Easter is celebrated with a variety of traditional dishes that reflect cultural and religious significance. Below is a curated list of iconic Easter foods from different countries, each with unique flavours and symbolism.
Hot Cross Buns (United Kingdom)
These soft, sweet buns are a staple of Easter in the UK. Infused with raisins, currants, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, they offer a lightly spiced flavour. The signature cross, made from a flour-and-water paste, symbolises the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Scottish Blueberry Lemon Buttermilk Scones
A fusion of Scottish tradition and American ingredients, these scones feature blueberries, lemon, and buttermilk. With a crispy exterior, tender interior, and a touch of sweetness from blueberries, they’re topped with crunchy sugar for an addictive treat.
Roast Lamb (Australia)
A savoury Easter favourite, Australian roast lamb is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, lemon, and herbs. This hearty dish, symbolising the sacrificial lamb, is a flavorful centrepiece for festive gatherings.
German Chervil Soup (Kerbelsuppe)
Served on Gründonnerstag (Green Thursday) in Germany, this soup celebrates spring with green vegetables, such as chervil. Originally tied to Christ’s Last Supper, it’s now a vibrant dish marking the season’s renewal.
Capirotada (Mexico)
This Mexican bread pudding combines toasted bread, cheese, raisins, brown sugar, fruits, cinnamon, and cloves. The crunchy bread and creamy cheese create a rich texture, symbolising the crucifixion of Jesus.
Dutch Advocaat (Netherlands)
A creamy, egg yolk-based drink akin to eggnog, Advocaat is a Dutch favourite, especially at Easter. Served thick and topped with whipped cream, it’s a decadent holiday treat.
Easter Pie (Italy)
Known as Pizza Rustica or Pizza Gaina, this deep-dish pie is packed with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, and cured Italian meats. Served warm or at room temperature, it’s a rich and savoury Easter dish.
Pashka (Russia)
A creamy Russian dessert shaped like a pyramid to symbolise Christ’s tomb, Pashka is made with cheese, butter, sugar, egg yolks, and dried fruits. Adorned with Cyrillic “XB” (for resurrection), it has a cheesecake-like texture.
Tsoureki (Greece)
This sweet, braided bread symbolises life in both pagan and Christian traditions. Decorated with red eggs representing Christ’s blood, Tsoureki is a flavorful Greek Easter staple.
Colomba di Pasqua (Italy)
Shaped like a dove, this Italian Easter cake is made with flour, butter, candied fruit, sugar, and almonds. Finished with a sweet glaze and sprinkles, it’s a festive dessert.
White Borscht (Poland)
Known as zurek, this Polish soup is made with soured rye flour, sausages, and hard-boiled eggs. A hearty dish, it’s especially popular during Easter celebrations.
Fanesca (Ecuador)
A rich Ecuadorian stew, Fanesca blends grains, fish, beans, vegetables, and spices like cumin and coriander. Served with hard-boiled eggs and fried empanadas, it’s a traditional Easter dish.
Mammi (Finland)
This Finnish Easter dessert, made from rye flour, malted rye, cinnamon, cloves, and water, is typically served with cream or milk. Its unique texture and flavour make it a holiday favourite.
Canadian Maple Cookies
While not a traditional Easter treat, these cookies highlight Canada’s maple season. Using maple syrup, butter, and sugar, they offer a sweet, irresistible flavour perfect for spring celebrations.
