Christmas in India has long been associated with large feasts filled with delicious Indian food.
And you don’t have to wait until December to take advantage of the country’s holiday-specific cuisine.
So if you are considering trying Indian Christmas food before or during Christmas, this article is for you!
As known, Christmas is a time for family and friends and the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth.
It is widely celebrated worldwide, with traditions often varying from country to country.
Indian Christmas food ranges from traditional kheer (rice pudding) to festive delicacies like samosa chaat (samosas in a sweet and sour tomato-based sauce).
Furthermore, these dishes are perfect any time of the year and will transport you straight to the land of spices—even if you can’t get on an airplane!
With this list of Indian Christmas food, you can enjoy your own Indian-inspired Christmas wherever you are.
With plenty of delicious options for every palate, here is some Indian Christmas food you can make on this festive occasion. Shall we?
1. Dumplings
Looking for delicious Indian Christmas food to satisfy your guests’ needs?
Here’s one for you. Dumplings are a type of fried dough with various fillings.
Moreover, the most well-known dumplings in India are the momos, which have spicy Tibetan beef or cabbage filling.
These dumplings can be eaten as an appetizer, entrée, or snack and are usually served with a hot sauce or soy sauce.
2. Christmas Cake
Gulab Jamun is the Indian version of the traditional Western-style Christmas cake. This sweet treat is a deep-fried dough ball soaked in rose syrup.
You can make your own, but they’re for sale in just about any Indian grocery store around this time of year.
Also, they’re pretty common at most Westernized Indian restaurants. So don’t hesitate to pick up some Indian Christmas food for yourself.
3. Mathri
Mathri is a flat, unleavened bread, a popular Indian Christmas food. It is made from whole wheat flour and cooked over an open flame.
The dough is first shaped into a circular disc, then rolled into a thin circle with a rolling pin.
Finally, it is flipped onto the hot tawa or griddle. As the mathri cooks on one side, it’s turned over with tongs to cook on the other side.
This process is repeated several times until the bread has browned on both sides and puffs up like a ball.
4. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is a delicious Indian dessert typically eaten during the winter months. It can be served hot or cold and is most commonly made with milk solids, flour, sugar, and different types of dry fruits.
In addition, the ingredients are combined in a bowl until they form a dough-like consistency. Then, the mixture is fried in oil until it becomes puffed up and golden brown on the outside.
This Indian Christmas food, Gulab Jamun, tastes best when served warm with either sugar syrup or Indian keerai (coriander) chutney.
5. Walnut Fudge
Walnut fudge is a traditional Indian Christmas food. It is made from boiled milk, sugar, and ground walnuts.
The mixture is then cooked over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
After cooling, the fudge is cut into bite-sized pieces, wrapped in wax paper, and stored in an airtight container.
To sum up, Walnut fudge can be eaten on its own or added to various dishes, such as cookies or cakes.
6. Jalebi
Jalebi is a sweet Indian dessert made from deep-fried batter and often served with saffron, sugar, or other flavored syrup.
This dessert is traditionally eaten during the Indian festivals of Diwali and Holi. Jalebis are generally filled with sugar syrup or condensed milk.
These syrups can be flavored with rose water, pistachios, almonds, cashews, cardamom pods, and raisins.
The jalebis can also be dipped in different flavors, like chocolate sauce. What’s your favorite Indian Christmas food again? Don’t be sure that’s your favorite yet; try the Jalebi first!
7. Mincemeat Pie
Mincemeat pie is a dish that is traditionally associated with Christmas in the UK and Ireland.
It is made from minced meat (usually beef), suet, sugar, apples, and raisins. The pie crust usually consists of shortcrust pastry or puff pastry.
While mincemeat pie can be eaten any time of year, it is most commonly associated with the festive season. The Mincemeat pie is often eaten as part of a plowman’s lunch.
It can also be served as a side dish to roast turkey or ham at Christmas dinner. Additionally, it is a sumptuous must-try Indian Christmas food.
8. Kheer
Kheer is a rice pudding dish traditionally served at Indian weddings and during the festival of Diwali.
Kheer is sweetened with sugar or honey and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. It may be cooked in milk, coconut milk, or water.
Further, typical flavorings include almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins, and dried fruits such as pineapple and apricots.
Sometimes, khoya (thickened milk solids) are added to the dish to sweeten it.
