The festive landscape of South Asian Christmas celebrations is undergoing a captivating transformation, marked by a delightful fusion of traditions and emerging trends that redefine the essence of the holiday season. In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the way South Asian communities commemorate Christmas, witnessed through an evolving tapestry of trends that include dining out for festive feasts, embracing staycations, and savouring the innovation of fusion cuisine.
The familiar aromas of home-cooked delicacies now share the stage with the adventurous allure of dining out. Simultaneously, the concept of staycations has emerged as a refreshing alternative to far-flung travel. Many individuals and families within South Asian communities are choosing local getaways, revelling in the comfort and luxury of nearby hotels or resorts.
Moreover, the culinary landscape has witnessed a delightful fusion of flavours, blending traditional South Asian dishes with global influences. The evolution of Christmas celebrations among South Asian communities isn't merely a change in traditions; it's a celebration of diversity and adaptability. The confluence of dining out, indulging in staycations, and relishing fusion foods signifies an openness to new experiences while cherishing the richness of cultural heritage. As South Asians navigate this festive season, the amalgamation of old traditions and new trends promises a Christmas filled with culinary adventures, relaxation, and a heartwarming blend of the familiar and the innovative.
Indian restaurants roll out delectable Christmas day menus
As the festive season of Christmas approaches, various Indian restaurants are gearing up to offer an exciting culinary experience that blends the traditional flavours of India with the festive spirit of Christmas. Yaatra restaurant (https://www.yaatrarestaurant.com/) is offering a meticulously crafted divine four-course set menu for Christmas Day lunch (first booking at 12pm and last booking at 4pm) with a Christmas Bellini and a glass of Champagne on arrival for £85 per person. Another Indian restaurant named Babur (https://www.babur.info/) is providing a Christmas Day lunch that embraces tradition while bringing something different to the table. The pricing of Babur is as follows: adults: £64.95 per person; children (ages 7–12): £34.95 for a two-course meal; and children (under 7): £14.95 dining from the children's menu.
Executive Chef Vivek Singh of the Cinnamon Collection (https://www.cinnamon-kitchen.com/the-cinnamon-collection/) has thrown open the doors of The Cinnamon Club, Cinnamon Bazaar, Cinnamon Kitchen City, and Battersea on December 25th, serving Christmas Day lunch feasting menus. The opening hours of all the restaurants are 12 pm to 5 pm. This year, Bombay Bustle and Jamavar won’t be doing any special Christmas menus; however, they will be open on Christmas Eve. For Christmas special, Gunpowder (https://gunpowderrestaurants.com/) is offering three different set menus with a spread of different curries and dishes, incorporating Indian dinning style in keeping with the family sharing element of a Christmas feast!
South Asian christmas transforms, restaurants keep pace with evolution
In the midst of South Asian Christmas traditions, a vibrant evolution is underway. With a departure from home-cooked feasts, families and friends are drawn to the diverse flavours and lively atmospheres offered by restaurants. South Asian restaurants, adapting menus and ambiance, are becoming the heart of this evolving celebration.
Babur’s Executive Chef, Mr Jiwan Lal said, “At Babur, we embrace diversity in our celebrations, and our festive menus have become a fusion of traditions. Our chefs have curated a menu that not only upholds the indulgence and wow factor expected during the festive season but also incorporates the authentic tastes of Indian cuisine. We understand the importance of retaining the essence of Christmas while adding our signature touch to create incredible dishes.”
Executive Chef and Managing Director of Cinnamon Collection, Mr Vivek Singh said, “In the last 15 or so years of offering Christmas lunch to our guests, I have noticed how much the makeup of our clientele has changed over the years. It’s not just the lone travellers or people celebrating Christmas, but also lots of Asian families who are increasingly going out to celebrate this more for cultural reasons than for religious ones. Our guests seem to love the cross-border cross-cultural vibe of our restaurants as well as our menus, enjoying and embracing it wholeheartedly.”
South Asians embrace staycations for Christmas
Amidst the traditional festivities, a captivating shift is taking place within South Asian communities during the Christmas season. Gone are the days of solely home-cooked feasts and cosy gatherings. Today, an exciting evolution is underway, as witnessed by the increasing trend of South Asians opting for dining out and indulging in staycations as part of their holiday celebrations.
Managing Editor of Asian Voice, Rupanjana Dutta said, “20 years ago, when we moved to England as students, Christmas meant that all friends with similar setups were gathering for a meal on Christmas day as the city closed down. People stayed over at each other’s house, and I would cook up a storm. Some friends living close by would bring along a dish or 2 to add to our spread. After I got married, Christmas was with my husband’s brother and family in Kent, if we were not travelling. My sister-in-law, who is a fabulous cook herself, and I would put together a fusion Christmas dinner."
“Instead of a traditional roast turkey, we would make a roast in Indian style, bake a cake, and Boxing Day would be spent shopping at a sale. But two years ago, we decided to rather have a staycation on Christmas instead of toiling away in the kitchen like any other normal day. We booked a fancy hotel in Mayfair and booked a Christmas dinner at their Michelin-starred restaurant. We spent the day in their spa and walking around London’s beautifully lit streets. The hotel showered us with presents that included beautiful toiletries, champagne, cookies, and cakes,” she added.
She emphasised, “The idea was to spend some quality time together just chatting, doing no chores, instead of spending it in the kitchen baking, cooking, or cleaning. Of course this turned out to be a bit more expensive than doing everything at home, but it rejuvenated us and was a complete relaxation that we deserved on a holiday."
At St James' Court, the Taj Hotel (https://www.stjamescourthotel.co.uk/christmas-2023/) offers a stay for the ultimate Christmas celebration. Customers can enjoy a 15% discount on stays from now until December 24th, with exclusive discounts at our dining outlets. Our remarkable package captures the essence of festivity, including: daily breakfast and a 10% discount on TH@51; a VIP shopping experience at the renowned Bicester Village; a 10% discount on their Secret Garden Afternoon Tea; and holistic healing therapies at the J Wellness Circle Spa.
