The Top 5 Must-Try Twelfth Night Dishes from around the World

Twelfth Night, also known as Epiphany, marks the end of the Christmas season for many people around the world. It’s a time of celebration, feasting, and festivities – a perfect opportunity to indulge in some of the most mouth-watering dishes from various regions of the world. Here are the top 5 must-try Twelfth Night dishes from around the globe.

Roscón de Reyes (Spain)

In Spain, Roscón de Reyes is a traditional cake baked to celebrate Twelfth Night. The circular pastry is adorned with candied fruit and crowned with a paper crown. The Roscón is typically served with whipped cream or hot chocolate. Hidden inside the cake are two small figurines; one shaped like a bean and the other in the form of a small king – whoever finds the king is crowned king of the party, and whoever finds the bean has to pay for the Roscón next year.

Galette des Rois (France)

Galette des Rois is a French cake baked with almond paste and flaky pastry. Like the Spanish Roscón, it too features a hidden trinket – a tiny porcelain figurine called a fève. The person who discovers the fève is crowned king or queen of the festivities, and they choose their own underling for the night. The galette is typically served with a glass of champagne.

La Befana (Italy)

In Italy, the Epiphany is celebrated with a witch named La Befana. Along with bringing presents to children, La Befana also leaves stockings filled with delicious treats. La Befana’s stockings often contain savory treats like marzipan, panettone, and pandoro, along with sweet candies like chocolate coins and torrone.

Yusheng (Singapore)

Chinese New Year and Twelfth Night fall close together, and in Singapore, the two are often celebrated together. Yusheng is a salad traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year, but it has become popular in Singaporean culture for Twelfth Night. The dish is a mix of raw fish, vegetables, and colorful sauces, all tossed together for good luck and prosperity in the new year.

Vasilopita (Greece)

In Greece, Vasilopita – a sweet bread baked with walnuts, raisins, and a hint of orange – is enjoyed on New Year’s Day and during the celebration of the Epiphany. The bread is traditionally cut into pieces, with the final slice for Saint Basil – the saint who helped the poor and needy – or Mary and baby Jesus. Inside the bread, a small coin is hidden, and whoever gets the slice with the lucky coin is believed to have good fortune for the year.

In conclusion, the Twelfth Night is a time to indulge in rich and delicious foods from various cultures around the world. From sweet pastries to a mix of raw fish and colorful sauces, it’s a time to celebrate with family and friends by sharing a hearty meal. Trying out one of these unique dishes is the perfect way to enjoy this festive season and create treasured memories with loved ones.