The dish’s name is derived from the Sanskrit kheer, which means milk.
9. Chhena Poda
A traditional Indian Christmas food, Chhena Poda is a pudding-like sweet made of milk and sugar. This dessert can be served hot or cold and is often garnished with nuts and raisins.
Some versions of this dish are topped with a thin layer of cream, whipped cream, or ice cream before serving for an added festive touch.
In addition, Chhena Poda is traditionally made on Diwali to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights in India.
This dessert is often paired with Indian desserts like Ras Malai or Kheer for the perfect dessert course at any Indian feast.
10. Ghee Cookies
Ghee cookies are a delicious Indian Christmas food typically made with just a few ingredients.
You’ll need butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and ghee. To start, cream the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the flour and baking powder until everything is combined.
Lastly, stir in the ghee and vanilla extract before spooning out the dough and baking on a greased cookie sheet for 10 minutes or so.
11. Rose Cookies
Rose cookies are a traditional treat during Indian Christmastime. They’re typically eaten as part of a special breakfast on December 25, with family members passing around the cookie plate to one another.
The recipe is typically made with white flour, sugar, and rose petals (although some recipes call for almonds or pistachios instead).
The dough is rolled out and cut into shapes before being baked in the oven. With Rose cookies, you need not be worried about the perfect Indian Christmas food to serve your guests!
12. Bolinhas de coco
The best Indian Christmas food list doesn’t exclude the Bolinhas de coco. These are traditional Indian dishes that are served during the Christmas season.
It’s made by taking round pieces of dough and dipping them in melted butter. Then, they are rolled in a mixture of sugar and desiccated coconut.
Specifically, the dough is then cut into small circles before being deep-fried and served as an appetizer or dessert.
This dish is traditionally eaten on December 25th but can also be enjoyed all year!
13. Chocolate-Covered Fruit
Chocolate-covered fruits are relatively new, but they’re quickly catching on. Chocolate-covered cherries are already a pretty standard dessert item.
However, adding other fruits can take this idea to the next level. For this special Indian Christmas food, the combinations are endless!
Apples dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in coconut flakes? Strawberries dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt? Bananas dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in chopped nuts? Just get ready to be mind-blown this season!
14. Marzipan
Marzipan is a confection from sugar, almond meal/flour, and egg whites. It was created in the 16th century in Italy to use almonds from the tree before they spoil.
The Italian word marmalata roughly translates to a mixture of fruits. Also, Marzipan is often colored pink and shaped into roses for Valentine’s Day or Easter.
Because it can be molded into any shape, marzipan is commonly used for cake decorations, gingerbread houses, and fruit shapes for kids’ parties.
15. Allahabadi Cake
Allahabadi cake is a type of Indian Christmas food known as halwa. It is made with ghee, flour, sugar, and dry fruits.
It is a festive treat served during the Christmas season in the Indian subcontinent.
The name Allahabad came from a city of the same name in Uttar Pradesh, which Akbar founded as the second capital of his empire.
Moving on, this cake may have been named after this city because it also has an almond-based halwa called badaam se ladoo. This halwa is similar to this dish but does not contain milk or nuts.
16. Dahi Puri
Dahi puri is another Indian dish served during the holidays. It is made from boiled and mashed potatoes mixed with yogurt and spices.
The mixture is then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until crispy outside.
Further, the potato mixture is placed inside two thin, crisp puris (fried pieces of bread).
Finally, it is topped with chutneys, including tamarind date chutney, to add flavor.
Don’t be doubtful about whether you will enjoy it already. Give this Indian Christmas food a try, and let’s see what you think!
17. Tarts
Tarts are a delicious holiday dish. They are easy to make, and the ingredients can be found at any grocery store.
Meanwhile, there are many different varieties of tarts. As a result, choosing a particular one to serve as your Indian Christmas food shouldn’t be daunting!
18. Nankhatai
Nankhatai is an Indian bread made with flour, sugar, and butter. It is often served at Indian Christmases and other celebrations.
Nankhatai is traditional in northern India, while pooris are more common in the south.
Plus, Nankhatai can be eaten as a snack or as a dessert or dipped in honey to make them sweeter.
They are sometimes accompanied by rabdi (made from milk and ground pistachios), yogurt, and dry fruits like raisins.
