Growing up, Christmas was always a time where my family would get together and celebrate with lots of food. This holiday season, let’s embrace the diversity of cultures by enjoying Christmas cuisine from different parts of the world. International Christmas Food – Tastes Like Home!

Do you ever get homesick during the holidays? Do you miss all of the delicious food and traditions from your home country?

Christmas is when many people around the world come together to celebrate. So what better way to bring all of us together than by sharing traditional food from our respective countries?

International Christmas Food: Bringing holiday traditions home in 2025

We know that this time of year is all about spending quality family moments with loved ones, and we wanted to make sure you have an easy way to do so in your kitchen. Check out these delicious dishes that you can cook in Australia from around the world.

Filipino Christmas food traditions: Must-Try holiday recipes

In the Philippines, some of the most popular dishes are:

Sinigang na Lechon, a tamarind soup made from pork or chicken and vegetables. It’s typically eaten with rice and in some cases, fruit salad. This tasty dish will have you feeling like you’re in the Philippines!

Biko consists of steamed sticky rice cakes that Filipino families cook in banana leaves. They also serve pork-filled empanadas and turon (Filipino egg rolls) during Christmas celebrations.

Empanada filling usually consists of either ground beef (pork) or seasoned fish such as tuna, shrimp, calamari or crabmeat wrapped up in dough and fried until golden brown to make it crispy.

Filipino desserts are a must-have for any celebration. Whether it’s Christmas or just about anything else, Filipinos know how to put on an incredible show with their sweet treats!

Panghimagas (Filipino dessert) plays a central role at significant events like Christmas celebrations. So they tend not only to taste good most importantly also symbolise the love between family members and friends. This shared enjoyment of one dish can create memories that last forever.

Traditional African Christmas food: Jollof rice, nyama choma & more

If you’re looking for the best Christmas food to celebrate your holiday with friends and family, look no further than Africa!

That is to say, there are so many delicious African dishes that you can choose from. You’ll find many African cuisines that are very spicy and flavoursome.

Diaspora, we all have one – a place of our ancestry that we long to return to, and celebrate holidays with traditions that are dear to our hearts. Certainly Christmas is no different, and for those of African descent, there are countless amazing dishes to enjoy during the holiday season.

From sweet potato pie, sweet desserts to fragrant curries, fufu and egusi soup, Africa has plenty of delicious dishes.

Top African christmas dishes to cook in Australia

This holiday season, try something new and celebrate Christmas with some international cuisine! From Africa to Asia, we’ve got a roundup of festive dishes that will transport you to far-off lands. So get ready to spice up your holiday season with some amazing flavours.

Here are some of the best Christmas foods Africa has to offer!

Jollof rice is a dish that brings together an array of cultures. The dish originated in Senegal, but has become popular across Africa and the world. It’s often served with beef or lamb, vegetables, and spices.

The basics of this delicious meal are tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic and spices like salt and pepper. But you can add anything to make it your own! And if you’re not in the mood for rice, there are plenty of alternatives: plantains or cassava (a starchy root vegetable) will do just fine!

But wait…there’s more

Waakye is a Ghanaian dish made with rice and beans. It’s famous throughout West Africa and can be found in Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. If you’re looking for something new to try or just want to experience some authentic African cuisine.

Ghanaians prepare Waakye by combining cooked rice and black beans. They season the dish with ginger, chilli pepper, and salt, then serve it with chicken, beef, or fish. Waakye is worth a try if you’re looking for something new and exciting to eat! (Plus it’s pretty affordable too)

Nyama Choma is a dish made up of grilled meat, usually, beef or goat, seasoned with salt and other spices. It’s served alongside boiled eggs on the side.

The people of Kenya love their nyama choma. Now you might be thinking to yourself, “wait! I thought there were no cows in Kenya?” There are not many cows in Kenya, but that doesn’t stop them from making this delicious meal for themselves all the time.

Nyama Choma – Traditional Kenyan dish

Traditional Pacific Islander Christmas food: Lovo, Pani Popo & more

Christmas in the Pacific Islands is a culinary delight! From spicy missionaries’ stew and savoury pork to sweet coconut bread and sticky desserts, these recipes will transport you right to the heart of the Pacific Islands.

