Christmas is the time when home kitchens feel warm, busy, and full of love. Families start preparing special dishes days before the festival, and everything finally comes together as one big, joyful feast meant to be shared.
To celebrate this spirit, we spoke to four chefs from across India who run successful restaurants but still cherish the food traditions they grew up with. From a smooth vanilla flan to comforting pork dishes, here are four Christmas recipes by top chefs that you can easily try at home this holiday season.
Vanilla Flan by Chef Alex Sanchez
Chef Alex Sanchez came to Mumbai 14 years ago with a dream to make great food. Today, he runs popular restaurants Otra and Americano. He believes in keeping food simple and perfecting the basics.
His vanilla flan is smooth, creamy, and comforting—just the kind of dessert that feels right at Christmas. Made with milk, cream, eggs, and vanilla, it’s a classic recipe that’s worth mastering for festive gatherings.
Pork Assado by Chef Avinash Martins
For Chef Avinash Martins, Christmas food is deeply connected to his Goan roots and childhood memories. His restaurant, Cavatina, is inspired by his late grandmother, whose Christmas feasts were legendary.
This pork assado is a family favourite. The pork is slow-cooked with spices, chillies, jaggery, and vinegar, giving it bold Goan flavours. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for a festive meal shared with loved ones.
Chicken Cafreal by Chef Rhea Aaron
At Bengaluru’s Klaa Kitchen, chef Rhea Aaron celebrates traditional Goan food inspired by her family. Growing up, Sunday lunches and Christmas meals always included her grandmother’s chicken cafreal.
This dish is made with fresh coriander, spices, garlic, and green chillies. The chicken is marinated well and slow-cooked until tender. It’s simple, flavourful, and best enjoyed with rice or bread.
Losar Pork Roast by Chef Doma Wang
Chef Doma Wang, known as Kolkata’s “Momo Queen,” brings flavours from the Eastern Himalayas to the table. Her Losar Pork Roast is a special dish inspired by her father and is cooked during Tibetan New Year as well as Christmas.
The pork is slowly cooked with soy sauce, ginger, onions, and star anise until soft and rich. It’s a comforting dish that shows how food traditions can beautifully blend across cultures.
These recipes are not just about food—they’re about memories, family traditions, and sharing joy during Christmas. Try them at home and make your festive table extra special.