9 Easter Food Traditions From Around the World

While honey-baked ham might be the norm every Easter Sunday, wait until you learn about the delicious, exciting foods people are eating in other parts of the world to celebrate the holiday!

Whether you decorate your home in pastel everything, or simply celebrate with egg hunts and a braised lamb shank dinner, every kitchen has a unique tradition to share.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite food traditions from around the globe. So, if you’re open to a new Easter meal this year, try any of these fabulous recipes.

Italy: Torta Pasqualina

This traditional Italian Easter dish is stuffed with three types of cheese, spinach, spring onions, and eggs. While the filling provides all the bulk and tasty flavor, you’ll adore the flakey, puff pastry that envelopes the entire dish.

Experience a mouthfeel like no other when you sink your teeth into the melted cheese and spinach, along with the occasional nibble of egg hidden inside. Try out this vegetarian dish this year, or serve it alongside any meaty meal.

Get the Recipe: Savor the Flavour

The U.S.: Baked

Many families whip out the honey-baked or citrus-glazed ham recipes when Easter rounds the corner. However, there are many other traditional meals enjoyed around the U.S. that go beyond pork.

Many variations of lamb, including leg of lamb, shanks, or chops, are essential to some families, as they are a representation of Jesus, “the lamb of God.” You’ll also find many households enjoying salmon (or other fish) for their annual Easter Sunday feast.

If you’re not ready to shake things up too much, though, try out this delicious baked ham with a brown sugar glaze.

Get the Recipe: Dinner then Dessert

Jamaica: Easter Spice Bun

Easter spice bun is one of the tastiest treats on the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica.

Sweet and studded with dried fruits, this Jamaican version of the English hot cross bun tastes best when eaten with sliced cheese. Give this special bread a try this year.

Get the Recipe: Immaculate Bites

South Africa: Pickled Fish

Pickled fish is a traditional South African recipe. It’s typically preserved in wine vinegar and flavored with an abundance of aromatic spices. You can use firm fish, like hake, for this recipe, but cod or halibut work fine, too.

You can enjoy this tasty Cape Malay pickled fish any time of year, but it’s especially popular around Easter.

Get the Recipe: Daryl’s Kitchen

The U.K., Australia, and Canada: Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are spiced and made with raisins (or currants). They’re decorated with an icing cross on top. Many people around the world eat these on Good Friday to mark the end of Lent.

These sweet, tasty treats originated in Great Britain, but they’re also popular in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Some parts of the U.S. also celebrate Easter with these tasty bread rolls.

Get the Recipe: Natasha’s Kitchen

Poland: White Borscht Soup

Called “Easter Soup” in Poland, this hot, hearty meal includes potatoes, onions, kielbasa, and hard-boiled eggs.

Each bite takes your taste buds on a journey through savory, sour, and spicy. Enjoy this one with some warm, crusty bread for dipping.

Get the Recipe: International Cuisine

Greece: Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb

Here’s your chance to wow your family with a fantastic roasted leg of lamb. This gorgeous centerpiece would be a welcome addition to any holiday celebration, but especially Easter.

After you flavor the meat with a homemade spice rub, you slow roast it to your preferred degree of doneness. Follow the constructive tips, and you’ll have a delicious meal.

Get the Recipe: The Mediterranean Dish

Ecuador: Fanesca

Celebrate as they do in Ecuador with a hearty, flavorful soup called Fanesca.

Each area of Ecuador has its own version that includes regional flavors, which is what makes this dish so unique. Give this recipe a try if you have plenty of time to kill this Easter. It’s time-consuming, but so worth it!

Get the Recipe: Laylita

Russia: Kulich Bread

We found yet another classic Easter Bread! This time, it’s from Russia and Ukraine. This soft and fluffy Easter loaf is full of flavor, and the creator insists you use the leftovers for French toast.

Don’t let this recipe scare you off! Yes, making bread takes time. Luckily, there are plenty of tutorial images included with this recipe to help you along the way.

Get the Recipe: Natasha’s Kitchen