The holiday season is fast approaching – and in many regions like the Philippines, festivities are already underway. If you’re looking to make your feast extra special this year, get some inspiration from these iconic 12 Christmas food traditions from across the globe: from Japan’s KFC meals to Peru’s hot chocolate, and a classic holiday glazed ham.
See also: 11 Luxurious Christmas Sweaters From Your Favourite Designers
1. Italy — Panettone
Plump, round, and packed in large trapezoid boxes, panettone is a traditional Milanese bread featured in Italian delis and Christmas tables around the world. The sweet, yeast-leavened bread studded with candied fruit is regularly enjoyed as a holiday dessert and is often gifted as a present—a tradition as sacred as the bread itself. Today, authentic panettone from Italy must be comprised of 16 per cent butter; 20 per cent candied fruit; and eggs, which must be a minimum of 4 per cent yolk.