Traditional Pacific Island Lovo: Underground Roasted Pig Recipe

If you’ve never had roasted pig, then you’re missing out! This dish is a Pacific Island favorite, and it’s sure to please everyone at your dinner table.

Roasted pig is cooked with a delicious salty-sweet sauce. It’s perfect for parties or large gatherings. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours is irresistible!

Pani Popo: Sweet Samoan coconut rolls for Christmas

Pani Popo are a traditional Samoan dessert with sweet coconut meat and wrapped in a soft piece of bread. If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out! They’re the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Plus, they’re really easy to make.

There’s nothing like the taste of Samoa to take you away to a tropical paradise. These coconut rolls are one of my favourite Samoan recipes. I know you’ll love them!

Pista badam burfi Is there anything better than a tasty, sweet treat? Especially when that treat is homemade and unusually flavorful? This pista badam burfi recipe is just the thing to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of pistachios and almonds makes for a unique and tasty flavor profile that will have you coming back for more. Badam Pistaz Barfi (Fijian Hindu Nut Candy)

Lovo food symbolises the stars in the sky. Cooks wrap meat, vegetables, and rice in banana leaves and prepare them in an underground earth oven. People have celebrated with this festive dish for centuries, particularly at Christmas.

Lovo food consists of meat, vegetables, rice, and other dishes all wrapped up in banana leaves and cooked underground in an earth oven called a hangi. The result is a delicious meal that will make you feel warm inside while also feeling connected to your culture’s traditions!

And now, you’re thinking…

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and plenty of food. What dish are you making this year?
What are your thoughts on the best dish to make during the holidays?

Do you have any favorite recipes or traditions that take place at Christmas? Share them with us! we would love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions about International Christmas Food

+ What are traditional Filipino Christmas foods?

Traditional Filipino Christmas foods include Sinigang na Lechon (tamarind soup with pork), Biko (sticky rice cakes), Empanada (meat-filled pastries), and Panghimagas (Filipino desserts). These dishes are served during Noche Buena, the Christmas Eve feast.

+ What is Jollof Rice and why is it popular at Christmas?

Jollof Rice is a West African dish that originated in Senegal, made with rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. It’s popular at Christmas across Africa because it’s festive, can feed large gatherings, and is often served with meat like beef or lamb.

+ Where can I find international Christmas food ingredients in Australia?

International Christmas food ingredients can be found at Asian supermarkets, African grocery stores, and Pacific Island specialty shops across major Australian cities. Many ingredients are also available online through specialty retailers and international food delivery services.

+ What is Nyama Choma?

Nyama Choma is a popular Kenyan dish of grilled meat, usually beef or goat, seasoned with salt and spices. The name means “roasted meat” in Swahili, and it’s a festive dish often enjoyed during Christmas celebrations in East Africa

+ What are Pani Popo coconut rolls?

Pani Popo are traditional Samoan sweet rolls made with soft bread dough and served in a creamy coconut sauce. They’re a popular Christmas dessert in Pacific Island communities and are known for their sweet, tropical flavour.

+ How do diaspora communities celebrate Christmas with traditional food in Australia?

Diaspora communities in Australia celebrate Christmas by preparing traditional dishes from their home countries, often combining them with Australian ingredients. Many families recreate recipes like Filipino Biko, African Jollof Rice, or Pacific Island Lovo to maintain cultural connections and share their heritage during the holidays.

+ Can I make international Christmas food with ingredients available in Australia?

Yes, most international Christmas dishes can be made in Australia. While some specialty ingredients may require visiting ethnic grocery stores, many recipes can be adapted using readily available substitutes from Australian supermarkets while maintaining authentic flavours.

About Rocket Remit

Rocket Remit is the worlds fastest international money transfer service. Send money instantly to over 60 overseas countries at very competitive rates.

Use the country selector to choose the country and check the rate.

Click here for more information on how to send money using Rocket Remit.

Return to Blog menu