Holiday recipes from around the world

This time, I want to share with you 42 exotic recipes from around the world to celebrate your festive and holiday seasons.

Near year-end, there are many festivities to celebrate around the globe. 

Starting from religious celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Advent, St. Barbara Day, Krampusnacht, etc., to cultural celebrations like Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Solstice, etc.

So the cold winter month of December is actually full of days that millions if not billions of people around the world look forward to.

It is actually the holiday season of the year when people take time off from work to get together with family and friends. All the loved ones. 

And what is a more fun way to celebrate exciting moments than having good food together? 

As we all know that food is one of – if not THE – universal language of togetherness. Although this year, the way we celebrate our festive seasons may be different due to the pandemic that restricts us seeing and meeting our loved ones. However, the spirit is still there. 

And to create a more fun holiday feel, let’s try something new this time. Try to broaden our menu by trying out some traditional recipes from different parts of the world. Let’s celebrate our festivities abroad without us going away. 

Therefore, I’ve curated loads of mouthwatering exotic food recipes from around the world that are traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season.

Take a look at the list and spoil yourself with adventurous ideas for your next festive cooking.

Disclaimer though, before I carry on, please note that the collection of recipes below doesn’t reflect my personal diet. 

So there are foods on the list that I personally have no experience in having them. The only reason I include them is that they’re traditionally festive to some people and they might be something you can enjoy. So enjoy.

Breakfast with exotic food to light up your holiday

Khaman Dhokla

Khaman dhokla is a steamed savoury cake made of gram flour/ chickpea flour and is flavoured with spicy and lemony oil. It is a traditional Gujarati dish that is now popular among Pakistani and Indian cuisines.

see the recipe

Prune and Fig Cjarsons di Pontebba.

These traditional Northern Italian sweet ravioli are a unique and delicious way to serve pasta. They are filled with prunes, figs, and ricotta and served with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar! Traditional for holidays and at Christmas! 

see the recipe

Rømmegrøt (Milk and Flour Porridge) Recipe

Rømmegrøt is a Scandinavian dish served around the holidays! It's a milk and flour porridge that's delicious and served with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.

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Swedish Tea Ring

A holiday favorite in Sweden, the Swedish Tea Ring is a sweet pastry filled with brown sugar, spices, and almond paste, and topped with buttercream frosting. The beautiful wreath-shaped pastry is perfect for serving breakfast on Christmas morning.

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Traditional appetizers to greet the seasons

How to Make Crispy Latkes

These crispy and tasty potato latkes are traditional in Eastern European Jewish households. They are usually associated with Hanukkah but are so good you’ll want them all year round!

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Cucumber tomato salad

Cucumber tomato salad with spicy dressing is one salad that you want to enjoy after having rich food such as chicken kebabs or lamb burger or meat curries. But, having said that, the salad is delicious to enjoy as is. Without any other excuses apart from loving the taste.

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Pakistani Dahi Baray

Dahi Baray is literally lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt sauce. They're fluffy and light with creamy yoghurt sauce and tamarind sauce drizzle. A perfect starter for summer days.

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Klubb Recipe – Norwegian Potato Dumplings

These Norwegian potato Klubb Dumplings are so tasty, filling, and a great way to celebrate Scandinavia. These pork-filled dumplings are worth the effort.

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Delicious Smoked Salmon Salad – Peter’s Food Adventures

Shuba Salad is traditionally made with Herring, but I think it tastes even better with Salmon! A layered Russian potato salad with beets, carrots, eggs, potatoes, dill and smoked salmon. A bright and hearty salad that looks like a cake! Especially popular at celebrations like New Years and Christmas.

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Russian Borscht Soup

Borscht soup is a Russian traditional beet soup. It’s packed with vitamins and has a distinctive vibrant red colour.

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Main course recipes for the holiday season from around the world

Lamb curry with coconut milk

Enjoy this hearty and filling meal of lamb curry with coconut milk, spiced in a rich curry sauce and topped with spinach and bell peppers. It makes a delicious and exotic holiday meal!

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Blitva: Swiss Chard and Potato Side Dish

A traditional Croatian homestyle recipe, also known as blitva, made of leafy Swiss chard and red potatoes.

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Sauerbraten (German pot roast)

Authentic German Sauerbraten from a family recipe. It makes a fabulous holiday meal.

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Greek Turkey Stuffing With Sausage

This traditional Greek turkey stuffing with chestnuts, dates, and pine nuts has a wholesome, delicious flavor you can't get enough of.

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Crock Pot Laulau

Juicy, tender meat wrapped in leafy greens slow-cooked to perfection. This deconstructed Crock Pot laulau takes the effort out of making laulau.

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Indonesian Chicken Satay

Satay is often enjoyed for happy occasions of holidays, festive seasons, or weddings. You can make it with any meat you like, chicken satay or lamb satay, both are delicious.

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Slow Cooker Fesenjan Chicken (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

The traditional Iranian chicken stew with the deep flavors of pomegranate molasses & walnuts now made easy right in the crock-pot! Slow Cooker Fesenjan Chicken is a hearty gluten-free & paleo dinner recipe that will warm the belly and soul.

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Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish

This delicious Ackee and Saltfish recipe is made with quintessential ackee (Jamaica's national fruit) and saltfish that simmers with onions, peppers, tomato, and scotch bonnet.