Cashews, almonds, chopped walnuts/almonds, and sometimes flavored with cardamom powder are also available.
This Indian Christmas food recipe has also been influenced by Middle Eastern culture.
19. Neureos
Neureos is a popular Indian Christmas food. Neureos take rice flour, sugar, and eggs and knead them together to create a dough.
The dough is then deep-fried in oil until the outside becomes golden brown.
After the neureos have cooled, the dough is cut into small pieces and rolled in powdered sugar or coconut flakes. They can also be dipped into condensed milk for an added sweet flavor.
20. Roast Chicken
A traditional roasted chicken dish served at Indian Christmases is Shehmeer Murgh, which translates to sweet and sour chicken.
Shehmeer Murgh is an aromatic, spicy, and tangy dish with a spiced yogurt marinade that tenderizes the meat.
This dish uses cumin, coriander, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and pepper as spices.
Further, the marinade is applied to the chicken for about three hours before it is roasted for about an hour.
After roasting the chicken, it is served with a thick gravy made from the marinade and a generous amount of butter or ghee on top.
If you desire Indian Christmas food that everyone will accept and enjoy, Roasted chicken is a great option!
21. Bebinca
An Indian Christmas food, Bebinca, is a traditional dessert made of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar.
It’s also often referred to as rice pudding. The bebinca is steamed in a special pan called a bebinca pan.
The dish is often prepared for special occasions such as weddings, graduations, or other celebrations.
Bebinca does not contain eggs or dairy products. It can be made vegan by substituting coconut milk for cow’s milk.
22. Biryani
Biryani is an Indian Christmas food typically consisting of spiced rice, meat, or vegetables. This dish is often served with a side of raita and yogurt mixed with spices.
In India, biryani is also a celebratory meal on festivals such as Eid and Independence Day.
Uniquely, the word biryani comes from Persian and means fried before cooking. It’s also one of the most popular dishes in many South Asian parts.
The dish has different names in India depending on the region; for example, it’s called pulao in Northern India and pilaf in Western India.
23. Candy Canes
Curry leaves and cinnamon sticks flavor the sugar syrup you cook the candy in. You’ll need sugar, water, and vinegar per batch of candy canes you plan on making.
This mixture should be boiled and simmered until it reaches 255 degrees Fahrenheit. Or until it becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Once this happens, add food coloring and stir until it is fully dissolved. This Indian Christmas food is way more than you can imagine; let your taste buds be the judge!
24. Cormolas
The next Indian Christmas food to be discussed is the Cormolas. It is an Indian dessert that can be traced back to the 16th century.
The dish is made from dried whole milk, sugar, and saffron. It is traditionally served during Diwali, India’s festival of light.
Moreover, Cormolas are often served with rich vanilla ice cream, a sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for the holiday season!
Other desserts that you may find on your plate this winter include gulab jamun (a deep-fried dough soaked in a sweet syrup), rasmalai (paneer balls in a curd mixture), chum (a refreshing iced yogurt-based dessert), and more!
25. Aloo Dum
Aloo Dum is a popular Indian dish typically eaten during the winter season. It’s a rich, spicy, and hearty soup made with potatoes and lentils. The dish can also be served as a vegetarian or meat-based dish.
Aloo Dum is often cooked in a slow cooker but can also be made over the stovetop and then simmered for an hour.
We usually use the stovetop method for this Indian Christmas food recipe to make our aloo dum.
26. Milk Cream
Cream is heavy and rich in fat, and it is used to make desserts. The most common dessert made with cream is ice cream, but it can also be used to make other desserts, such as flan, crème brûlée, and tiramisu.
Cream is also a key ingredient in many savory dishes, including Indian Christmas food.
Additionally, it can be used as the base for soups or sauces or whipped together with butter to make a quick sauce for fish fillets or steaks.
A cream of tartar and water can also be whipped into a fluffy frosting that is perfect for cakes.
27. Laddoos
We are still on this Indian Christmas food list and have the Laddoos. Laddoos are a type of Indian sweet made with either rice flour or semolina. They can be eaten anytime during the day but are most often enjoyed during Diwali.
Traditionally, Laddoos are made as part of wedding celebrations and other family events, such as baby showers. The round shape of laddoos symbolizes unity and completeness.
