celebration dish Recipes
15 delicious celebration dish recipes from around the world
Arnaki Kleftiko (Greek Bandit's Lamb)
A traditional Greek dish where lamb shoulder is slow-cooked with potatoes, garlic, and lemon, sealed in parchment paper to trap moisture and flavor. The result is incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb.
LeitΓ£o da Bairrada (Bairrada Roast Suckling Pig)
An iconic dish from the Bairrada region of Portugal, this roast suckling pig is renowned for its incredibly crispy, crackling skin and exceptionally tender, succulent meat. It's a celebratory dish often served at special occasions.
Selyodka pod Shuboy (Herring Under a Fur Coat)
A festive and iconic Russian layered salad, often called 'Herring Under a Fur Coat.' This dish features tender, marinated herring beneath a vibrant 'coat' of grated root vegetables and creamy mayonnaise. It's a traditional centerpiece for New Year's Eve and other celebrations.
Chelo Kabab
Iran's national dish - fragrant saffron-scented basmati rice served with succulent grilled ground lamb kebabs. The crispy rice crust (tahdig) is a highly prized element, and the dish is traditionally finished with a raw egg yolk mixed into the hot rice and a sprinkle of sumac.
Kaldereta (Filipino Goat Stew)
A rich and festive Filipino stew featuring tender goat meat simmered in a savory tomato and liver spread sauce, enriched with vegetables. Traditionally served during celebrations.
Malai Kofta
Luxurious and decadent, Malai Kofta features soft, melt-in-your-mouth paneer and potato dumplings (koftas) simmered in a rich, creamy, and aromatic tomato-based gravy. A classic Mughlai dish perfect for special occasions.
Moghrabieh (Lebanese Pearl Couscous with Chicken)
A fragrant and hearty Lebanese celebration dish featuring tender chicken, plump chickpeas, sweet pearl onions, and giant moghrabieh pearls simmered in a richly spiced broth. This dish is known for its aromatic blend of cinnamon and caraway.
Morasa Polo (Persian Jeweled Rice)
Morasa Polo, meaning 'jeweled rice', is a visually stunning and fragrant Persian rice dish, often served at weddings and celebrations. It features fluffy Basmati rice layered with sweet and tart candied orange peel, vibrant barberries, and crunchy slivered almonds and pistachios, all infused with the aroma of saffron.
Morcon
Filipino Morcon is a festive, rolled beef dish often prepared for special occasions. Thinly pounded beef flank is generously filled with a savory mixture of sausages, hard-boiled eggs, pickles, and carrots, then braised in a rich tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Slicing the cooked morcon reveals a beautiful cross-section of the colorful filling, making it a stunning centerpiece for any celebration.
Opor Ayam (Indonesian White Chicken Curry)
A classic Indonesian white chicken curry, Opor Ayam is a rich and aromatic dish made with tender chicken simmered in a fragrant coconut milk broth. It's a staple during celebrations like Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran). This version is the 'white' opor, meaning it contains no chili.
Palabok
A vibrant and flavorful Filipino noodle dish featuring thin rice noodles coated in a rich, savory shrimp-based sauce, generously topped with various garnishes. It's a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings.
Qeymeh Nesar (Jeweled Lamb and Rice)
A magnificent and royal Persian dish from Qazvin, featuring tender braised lamb, fragrant basmati rice adorned with candied orange peel, and a generous scattering of toasted pistachios and almonds. This dish is a true celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for special occasions.
Riz a Djaj (Lebanese Chicken and Rice)
A fragrant and flavorful Lebanese rice dish featuring tender shredded chicken, spiced rice, and a generous topping of toasted nuts. Traditionally served as a centerpiece for celebrations and feasts.
Thα»t Heo Quay (Vietnamese Crispy Roast Pork Belly)
An iconic Vietnamese celebration dish, Thα»t Heo Quay features succulent pork belly roasted to perfection with incredibly crispy, crackling skin. This recipe guides you through achieving that coveted crunch and tender interior.
Vα»t Quay (Vietnamese Roast Duck)
A classic Vietnamese celebration dish, Vα»t Quay is a whole duck lacquered and roasted to achieve incredibly crispy, golden-brown skin and succulent, flavorful meat. This recipe draws inspiration from Chinese roasting techniques.