Traditional Indian Christmas dishes you must try this festive season

Christmas in India is a beautiful blend of faith, family, and food. While carols, midnight mass, and decorations set the mood, it is the rich spread of traditional dishes that truly brings the celebration alive.

Indian Christmas cuisine varies widely by region, influenced by local ingredients, colonial history, and age-old family recipes. From coastal curries to rich cakes soaked in rum, here are some traditional Indian Christmas dishes you must try.

Also Read: Traditional Christmas recipes across India to savour this festive season

Sorpotel: Goa’s Bold Christmas Classic

No Goan Christmas feast is complete without sorpotel. This fiery pork dish is cooked with vinegar, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. Traditionally prepared a day or two in advance, sorpotel tastes even better as the flavours deepen over time. It is usually served with sannas or pao and is a staple at Goan Christmas lunches.

Roast Chicken and Turkey with Indian Spices

While roast turkey has Western roots, Indian households have adapted it with local flavours. Chicken or turkey is marinated with ginger-garlic paste, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and sometimes yoghurt before being slow-roasted. The result is a juicy, spice-forward roast that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and gravy.

Duck Roast and Stew from Kerala

In Kerala’s Christian households, duck often takes centre stage during Christmas. Duck roast is cooked with coconut slices, onions, and robust spices like black pepper and garam masala. Duck stew, on the other hand, is milder, simmered in coconut milk with potatoes and whole spices. Both dishes are commonly served with appam or bread.

Pork Vindaloo: A Tangy Festive Favourite

Another Goan favourite, pork vindaloo is known for its deep red colour and tangy heat. Made with dried red chillies, vinegar, and garlic, the dish balances spice and sourness beautifully. Unlike restaurant versions, traditional vindaloo does not include potatoes and is all about bold flavours.

Bebinca: The Queen of Goan Desserts

Bebinca is a layered pudding made from coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and ghee. Each layer is carefully cooked one at a time, making it a labour of love often reserved for Christmas. Rich, soft, and indulgent, bebinca is a dessert that reflects the patience and warmth of festive cooking.

Plum Cake: India’s Christmas Essential

Indian Christmas plum cake is dense, dark, and soaked in rum or brandy. Dried fruits and nuts are often soaked for weeks before baking, giving the cake its signature depth of flavour. Every family has its own version, passed down through generations, making it an emotional as well as culinary highlight.

Kulkuls and Other Festive Treats

Kulkuls, also known as rose cookies, are crisp, lightly sweet treats popular in Goa and Mangaluru. Made from dough rolled into small curls and deep-fried, they are often prepared as a family activity in the days leading up to Christmas. Alongside kulkuls, marzipan, coconut laddoos, and milk creams add sweetness to the festive table.

Also Read: 7 comforting Christmas movies perfect for cosy holiday evenings

Indian Christmas food is more than just a meal—it is a celebration of heritage, community, and shared joy. Whether spicy, rich, or sweet, these traditional dishes capture the spirit of Christmas in a way that feels deeply comforting and unmistakably Indian.