Discover 7 traditional New Year's dishes from around the world

New Year's Eve is not only a magical holiday, but also a delicious one. Usually, the whole family gathers at the table in the evening to celebrate a new stage of life together, so the tables are full of dishes and delicacies.

OBOZREVATEL found out what is traditionally eaten on December 31 in different countries.

Tamales (Mexico)

Mexican "pies" look like a kind of envelope. Tamale is a dough dish stuffed with various additives and wrapped in banana or corn leaves. In general, it is prepared for almost all holidays. However, this local delicacy is a must on the New Year's Eve too.

Oliebollen (Netherlands)

This traditional Dutch fast food is sold at all Christmas markets in the country. These are deep-fried dough balls filled with berries or chocolate. They look not much different from regular donuts, and they taste very similar too.

In Amsterdam, there are even special shops selling these sweets. They are called Oliebollenkraams. That's why most families don't bother making desserts for the holidays - they just buy oliebollen.

Marzipanschwein (Austria, Germany)

The celebration of the New Year in Austria and Germany is not complete without pork on the table. It is baked, fried or made into homemade sausages. But residents of these countries don't stop there. They always serve marzipanschwein - little pigs made of marzipan - for dinner.

Hoppin' John (South America)

Each ingredient in this rice dish has a symbolic meaning. Peas stand for coins, greens for money, corn bread for gold, and meat for prosperity. Americans believe that Hoppin' John will bring wealth to those families who cook it for the New Year.

By the way, this dish came to the distant continent from Africa and western India. Historians believe that the recipe was brought to the country by slaves who were once shipped to America en masse. Today, it is a very popular local delicacy.

Soba noodles (Japan)

The Japanese are very sensitive to their customs. Back in the 17th century, the tradition of eating toshikoshi soba, or buckwheat noodles, on New Year's Eve was born. It is believed to bring health and longevity. By the way, there is another popular holiday dish in this country - rice buns. They should be prepared by the whole family.

Herring (Poland, Scandinavian countries)

There are thousands of recipes for this fish. But for the New Year's Eve, the people of Poland and Scandinavia most often pickle herring. First, they cut it into large pieces and leave it in salt water for a day. Then they put it in a jar with onions, spices, sugar, and vinegar. In a few hours, the dish is ready to serve.

Kransekage (Denmark, Norway)

This traditional cake is made from many rings of dough, which are stacked in a pyramid shape. A bottle of champagne or wine is often placed in the center. The dessert is decorated with marzipan, chocolate or colored icing.