European Christmas: A Festive Feast Across Eastern Europe
Christmas in Europe is a time for culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations, with each country offering its unique flavours and customs. Discover some of the most iconic holiday meals from Austria, Germany, Poland, Czechia, and Ukraine; they might even find a place on your table this year!
Austria: Wiener Schnitzel and Vanillekipferl
In Austria, Wiener Schnitzel often makes an appearance on the Christmas dinner table. A classic breaded and fried veal cutlet, it's typically served with potato salad and cranberry sauce. For dessert, many families indulge in Vanillekipferl, delicate crescent-shaped cookies made with almonds or walnuts, dusted in powdered sugar. These treats are not only delicious but also traditional staples of Austrian Christmas markets.
Germany: Stollen and Roasted Goose
Germany's Christmas culinary star is undoubtedly Stollen, a dense fruit bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often dusted with icing sugar. Another favourite is Roasted Goose, traditionally served with red cabbage and potato dumplings. For dessert, Christmas markets are filled with the spicy-sweet aroma of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Spekulatius (spiced cookies), both central to festive celebrations across the country.
Poland: Wigilia Supper and Pierogi
In Poland, Christmas Eve is the most significant part of the holiday, and the Wigilia supper (meaning “vigil”) is a meatless feast. A customary twelve dishes are served, representing the twelve apostles. Common meals include pierogi, dumplings filled with sauerkraut and mushrooms, and Barszcz (beet soup) with uszka (tiny dumplings). Fish, particularly carp, is central to the meal, often served fried or in jelly.
Czechia: Carp and Vánočka
Czech Christmas is synonymous with fried carp and potato salad, a dish that's been part of the tradition since the 19th century. Before it’s prepared, families might keep the carp alive in the bathtub for a few days! For dessert, the festive Vánočka, a braided sweet bread, rich with raisins, almonds, and candied citrus, is enjoyed alongside Medovník, honey cake layers that are also popular during the holidays.
Ukraine: Sviata Vecherya and Kutya
Christmas in Ukraine is celebrated with Sviata Vecherya, the Holy Supper, which includes twelve symbolic dishes. Kutya, a wheat-based pudding with honey, poppy seeds, and nuts, is the highlight. This dish is an ancient symbol of life and hope for a bountiful year ahead. Another staple is Borscht (beet soup), accompanied by Varenyky (dumplings). Poppy seed rolls and dried fruit compotes are also traditional, rounding off the meal with comforting sweetness.
Bringing Europe’s Christmas to Your Table
By exploring these traditional foods, you not only get to enjoy a variety of flavours but also connect with the historical and cultural essence of these European countries during the holiday season.