If there’s one thing that all cultures have in common, it’s wanting to celebrate a loving union with a huge occasion. Whatever your values, religion or geographical location, weddings are a chance to gather together and congratulate a happy couple on the start of their life, more often than not accompanied by music, dancing and of course, an incredible spread of food. There’s no better way to explore different cultural traditions than through the foods, flavours and edible favours of a big, fat, tasty wedding. Here are some of the most iconic traditional wedding foods from countries around the globe!
Traditional Wedding Food from around the World
Europe
Jordan Almonds – Italy
Representing both the bitter and sweet aspects of a couple’s married life, guests at a traditional Italian wedding will shower the bride and groom with brightly coloured, sugar coated ‘Jordan Almonds’.
Korovai – Ukraine
Humble bread with a twist, Ukrainian Korovai is a traditional wedding loaf decorated with dough shapes and foliage – a true nuptial centrepiece.
Croquembouche – France
In place of a more traditional wedding cake, the French favour the majestic tower of profiteroles and spun caramel known as a Croquembouche.
Asia
Thong Yod- Thailand
Fragrant and sweet, these balls of rice flour, sugar and jasmine are present at every traditional Thai wedding, intended to represent the good fortune of the happy couple.
Banh Xu Xe – Vietnam
A Vietnamese wedding is not complete without the intricately decorated sweets, referred to as Banh Xu Xe, which roughly translates as ‘conjugal cake’.
Kagami Biraki – Japan
A tradition of most celebratory ceremonies in Japan, the smashing of a barrel of sake known as Kagami Biraki is a feature of any traditional Japanese wedding.
Africa
Kola Nuts – Nigeria
Symbolising the bride and groom’s ability to heal their differences, Kola nuts can be found everywhere at a Nigerian wedding, and are also still used as part of the bride’s dowry!
Dates and Milk – Morocco
The relationship between bride and mother-in-law gets off to a good start in Morocco, with a post-wedding ceremony in which the new wife is welcomed into her marital home by the groom’s mother with dates and milk.
Ugali na Nyama Choma – Kenya
We all love a good barbecue, but the art of outdoor cooking is taken to a whole new level at a traditional Kenyan wedding, with fire-roasted meat for all guests to enjoy.
North America
Groom’s Cake – USA
At weddings in some parts of the USA, the groom really gets a moment in the spotlight with his very own cake, decorated with all his favourite hobbies and interests.
Wedding Cookies – Mexico
As white and fluffy as the bridal gown itself, these mini cookie balls are rolled in icing sugar and traditionally handed out as favours.
Cedar Sapling Cake – Bermuda
In Bermuda , it is traditional for the wedding cake to be topped with the sapling of a cedar tree, which is then planted in the garden of the new couple.
South America
Casadinho – Brazil
Mini biscuits joined with honey and jam, this sweet treat symbolises the joining together of the bride and groom and translates as ‘happily married’.
Breakfast Churros – Argentina
Weddings in Argentina are more of an overnight affair, with the ceremonies taking place in late evening, followed by dancing ’til dawn – churros are provided for guests as a breakfast treat!
Oceania
Kava – Fiji
The passing around of Kava (a hair-raising spirit), represents unity in marriage at any traditional Fijian wedding ceremony.
Fish and Chips – Australia
Among other, more expected foods at an Australian wedding, you’ll find a dish traditionally associated with the UK – fish and chips!
Find the full list and infographic here .
