The holiday season isn’t one-size-fits-all — so dining experiences shouldn’t be, either! From seasonal holidays like Hanukkah to Kwanzaa to cozy feasts rooted in Middle Eastern and North African flavors, there are countless ways to celebrate the winter months outside of the Christmas lens.
Having an international spirit of celebrating is something that can set a restaurant apart from the rest, and getting creative with menus can ensure that all guests feel welcomed to the table.
Hanukkah Highlights
The eight days and nights of Hanukkah mark a deeply meaningful time for community and connection, and restaurants can celebrate with dishes that put an elevated spin on classic, comforting dishes. Perfectly fried latkes get an upgrade when topped with Bay Winds® All-Natural Cold-Smoked Scottish Salmon and a dollop of Zebec® Tzatziki, while mouthwatering braised short ribs can take the place of the traditional brisket.
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and sufganiyot — jelly donuts that are a Hanukkah standard — can be remixed with a surprising jelly, like blackberry basil or guava. Lean into the flexibility of these dishes, and you’ll find endless ways to highlight tradition while offering something new.
A Kwanzaa Celebration of Family & Flavor
Kwanzaa is all about unity and creativity, values that can be honored with a menu that allows African and Southern traditions to take center stage.
Showcase your ability to balance tradition with innovation by having staple dishes like fried catfish and candied yams alongside black-eyed pea fritters (also called akaras) with a spicy, creamy chili sauce and pasta served in a collard green pesto.
Diving deeper into African flavor profiles, serve up a luxurious African peanut stew with Bay Winds Chilean Sea Bass or Jollof-style rice bowl using Contigo® sauces, adobos, or spices for a punch of complex, warming spice.
Middle Eastern & North African Feasts
Middle Eastern and North African cuisine is built on a foundation of communal dishes, providing the perfect opportunity to create a holiday menu packed with shareable plates. Mezze spreads with an ample amount of choices are a great way to pack in a wide range of regional flavors — think warm, fluffy Zebec Pita with hummus, onion fritters (occe), and roasted carrots with tahini and pomegranate.
Keep the warm feelings going with rich, flavorful dishes like chicken tagine, bissara (a thick, spiced soup made from fava beans or peas), or the show-stopping maqluba — a Palestinian dish prepared by layering meat, rice, and vegetables in a pot, cooked and then flipped onto a serving dish to unveil the gorgeous layers.
Inclusive Fusion
Creating an inclusive holiday offering doesn’t need to be complicated — it’s all about focusing on creativity and hospitality. Take these principles to the kitchen with a “holiday around the world” menu that mixes and matches global flavors and provides something for everyone.
From a roast chicken marinated in Asian Pride® spices to a warm vegetable ratatouille that blends in Mediterranean spices like cumin, coriander, and sumac, bringing cultures together is a recipe for bringing people together.
Keep things bold yet approachable, and you’ll have a holiday offering that is easily adaptable to your needs and has visitors feeling like they’re being welcomed in with open arms.