1. Israel: Latkes

These are made from shredded potatoes, eggs, onions, and salt, Latkes are traditionally cooked on Hanukkah, thus marking their importance on the holiday tables in Israel or in various Jewish community around the globe. Like many with other Jewish holiday foods, Latkes are made plain from deep frying in olive oil, although sometimes herbs and spices are also added for flavor. This tradition is to commemorate the miracle of the menorah oil in the Jewish Temple.

1. Ethiopia: Yebeg Wot

Yebeg Wot is a mouth-watering Ethiopian sauce lamb dish, and no holiday meal is ever completed without the presentation of this dish. Yebog Wot is stewed for several hours with rich spices, topped with boiled eggs, and traditionally served on top of Ethiopian flat bread. Farmers fatten up their lambs for weeks ahead of the season, in preparation for the demand of this holiday dish. A equivalent of this dish made with chicken is called “Doro Wat”, and it is a wonderful alternative for those who cannot consume lamb.

1. Greece: Melomakarona

Christmas is an important holiday on the Greek islands. Delightful warm cookies named “Melomakarona” are made from flour and olive oil. They are dipped in hot honey or syrup and then served. Melomakarona is often infused with cinnamon or citrus flavors, and it is definitely a great treat for the season.

1. Romania: Sarmale

Sarmale is a holiday staple prepared in the harsh Balkan winter. A traditional eastern European dish made of minced pork, rice, and herbs rolled in cabbage leaves, cooked in tomato sauce, and served alongside polenta and hot peppers. It is just as tasty as it sounds.

1. China: Hot Pot

Although New Years foods, such as dumplings and rice cakes, are still being expected at the Chinese holiday table, little prep work is required for the making of Hot Pot A tradition dating back to Mongolia and China 2000 years ago, Hot Pot is the Chinese rendition of fondue, where foods and ingredients of choice are tossed inside a large pot of broth and boiled to the eater’s liking. Because it is hassle-free and versatile, Hot Pots have now became the go-to method for celebrating the holidays in many modern Chinese families, replacing the traditional elaborate feast which require days of work to prepare.

1. Denmark: Kransekake

Kransekake, or “Wreath cake” in English, is a type of almond-flavored layer cake, popular in Scandinavia. It takes the form of a Christmas tree, made with multiple layers of round shape cakes of different sizes. It is both a significant dessert and an unique tradition shared by the Danish and the Norwegians.

1. Mexico: Bacalao

Originally a Portuguese word for “salted cod”, this widely popular dish can be found everywhere from coastal Latin America, Puerto Rico, to Portugal, Spain, and Norway. It is made with mixtures of fish, potatoes, chillies, and herbs during the holiday season. In Mexico in particular, it is a staple dish served on Christmas Eve.

1. Spain: Seafood Stew

Eating seafood for the holidays should be a custom expected for coastal countries around the world. This is especially true for Mediterranean nations, such as Spain and Italy. The dish Seafood Stew is exactly what it sounds like. Similar dishes, as well as entire holiday feasts composed of various type of fish and shellfish, can also be found in Italy and Southern France.

1. Italy: Panettone

Originated from Northern Italy, Panettone is known for the iconic shape and taste. It was popularized throughout the world by Italian immigrants. As a result, this sweet loaf of bread baked with raisins and other dried fruits can now be easily found in Costco and Whole Foods in the United States. But despite that, it still remains a common treat for Italians during Christmas.

1. France: Yule Log

Called “Bûche de Noël” in French, this traditional cake dessert is a holiday table staple in France and other French-speaking regions around the world. Made from either sponge cake or rice cake, Yule Log is usually filled with chocolate buttercream, ganache, rolled and decorated with chocolate pieces to resemble a real log of wood. Because it is both adorable and delicious, Yule Log have gained great popularity in England and North America over the years.