Well, here we go again. Another year; much of the same uncertainty clouds yuletide celebrations, especially if you're an expat. With other countries battening down the hatches, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in London once more. If you're missing out on jetting back to see the family, perhaps a little taste of home will help? We can't guarantee it'll be just how your gran makes it, but these traditional festive treats from around the world come pretty darn close...
🌍🎅🍽️
Japan: Fried Chicken
Come the festive season, you'll find that KFC turns into something of a delicacy in Japan. But, if you're looking to ramp it up a gear for your Christmas in London, you should check out Absurd Bird or Dirty Bones. These American restaurants are slapping fried chicken between waffle buns, slathering it in Korean BBQ or serving it up plant-based. Better yet? There are plenty of other spots to find some of the best chicken in London.
Christmas is looking cluckin' good.
France: Bûche de Noël
Chocolatey, indulgent and sprinkled with icing sugar... it has to be a classically French yule log at Christmas. Lucky for us, Balthazar is the Covent Garden brasserie and bistro serving up all the favourites as you bask in warming ambience. Think prawn cocktail starters and fillet of beef in truffle red wine sauce for your main, finished up with none other than the dessert of dreams. We don't know which will roll more once the feasting is over: you or a bûche de Noël.
French and fancy? Christmas Day private dining has never been better.
Australia & New Zealand: Pavlova
Being in the height of summer come Christmastime, it's delish seafood, crisp salads and fruity pavlovas that dominate the festive spreads for Aussies and New Zealanders. In London, you'll find Granger & Co: a group of easy-going Australian restaurants that started out life in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Their winter menu fronts tuna tartare in a yuzu dressing, Parmesan chicken schnitzel and, of course, a white chocolate and pistachio pavlova slathered in berry and bergamot compote.
Spend Boxing Day with piled-high pav.
The States: Feast Of The Seven Fishes
Italian Americans are keeping up the Catholic tradition of an oceanic meal for festivities. While you might struggle to find somewhere serving up seven courses of just fish this Christmas, London is home to some sensational seafood restaurants to get you in the spirit. From swish spots overlooking the Thames to oyster bars and South American eateries, these are the very best places to chow down this yuletide season.
Seafood and Champagne? Sea Containers does it best.
Russia: Herring Under A Fur Coat
If you're on the hunt for Russian delicacy shuba, or herring under a fur coat as it's playfully nicknamed, Koi Sushi Garden is serving up an Eastern European fusion menu at their beautiful botanical restaurant in The Grove. Stacked beetroot, potato, carrot, egg, mayo and herring make up the layered starter, which can be followed up with plates of vareniky (dumplings) or meaty schnitzels.
This fur coat is made for your belly.
Poland: Peirogi
While there's no carp on the menu, traditional Polish eatery Mamuśka on Addington Street boasts all the other favourites for you to enjoy with your nearest and dearest; from Greek-style fish to the classic peirogi dumpling with pickled cabbage and mushrooms. Better yet, they're fronting a Wigilia (Christmas Eve) dine at home menu because sometimes you just don't wanna be doing any cooking.
Mamuśka has you covered for dining out and in.
If you're loving this, then you need to take a look at our guide to London's best Christmas dinners.
