New Year's Eve food traditions from around the world

Find a great addition to your dinner party menu, something rooted in multiculturalism and historical interest.

New year’s eve dinner parties have always been one of the best examples of a grand celebration. While the party may be a time for happiness and nostalgia, it puts immense pressure on the hosts to get things just right. Here are a couple of good luck meal traditions from around the world to give your dinner party the ‘Oomph’ factor.

Estonia

In Estonia, the number of meals you have on New Year’s Eve is said to give you the strength of that many men in the coming year. Some Estonians eat up to 12 meals to bring in the new year. However, each meal is left unfinished for the spirits of their ancestors who visit the house on the eve as a sign of respect.

Argentina

Many countries believe in eating circular food as good luck. Like the Italian’s belief in a Lentil meal, the Argentineans eat beans. They believe it will bring them more opportunities in their careers.

Austria

Austrians serve ‘Sylvesterabend’ (roasted suckling pig) and decorate their dinner tables with little marzipan pigs. Pigs represent progress and prosperity in Austria as well as in Cuba, Germany, Italy Hungary and Portugal.

Japan

The Japanese begin each New year slurping down a bowl of buckwheat noodles called toshikoshi soba. They prepare and eat the noodles without breaking the strings. Noodles in many Asian countries symbolise longevity therefore the longer the noodles the better.

Spain

If you are looking for something exciting, do it as the Spaniards do. With each chime of the midnight eat a grape and make a wish. The sweetness or sourness of the grape predicts how the coming months will be.

Poland

Many countries dine on fish for the New Year, because of its coin-like scales and its nature to swim upstream. The polish people choose to have pickled herring. It is often eaten with a midnight smorgasbord of smoked and pickled fish, pâté, and meatballs. As one of the staple foods in the region, it is eaten to bring a good bounty in the new year and avoid starvation.

Russia

On a Russian New Year’s Eve instead of resolutions you can write a wish for the coming year on paper, burn it, and add the ashes to the glass of Champagne you are toasting at midnight.

Germany

In Germany, there is plenty of sweets to go around. Treat yourself to a ‘pfannkuchens’ (doughnuts) These are usually filled with jam or liquor. But be careful one or two are filled with mustard, bringing bad luck for your year.

Sweden

Talking about sweets, the Swedes serve rice pudding with an almond hidden inside. This is similar to traditions that involve hiding a coin inside similar treats. Good fortune is said to come to whoever finds the almond or coin.

Turkey

Pomegranate is one of the best round fruits to be eating according to the Turks. Their red colour represents the human heart and denotes life and fertility. Their medicinal properties represent health. Lastly, their abundant round seeds represent prosperity. Everything everyone wants for a fresh start.