The Finest Holiday Dishes from Around the Globe

Here are five reasons to prioritize food when planning your holiday travels.

Food is one of the greatest joys of traveling and often serves as the highlight of visiting new destinations. The holiday season is all about enjoying delicious meals—so when you merge the festivities with travel, there’s no better way to indulge than by savoring great food, frequently and abundantly!

Holiday meals vary widely from place to place. Some cultures celebrate with formal gatherings featuring traditional dishes, while others enjoy late-night street food parties with a diverse crowd. Regardless of the setting, exceptional food is a universal connector. Here are five remarkable holiday meals you can experience in different corners of the world.

1. Soup and turrón in Barcelona

Catalan cuisine is remarkable throughout the year, but certain traditional dishes are specially reserved for the holiday season. Escudella is a hearty soup featuring large pasta noodles, steaming broth, sizable meatballs, and fresh vegetables. Its origins trace back to the fourteenth century, and it remains a cherished holiday dish today. After enjoying this soup with friends and family, turrón (also known as torró) is a beloved holiday dessert throughout Spain. This nougat made from egg whites, honey, almonds, and sugar is so delightful that it has become one of the most popular holiday gifts in Barcelona.

1. Chester Christmas dinner in Rio de Janeiro

In Brazil, Christmas dinner is a grand affair. It kicks off late on December 24th and often continues into Christmas morning. This festive meal is particularly celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, where the centerpiece is a ‘chester chicken’—a generously sized bird loaded with meat. Accompanying this main dish are various small bites and snacks, including Portuguese salted cod, dried fruits, salads, and roasted potatoes. To finish, there’s panettone, an Italian sweet bread that adds a delightful touch to the dessert.

1. The Nochebuena celebration in Yucatan, Mexico

In Mexico, holiday meals focus on uniting family and friends. The Yucatan region is celebrated for having some of the country’s finest cuisine. During the festive season, it’s common to savor fresh tamales, vibrant salads, and turkey smothered in mole sauce. For dessert, indulge in fried dough balls known as buñuelos, and the Three Kings Cake, Roscon de Reyes, which is traditionally enjoyed in early January. If tequila features in your Mexican holiday spread, the perfect follow-up meal is pozole, a warming broth with meat and a kick of chiles.

1. Chicken with all the trimmings in Jamaica

In Jamaica, chicken takes center stage during the holidays, prepared in a variety of styles—baked, barbecued, fried, barbi-fried, and of course, jerked. The famous spice blend featuring Scotch bonnet peppers, known as 'jerk', is celebrated worldwide for good reason. It's a beloved everyday dish, including during festive occasions. A Jamaican holiday feast typically includes an array of side dishes such as rice and peas, curried goat, mac ‘n’ cheese, potato pudding, and festival bread—freshly fried cornmeal bread sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. For dessert, enjoy Jamaican red wine and rum fruitcake, with fruits often soaking in wine and rum for months leading up to the holiday.

1. Street food in Singapore

In Singapore, street food vendors attract millions of tourists each year, and the holiday season is a prime time to explore. Street food is an integral part of the nation’s heritage, influenced by migrants from China, Malaysia, India, and beyond, who brought their culinary traditions to flourish in the city. With around 30,000 licensed food vendors spread across public centers, markets, canteens, and food halls, you can eat your way through the island endlessly. While you wander the vibrant streets, don’t miss the annual festive light-up on Orchard Road, a cherished tradition for over thirty years. Alternatively, local restaurants and hotels offer impressive holiday buffet selections as well!