Food and wine on a festive table with Christmas lights in the background.

9 holiday food traditions & how to bring them in-restaurant.

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November 17th, 2022 Reading Time: < 1 min

If you work in food service, every day is like a holiday, bringing people together over delicious food. But if you want to kick it up a notch, offering dishes that complement the holidays — from Hanukkah to Christmas to Kwanzaa — is a fun way to bring a little something extra to your customers at this time of year without breaking the bank. Here are a few of our faves.

The belle of the ball - Matzo Ball Soup is a traditional Jewish dish often served during Passover. This hearty soup features delicious dumplings made of matzah meal (crushed unleavened bread), eggs, chicken fat and broth. Not only does it honour Hanukkah, it sure makes a nice addition to any menu during the cold winter months.
Adopt a cran-do attitude - It wouldn’t be Christmas without cranberries and there are all kinds of ways to incorporate them into your menus. Cranberry juice is famous for making a delicious splash in all kinds of crafty cocktails. They also make a sweet and tarty addition to housemade breads and baked goods.
Hit the sweet spot - The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ye kwanza” which means “first fruits of harvest”. So naturally sweet potatoes are one of the most popular dishes during Kwanzaa. Have mashed potatoes on your menu? Swap them out for the sweet variety or try your hand at sweet potato pie to pay homage.
A latke to be thankful for - Meant to symbolize the miracle of oil associated with Hanukkah, Potato Latkes are one of the most treasured dishes at the table. Made with shredded potatoes and eggs, these pancakes are fried in oil until they’re hot and crispy. And they make a delicious side dish or appetizer on any menu, we might add.
Go big or gourd home - National Pumpkin Day is on December 25th. Sharing its day with Christmas should come as no surprise considering we spend the lead up enjoying the spice in everything from lattes to baked goods. That should make it easy for you to add it into a drink or a dish to help customers ring in Christmas right.
Go green - One of the most significant dishes at the Kwanzaa holiday table is Collard Greens, as it symbolizes good luck and good fortune. Prepared with vegetable broth and spices, they also make a delicious (and easy) addition to any meal.
Happy challah-days - Whether it’s beautifully braided or served round, Challah is a traditional egg bread and a Jewish holiday staple. Have breakfast on the menu? You could offer up a Hanukkah-inspired French toast or serve it up fresh in the breadbasket to go with any meal over the holidays.
The right stuff(ing) - Made with bread, butter, spice, and everything nice, stuffing is one of the most beloved dishes at the Christmas spread. How do you bring it in-restaurant? Serve it as a side or make stuffing balls for your appetizer menu. No matter how you slice it, stuffing is always a winner.
Do the jerk - A traditional Kwanzaa dish, Jerk Chicken is popularly served during Karamu, the final days of Kwanzaa. Offer this tasty delicacy spiced and grilled to perfection with a side of housemade cornbread to deliver the full taste experience.