Austrian Christmas Delights: Traditional Foods And Flavors

Austrians have a variety of delicious foods to eat at Christmas time. The Christmas feast starts in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve, or 'Heilige Abend', when the Christmas tree is lit for the first time and people gather to sing carols. The main Christmas meal is often 'Gebackener Karpfen' (fried carp) because Christmas Eve was traditionally a 'fasting' day for Catholics, meaning no meat could be eaten. Roast goose and turkey are also becoming more popular. For dessert, Austrians might eat chocolate and apricot cake 'Sachertorte' or Austrian Christmas cookies 'Weihnachtsbaeckerei' like 'Lebkuchen' (honey) gingerbread and 'Vanillekipferl' (crescent-shaped vanilla biscuits).

Seafood

Prawns are a staple, often served pre-cooked and peeled, or barbecued. In the 36 hours leading up to Christmas Day, the Sydney Fish Market sells over 130 tonnes of prawns! King, banana, and tiger prawns are all popular varieties.

Oysters are another favourite, served with a squeeze of lemon or as Oysters Kilpatrick, topped with Worcestershire sauce and crispy bacon.

Other seafood dishes enjoyed at Christmas include crayfish, scallops, lobster, and barramundi.

Cold meats

Charcuterie boards are a popular choice for Christmas Eve, with meats like bacon and pork belly being served alongside traditional cheeses, fruit, vegetables, and bread. Trout, salmon, and caviar are also popular choices for inclusion on charcuterie boards.

In addition to charcuterie boards, Austrians also enjoy Wiener Schnitzel during the festive season. This dish consists of thin slices of veal, turkey, or pork coated in breadcrumbs and fried. It is typically served with cranberries, potatoes, and salad, although some people opt for rice or french fries instead.

For those seeking a more interactive dining experience, Raclette is a popular choice. This dish involves a small tabletop grill placed in the centre of the table. Various meats, vegetables, and bread are cooked on the grill, while small pans filled with toppings like mushrooms, potatoes, and ham are baked beneath it. The key element is a slice of Raclette cheese, which melts over the other ingredients. Raclette is a favourite among Austrians as it encourages family members to linger at the table in a cosy atmosphere. A smaller version, Raclette-bread, can be found at Christmas markets.

Another communal dish enjoyed by Austrians at Christmas is fondue. This involves a small pot of soup, oil, or cheese (or even chocolate!) placed in the centre of the table, with diners using long forks to cook a variety of meats, vegetables, and fruit.

Salads

If you are looking for some side dishes to accompany the main course, bread dumplings, or knödel, are popular all year round in Austria and are a staple accompaniment to any Christmas dinner. They are easy to make at home with potatoes, flour, semolina, and a little nutmeg.

Barbecues

With the summer sun blazing down, Aussies love to fire up the barbie on Christmas Day. It's a great way to make the most of the warm weather and spend time outdoors with family and friends. The concept of a barbecue was first introduced to Australia in the early 1900s, and by the 1950s, outdoor barbecues had become a quintessential part of the country's culture.

So, what exactly goes on these Christmas barbecues? Well, for starters, there's the classic "shrimp on the barbie" (or as Aussies call them, prawns). In the 36 hours leading up to Christmas, the Sydney Fish Market sells over 130 tonnes of prawns! They're usually served peeled and cooled down, but some like to throw them on the barbecue for that extra charred flavour.

But it's not just about seafood. Australians also grill up a variety of meats, including lamb skewers, mini steaks, sausages (or "snags", as they're affectionately known), chicken, and burgers. For the vegetarians, there are options like zucchini fritters and cauliflower steaks.

To complete the meal, Australians pile their plates high with salads and sides. Potato bakes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, and potato salad are all popular choices. And let's not forget the condiments! Tomato sauce and barbecue sauce are must-haves for any Australian barbecue.

Drinks are also an essential part of the Christmas barbecue. What better way to cool off than with a cold glass of beer or a refreshing cocktail? And of course, you can't forget the ever-popular eggnog!

So, if you're looking to celebrate Christmas like an Aussie, fire up that barbecue, grab a cold drink, and enjoy the warm summer sun with your loved ones. It's a unique and delicious way to spend the holiday!

Desserts

Pavlova is a classic Australian dessert and a staple at Christmas. This meringue-based dessert is topped with cream and fresh fruit, often including passion fruit, berries, and mangoes. It is a light and fluffy option, providing a refreshing end to a heavy meal. The origin of pavlova is disputed between Australia and New Zealand, but it has become an iconic part of Australian culture and cuisine.

Christmas pudding is another traditional dessert, introduced during early British colonisation. This boiled dessert is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, with a generous splash of rum or brandy. It is typically flambéed and served with creamy custard, adding a dramatic touch to the dessert course.

Trifle is a layered dessert that takes time and effort to prepare, but it is well worth the wait. It typically includes jelly, cream, and fresh fruit, and can be customised with various ingredients to create unique flavours like black forest trifle or chocolate trifle.

White Christmas is a dessert unique to Australia, capturing the spirit of a white Christmas in edible form. It is made with dried fruits like glace cherries, desiccated coconut, and sultanas, mixed with sugar, white chocolate, rice bubbles, and coconut oil. It is usually prepared the day before to allow it to set overnight, making it a simple yet festive treat.

Fruit platters are also a common sight at Australian Christmas celebrations, showcasing the country's famous mangoes, cherries, and other seasonal produce. These platters are often brought by family members who may not be as skilled in the kitchen but still want to contribute to the feast.

Other desserts that may make an appearance include gingerbread, mince pies, chocolate ripple log cake, and Christmas cakes. Australians also enjoy boozy cocktails and punches to accompany their desserts, making the occasion even more festive and cheerful.

Frequently asked questions