Christmas in India is a blend of tradition, joy, and, of course, delicious food! Whether you're celebrating with family or friends, these 10 famous Indian Christmas dishes will add a special touch to your holiday table. Each dish has a unique history and flavor, making them perfect for sharing. Here’s a quick guide to help you bring some festive cheer to your kitchen.
1. Rose Cookies
Crispy, golden treats are shaped like flowers, giving them their name. Made with rice flour, eggs and coconut, rose cookies are a festive favorite, especially in Kerala.
ZMA
2. Christmas Cake (Plum Cake or Fruit Cake)
A true Christmas classic, the Indian plum cake is loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. It’s rich, moist for that extra festive touch. This cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
spicequeen
Swati Keshri 👩🍳
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3. Doce de Grao/Goan Doce
This sweet treat from Goa is made from yellow peas, sugar and coconut. Its smooth, chewy texture makes it a unique addition to your Christmas spread.
Suhita Rana Chowdhury👩🍳
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4. Kulkul
Kulkul is a simple yet tasty dessert made of dough shaped into small curls and deep-fried until golden. Coated with sugar syrup, these sweet bites are a must-try. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee.
Gupta Mithlesh
5. Bebinca
Bebinca is a Goan layered pudding made with coconut milk, eggs and sugar. It’s a rich dessert that requires patience, but the layers of sweetness are worth the effort. Serve it chilled, and you’ve got yourself a holiday treat that will impress everyone.
chef venkatesh sharma
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6. Linzer Cookies
These Austrian-inspired cookies are a Christmas favorite in many Indian homes. With a buttery, almond-flavored base and jam in the center, linzer cookies are simple to make yet full of flavor. The red jam center gives them a festive look, perfect for the season.
Anjali Valecha
7. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies bring the warmth of the holiday season. Made with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, they’re spiced to perfection. You can shape them into fun holiday figures and decorate them with icing to add some creativity to your Christmas celebrations.
Khyati Mehta
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8. Guava Cheese/Perad
Perad, also known as guava cheese, is a popular Christmas sweet in Goa. It’s made by cooking down guava pulp and sugar until it thickens into a fudge-like consistency. The sweet, fruity flavor makes it a delightful treat that you can share with family and friends.
Rosalyn_Kitchen
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9. Christmas Pudding
A rich, decadent pudding made from suet, flour, sugar, and an assortment of dried fruits, Christmas Pudding is steamed to perfection and served with a sprig of holly. It’s traditionally served with custard, and its deep, flavorful taste makes it a holiday favorite.
Madhumita Bishnu
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10. Serradura (Sawdust Pudding)
This Portuguese-inspired dessert, commonly found in Goa, is made with biscuits, cream and condensed milk. It’s called sawdust pudding because of the crushed biscuit layers that resemble sawdust. It’s creamy, crunchy, and totally addictive!
Ramya Aravind
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These dishes are sure to make your Christmas celebrations feel extra special.
Happy cooking and happy holidays! 🎄
Got a favorite festive dish? Share your recipe with us and spread the holiday cheer!