12 Christmas Food Substitutes If You’re Hardcore Asian – Ditch Your Turkey And Ham

Asian Christmas Dinner

In Sunny Singapore, you might not get snow or reindeers (not real ones anyway), but Christmas in Singapore is as big as any other celebration during the year and it is one that foodies like us look forward to the most.

With the multitude of Christmas spreads and Yuletide menus popping up at restaurants or even at house gatherings across the island, there is no doubt that turkey and honey-baked ham will be among the top of many people’s list. But let’s face it, a feast would still be a feast even without the fancy centerpieces and pimped-up wines.

At its heart, Christmas is still a time for reunion and indulgence, and in multi-cultural Singapore, there are many local delights that you can include in your dinner spread for that Asian-style Christmas dinner.

Christmas Ham vs Luncheon MeatR Photo Credit: Luncheon Meat


CHRISTMAS HAM SLICES VS LUNCHEON MEAT


Who needs a mammoth hunk of baked Christmas ham (that hardly anyone finishes) when you can get unbelievably crispy spam for a margin of the price?

Eggnog vs Bubble TeaL Photo Credit: Eggnog


EGGNOG VS BUBBLE MILK TEA


While eggnogs might encapsulate Christmas time comfort with its frothy head and brandy-based kick, you could probably do just the same with any bubble milk tea. Besides, if you ever find it lacking flair, a shot of brandy probably wouldn’t hurt too.

Festive Snacks vs Nyonya Snacks


FESTIVE SNACKS VS NYONYA KUEH


Festive cookies and cakes might look pretty on plates, but nothing spells homely comfort better than the Nyonya snacks we grew up with.

French Onion Soup vs Wanton Soup


FRENCH ONION SOUP VS LOCAL DOUBLE BOILED SOUP


On Christmas, French onion soup may scream traditional but hey, we Asians loves our soul-boosting, piping hot bowl of double boiled soup just as much!

Fruit Cake vs Kueh Lapis

L Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons


FRUIT CAKE VS KUEH LAPIS


Fans of Kueh Lapis unite! This classic layered cake is the best reflection of our Singapore food culture and it never disappoints with its bouncy texture and buttery taste.

Log Cake vs Pandan Swiss Roll

R Photo Credit: Polar Puffs & Cakes


LOG CAKE VS PANDAN CHIFFON ROLL


Yes, log cakes are decadent and all pretty. But who else loves Pandan Chiffon Roll too? They are found in most bakeries in Singapore, even those under your HDB blocks. If you are not into Pandan, there are many other creative renditions out there too.

Mince Pie vs Bo Lo Bao

 L Photo Credit: Channel 4, R Photo Credit: sickchirpse


MINCE PIE VS CHINESE BBQ PORK PUFF PASTRY


Sure, the Chinese BBQ Pork Puff Pastry may be extremely sinful, but who can resist munching on this crispy sweet bun? Move aside, mince pie!

Mulled Wine vs Ribena

L Photo Credit: Gimme Some Oven, Photo Credit: The Cambelles


MULLED WINE VS RIBENA


Sweet, refreshing and that oh-so-familiar taste—what is there not to love about Ribena? It is an everyday drink for most Singaporeans and… what’s mulled wine again?

Pigs in Blanket vs Taiwan Sausage


PIGS IN A BLANKET VS TAIWAN SAUSAGE


Pigs in a blanket are small sausages wrapped in croissant rolls. But you know what? Give us our Taiwan sausages.

Roast Beef vs Char Siew Sio Bak


ROAST BEEF VS CHAR SIEW + ROASTED PORK


Calling all meat lovers! Char Siew and Sio Bak for you? Slightly charred and succulent Char Siew drenched in slightly sweet yet savoury sauce to tantalize your taste buds.

Roast Turkey vs Roasted Chicken


ROAST TURKEY VS ROASTED CHICKEN


This is what they say, ‘same same but different.’ Roast Turkeys may be wholesome and all but we still love our Hainanese roasted chicken with glistening skin and chicken rice chilli.

Yorkshire Pudding vs. Egg Tart


YORKSHIRE PUDDING VS EGG TART


Forget conventional Yorkshire Pudding, because you can never go wrong with freshly baked egg tarts. Nothing beats a soft fluffy egg custard with a buttery tart crust.


Read: How to host a great Christmas dinner without breaking the bank.