Last Updated on October 23, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
I remember my first Australian Christmas vividly.
The sun was scorching, the beaches were packed, and the air was filled with laughter and the scent of delicious food floating from backyard barbecues.
Australians have a unique way of celebrating this festive season, which involves mouthwatering dishes that might surprise you.
So, what do Australians eat on Christmas? I’ll provide treats and dishes that Aussies savor during this sunny holiday.
10 Tasty Treats That Australians Eat On Christmas
1. Barbecue (BBQ)
In Australia, Christmas and barbecues go hand in hand. The sizzle of steaks and sausages on the grill is not just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition.
This menu often features a variety of meats, from succulent lamb chops to marinated chicken skewers, all infused with smoky flavors.
“The food that enters the mind must be watched as closely as the food that enters the body.”
– Pat Buchanan, Former White House Communications Director
The simplicity and joy of an Aussie Christmas BBQ make it a beloved tradition that showcases the essence of summer Down Under.
2. Cold Ham & Turkey
While roast turkey and ham are staples of Christmas worldwide, in Australia, they receive a unique twist to beat the summer heat.
These meats are served cold, making them a refreshing and practical choice for the festive table.
Cold ham is often glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, while the turkey is sliced thin and served with various condiments like cranberry sauce and mustard.
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3. Sizzling Prawns
Australians have a deep-seated love for seafood, and Christmas is no exception. Sizzling prawns [1], grilled to perfection, are a must-have delicacy on the Aussie Christmas menu.
Before hitting the grill, prawns are often marinated with a blend of spices, garlic, and herbs, infusing them with rich flavors.
As they sizzle on the barbecue, the prawns turn a vibrant pink and release a tantalizing aroma that’s impossible to resist.
4. Plump Oysters
Oysters, these little ocean treasures, are like nature’s gifts to the Australian Christmas feast. They often enjoy these plump oysters, fresh and cold, right from their shells.
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5. Trifle
You might find something sweet and colorful called trifle at an Aussie Christmas.
It’s like a dessert adventure in a bowl. Trifle starts with layers of sponge cake, creamy custard, and colorful fruit, all stacked high.
Then, it’s topped with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. Each spoonful has different flavors and textures, making it a favorite among kids and adults.
6. Christmas Punch
Christmas Punch is like a festive drink that adds a splash of cheer to the holiday celebrations. It’s made by mixing fruit juices, like orange and pineapple, with fizzy soda.
This creates a bubbly, fruity concoction perfect for sipping on a warm Australian Christmas day. Some people even add fruit slices, like oranges and cherries, to make it look extra pretty.
It’s a refreshing way to stay cool while enjoying the festivities. Kids and adults love the fruity fizziness of Christmas Punch, making it a holiday must-have in Australia.
7. Christmas Pudding
Christmas Pudding is a special dessert that Aussies enjoy on holiday tables.
It’s not your typical cake – it’s dense and rich, filled with yummy ingredients like dried fruits, spices, and sometimes even a splash of brandy.
“Aussies know that when it comes to Christmas, it’s all about cherishing family, friends, and the delectable taste of summer cherries.”
– Howkapow Gift Site
Once it’s ready, Christmas pudding is often served warm. To make it extra delicious, it is topped with a sweet sauce, like custard or brandy butter.
8. Potato Bake
Potato Bake is like a warm, comforting hug in a dish. It’s made with sliced potatoes and creamy, cheesy sauce.
People layer the potatoes and sauce in a big dish, then bake it in the oven until the top becomes golden and crispy.
9. Cherries
Cherries are like little bursts of sweetness that make Christmas in Australia even more delightful. These tiny, red fruits are like nature’s candy.
They’re plump and juicy; it’s a sweet and tangy flavor when you bite into one. Cherries are in season during Christmas, so they’re extra fresh and delicious.
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10. Pavlova
Pavlova is made with a fluffy meringue base named after a famous ballerina. The meringue is crispy on the outside and soft inside, almost like marshmallows.
Once baked, it’s topped with creamy whipped cream and lots of fresh fruit, like strawberries, kiwi [2], and passionfruit.
This dessert adds a fancy touch to Christmas celebrations and tastes amazing, especially in the warm Australian summer weather.
Read: Why Do People Eat Pumpkin Pie On Thanksgiving?
FAQs
Why do people in Australia eat ham for Christmas?
In Australia, enjoying ham during Christmas has become a beloved tradition due to its practicality in the summer heat.
The leftovers can be frozen and used to make hearty soups and other dishes when the scorching summer days are over.
What do most people in Australia do for Christmas?
Australians typically celebrate Christmas with family and friends for a festive lunch or dinner. The menu often features a variety of hot and cold dishes.
Some also engage in traditional activities such as hanging wreaths on their front doors and participating in Christmas Eve carol singing.
In A Nutshell
When enjoying the sunshine in Australia for Christmas, I think about our special foods. Instead of having a hot meal like in other places, we do things differently because it’s summer here.
We celebrate with a barbecue that’s as much about the food as it is about the cherished gatherings.
And while we enjoy the warmth of tradition with Christmas pudding, the chilled version cools us down.
Potato bake offers comfort, while trifle and Christmas punch add sweetness and refreshment.
In Australia, Christmas is a blend of old and new, a delicious fusion of flavors under the summer sun.
References:
- https://www.southernliving.com/food/seafood/difference-between-shrimp-prawns
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-944/kiwi
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