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Classic Kenyan Beef Stew Recipe

This classic Kenyan Beef Stew recipe never misses any festivities. It is normally served alongside rice, chapati, or ugali (a type of dough made from corn flour and hot water). The beef is stewed in spices and a tomato-based sauce to give a delicious and comforting dish.

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Pakistani Aloo Gosht

No celebration of holidays, festive seasons, or weddings will be complete among Pakistani cuisines without Aloo Gosht, the luscious meat and potato curry.

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Persian Jeweled Rice

Persian Jeweled Rice is a gluten-free, vegan rice pilaf topped with colorful gem-like fruits and nuts ~ this popular wedding dish is perfect for the holidays!

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Authentic Puerto Rican Pasteles (Pasteles Puertorriqueños)

Pasteles, a beloved Puerto Rican holiday tradition, are made with a green banana masa and filled with your choice of stewed meat.

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Devil Curry Recipe (Curry Debal) – a Spicy Eurasian Christmas Curry

Devil Curry, or Curry Devil, is also known as Curry Debal. It is an iconic Eurasian spicy curry from Singapore and Malaysia. The dish is traditionally made on Boxing Day with leftover Christmas meat.

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Middle Eastern Stuffed Bell Peppers (Koosa Mih-shee)

Middle Eastern Stuffed Bell Peppers (Koosa Mih-shee) is a Syrian traditional dinner recipe ideal for large families. Green bell peppers are stuffed with an authentic lamb and rice filling, then simmered in a tomato and pomegranate broth. This one-pot dinner is easy to make and a great addition to holiday dinner.

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Pho Recipe (How to Make Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

This unbelievably delicious Vietnamese Pho Recipe is made with a nourishing beef broth infused with fragrant spices, chewy noodles, and tender slices of meat. Filled with the same delicious and authentic flavors as your favorite pho restaurant, learn how to make this Vietnamese Noodle Soup from scratch and serve topped with fresh herbs and vegetables. This healthy soup is the perfect way to warm up this holiday season.

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West African Cinnamon Spiced Jollof Rice

This cinnamon-spiced Jollof Rice is just the thing to spice up your holiday table this year. Jollof rice, a traditional West African spiced tomato rice dish, is served at celebrations such as Christmas, weddings, and birthdays. No special occasion is complete without it!

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Scrumptiously delicious sweets and desserts

Super Easy Australian Trifle with Custard

This is THE Aussie trifle for busy cooks. Perfect for celebrations or Christmas, we’ve made this quick, easy and hassle free. Loaded with custard, cream and iconic port wine jelly for an Australian trifle to impress!

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Salted Caramel Mince Pies

Get baking and in less than 30 minutes, you could be enjoying the flaky buttery pastry and oozy salty sweetness of these salted caramel mince pies!

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Taro Sago (tapioca) with coconut milk – Cooking in Chinglish

Contrasting textures in this sweet, creamy and fragrant dessert drink make it an awesome gluten and dairy free treat!

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Brunkager (Danish Christmas cookies) – Caroline’s Cooking

Brunkager are Danish Christmas cookies with a delicious spiced flavor and a wonderful crunch. Perfect to add to your cookie plate.

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Gulab Jamun (with Khoya)

Learn to make the most popular indian dessert, Gulab Jamun with khoya, along with all the tips and tricks to get them melt-in-the-mouth soft.

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Nankhatai Biscuits | Cardamom Nankhatai | Eggless Indian Cookies

It’s a popular tea time cookie and is easily available in most bakery shops in India. Super easy fail proof recipe that has been tested and…

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Indonesian Klepon

Klepon is Indonesian sweet treat made of glutinous rice, filled with palm sugar and coated with coconut. It's exotically delicious and moreish. A dessert you want to enjoy during holidays and festive seasons.

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Panforte with Nuts and Figs

Panforte with Nuts and Figs is a Christmas favourite in Italy. Originally from Siena, this rich sweet can now be found throughout Italy and beyond.

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Hokey Pokey Ice cream

A home made spin on classic Kiwi flavour

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Pakistani Gajar Ka Halwa

Gajar Ka Halwa is one Pakistani dessert that is enjoyed at celebrations such as holidays, festive seasons, or weddings. It's surprisingly easy to make and delightful to eat.

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Crema de Fruta Recipe – The Unlikely Baker®

Crema de Fruta is a Filipino dessert made of delicious layers of soft fluffy cake, rich creamy custard, and fruit in gelatine.

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Mantecados and Polvorones: Typical Spanish Christmas Cookies Recipe

Soft and crumbly, mantecados and polvorones are the most popular Christmas cookies here in Spain. Learn how to make them at home with this recipe.

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Festive Drinks

The World’s Best Eggnog is From Cuba

Even if you aren’t Cuban, this easy crema de vie recipe will change how you celebrate the holidays with Cuban eggnog.

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Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Chocolate

All the holiday feels are here on the blog today with this Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Chocolate! Creamy, chocolate-y, cinnamon-y hot cocoa with a kick. It’s amazing, y’all!

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Cookies and Cream Coquito Recipe

Cookies and cream meets coconut in this rich creamy cookies and cream coquito recipe that is spike with rum for a decadent drink!

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