28. Pitha
Pitha is a delicious Indian dessert. It is made with rice flour and coconut and cooked in a frying pan until golden brown. Pitha can be served warm or cold.
Pitha is usually eaten as part of a festive meal on the days before Diwali, the Indian festival of lights.
The dish represents an ancient Sanskrit word that means rice cake. A typical pitha might include dry fruits such as cashews, raisins, or dried coconut.
Other ingredients in a pitha include clarified butter (ghee), freshly grated coconut, cardamom pods, nutmeg powder, and poppy seeds.
The pithas are often decorated with edible silver foil for celebrations such as weddings and Diwali. If you want to make the best choice for your Indian Christmas food, Pitha stands a great chance!
29. Vindaloo
Vindaloo is a curry originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is based on potatoes, onions, and various spices.
Vindaloo, an Indian Christmas food, can be mild or spicy. It is also commonly served in India on Diwali, a celebration of light and knowledge.
Furthermore, vindaloo comes from the Portuguese dish Carne de vinha d’alhos. These days, many people believe that the name derives from the Hindi words vina (vinegar) and dallu (gourd), but there are other explanations for its etymology.
However, this food was known for centuries in Portugal under its original name – Carne de vinha d’alhos.
30. Cupcakes
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and lots of food. For many people in the US, that means ham or turkey with all the fixings.
But if you’re cooking Indian Christmas food this year, you might want to make some cupcakes. They’re easy to prepare and taste delicious!
The best part about these cupcakes is they can be prepared in advance, making it easier for everyone during such a busy holiday season.
It’s important to use full-fat milk, butter, and whole eggs so they have enough flavor and texture when cooked.
The batter can be made days ahead and baked right before serving–perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert!
31. Jujubee
Jujubee is a traditional Indian sweet that can be made for any occasion.
The recipe is simple, but it does take some time to prepare. You will need a very large pot and a lot of sugar, which can be substituted with honey if preferred.
First, boil water in the pot until it becomes a thick syrup. Add sugar or honey into the pot and stir until all the sugar is dissolved.
Next, add cardamom pods and raisins to taste and mix well before removing from heat.
After that, pour the mixture onto a greased pan in strips about 3 inches long so that they cool quickly and become chewy when cooled.
Depending on your cooking vessel size, you may need more than one pan for this step. Jujubee is one Indian Christmas food you will be impressed with!
32. Duck Curry
Duck is a common dish in Indian cuisine, often served with a spicy red curry sauce.
This dish is perfect for the holidays because it can be made and reheated when ready to serve.
To make this Indian Christmas food, follow these steps:
- In a bowl, mix the following ingredients: ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and brown sugar. Stir until mixed thoroughly.
- Peel and quarter a whole duck, then pat dry with paper towels. Put in a ziplock bag with spice mixture and shake until coated evenly on all sides.
33. Pilaf
Pilaf is an Indian Christmas food made with rice and vegetables seasoned with cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
The most common type of pilaf is made with saffron, which gives it a characteristic yellow color.
This dish can be eaten independently or served alongside other dishes to make for a more diverse dinner experience.
Today’s recipe combines many of the traditional ingredients associated with Indian cuisine.
These include carrots, peas, garlic, and onion to produce a delicious meal that can be enjoyed on Christmas day.
34. Kulkuls
Another Indian Christmas food is Kulkuls, which are light and puffy fried bread doughnuts. The dough is made from flour, yeast, sugar, eggs, and milk.
Kulkuls can be stuffed with cashew nuts or any other filling. They are deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown and then rolled in powdered sugar.
35. Kulchas
Kulchas are an Indian flatbread originating from the Punjab region of northern India and Pakistan. They are made by baking leavened wheat dough on a griddle between two metal plates.
Meanwhile, Kulchas can be cooked to be soft or crispy, depending on your preference. They can also be baked to be puffier and softer! Are you sure you don’t want to try this Indian Christmas food?
36. Mixed Nuts
Nuts are a delicious and nutritious tradition to share with friends and family during the holiday season. One such nut is the cashew nut, part of one of the most popular Indian recipes for Christmas food—the Kaju katli.
Kaju katli, or cashew fudge, is a sweet dish made from roasted cashews and milk solids. This popular Indian Christmas food gets its texture from stirring in ghee (clarified butter) as it cooks.
The result of this recipe is a rich and flavorful dessert that complements any holiday spread.
