Season’s Eatings - The Rise & Rise of Christmas World Foods in Hertfordshire

05/12/2023 21:07 in Christmas

Before the Christmas bells start jingling, new data reveals a festive feast transformation in Hertfordshire, with exciting culinary trends and a growing spirit of community and giving. From the rise of the Christmas curry to the popularity of gourmet spices, and the importance of sharing food and gifts with our neighbours and local communities, we explore how the nation is embracing new traditions and putting a modern twist on the classic Christmas dinner.

The traditional Christmas roast is on course to take a backseat, with 22% of people in Hertfordshire indulging in Central European, African, and South Asian dishes on Christmas Day, and 27% opting for world foods on Boxing Day.

The Christmas curry is also on the rise, with 30% of people in Hertfordshire using leftovers to create this spicy dish, and 28% enjoying leftovers 'as is' on Boxing Day, with the cold roast potato being a particular favourite.

A generous 23% of people are buying or contributing gifts to charity, and 7% are cooking or buying food to share with their local community. Additionally, 20% of people are buying gifts for their neighbours, and 13% are sharing food with those in their local community.

Gourmet seasonings and spices, such as cardamom, saffron, and star anise, are growing in popularity, with 23% of people reporting their increased use in Christmas meals over the last few years. Similarly, condiments and sauces, such as Harissa and Zhoug, are playing a more prominent role, with 23% of people noting their increased use.

As the twinkling lights adorn the streets and the sweet melody of carols fills the air, we know Christmas is just around the corner. And with it comes the much-anticipated, stomach-rumbling, taste-bud-tingling Christmas dinner.

But hold on to your Santa hats, because new data reveals that the traditional Christmas roast might be taking a back seat to some new and exciting culinary trends that are sure to make your taste buds do a jolly jig!

Usually, the Christmas roast has been the star of the show, but this year 24% are not having a traditional Christmas dinner this year. New data from Wise reveals a growing trend of people branching out and exploring different cuisines to add a modern twist to their festive feast. 22% of people are indulging in Western/Central European, African, and South Asian dishes on Christmas Day, with this trend continuing on Boxing Day, where 28% opt for world foods.

The culinary surprises don't stop there. The Christmas curry is on the rise, with 30% of people using leftovers to create this spicy dish. And when it comes to leftovers, 28% of people enjoy them 'as is' on Boxing Day, with the cold roast potato being a particular favourite…

We all have one every time we open the fridge right. Right?!

But Christmas is not just about indulging in delicious food; it's also a time for giving back. A generous 23% of people are buying or contributing gifts to charity, and 7% are cooking or buying food to share with their local community. Additionally, 20% of people are buying gifts for their neighbours, and 13% are sharing food with those in their local community. Young people, in particular, are looking out for their neighbours - 15% of 16-24 year olds will prepare food for their local community.

This community spirit is further highlighted by the 5% of people who will be sharing their Christmas dinner with their neighbours.

But even though we are looking after the people on our street – we aren’t forgetting our loved ones abroad. The global nature of our world is also reflected in how we celebrate Christmas too - 14% of people are sending money overseas as a gift, and 9% are planning to travel overseas to see family and friends. And for those who can't be together in person, video calls have become an essential part of connecting with loved ones, with 30% of people planning to video call family and friends overseas.

In addition to these trends, the Christmas dinner table is evolving to reflect our increasingly diverse and sophisticated palates. Gourmet seasonings and spices, such as cardamom, saffron, and star anise, are growing in popularity, with 23% of people reporting their increased use in Christmas meals over the last few years.

Similarly, condiments and sauces, such as Harissa and Zhoug, are playing a more prominent role, with 23% of people noting their increased use. Spice blends and pastes, chili sauces and pastes, and flavoured oils are also gaining popularity, adding a unique and luxurious twist to traditional Christmas dishes.

So, the Christmas spirit is alive and well – but is evolving as the nation changes. Most of us are experimenting with different cuisines, gift plans and who are spending the season with. Celeb chef, Mallika Basu is encouraging the nation to get creative and has created a series of easy-to-follow video recipes that we can make at home.

Merry Christmas and bon appétit!

MALLIKA’S DISHES

To help Brits spice up their Christmas Dinner or put their leftovers to tasty use, Wise has partnered with celeb chef Mallika Basu, who has created five festive recipes with a spiced twist:

Green masala roast turkey (or chicken), with a green sauce 
Savoy cabbage wrapped vegan roast, filled with x and y
Pistachio cheesecake with cranberry reduction
Leftover roast pilaf with dried cranberries and peas
Frittata with a zoug topping

MALLIKA’S BIO

Mallika Basu is a food and drink industry commentator, food entrepreneur, and cookbook author. She co-founded SIZL Spices, a high-quality range of spices for passionate home cooks. Mallika is the author of two cookbooks, Miss Masala: Real Indian Cooking for Busy Living (Harper Collins) and Masala: Indian Cooking for Modern Living (Bloomsbury). She also writes recipes and commentary for the London Evening Standard.

Born in Kolkata, India, Mallika moved to England for her undergraduate degree in Business Studies. With only two recipes from her mother, she taught herself how to cook during her Master's degree in Journalism. After a brief stint in financial journalism, she began documenting her culinary adventures on a food blog, which led to her first book.

Mallika has appeared on Jamie Oliver's YouTube Channel and Madhur Jaffrey's Curry Nation TV programme. She has been a Food Pioneer for the British Government, a finale judge for The Guild of Fine Food Awards, and has run Food Writing courses for the British Library. She has also commented on a range of food-related topics across various media and events.

In her free time, Mallika enjoys cooking quick and simple meals for other busy people, being bossed around by her two children, and eating and drinking with her friends.

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