Waquar Habib
Kulkuls are small, shell-shaped pastries that are a popular Christmas sweet in Goa. They are made from a dough of flour, eggs, sugar, and coconut milk. The dough is shaped into small shells, deep-fried until golden brown, and then coated with powdered sugar.
Neyyappam is a famous Christmas delicacy from Kerala. These small cakes are made with rice flour, all-purpose flour, jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. Deep-fried in ghee, they have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making them irresistible.
Bebinca is a rich, dense, and flavourful pudding made with flour, sugar, ghee, and coconut milk. It has multiple layers, each baked individually.
This juicy duck meat dish is an Anglo-Indian speciality popular in Maharashtra and Kerala. Marinated in spices and cooked until tender, it bursts with flavour and is best served with steamed rice around Christmas.
A popular Christmas dish in Goa, Pork Vindaloo is a spicy, tangy curry made by marinating pork in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, ginger, and spices, creating a flavourful and aromatic dish.
Christmas is incomplete without smoked pork and Zutho drink. Naga smoked pork is dried pork traditionally smoked over an open fire. It's paired with Zutho, a beer made from fermented rice. The taste can vary from sweet to sour, and the alcohol content depends on the fermentation.
During the festive season, and especially Christmas, a traditional rum cake made with dried fruits soaked in rum is a must-have in Kerala. In fact, it was in Kerala that India's first Christmas cake was baked at a quaint shop named then "Royal Biscuit Factory."
Nga Atobia Thongba is a Manipuri fish curry with bamboo shoots best enjoyed with rice. It highlights Manipur's rich culinary heritage with its bold and spicy flavours and is often shared during festivals, fostering a sense of community.
In Maharashtra, 'Perad' or 'Goiabada' is a popular Christmas delicacy made from guava pulp, sugar, and lemon juice. To make it, cook the pulp with sugar, let it cool and solidify in moulds, and then cut it into squares or diamonds.