This festive season, indulge in some of the traditional Christmas snacks that originated from around the world! From Mexican buñuelos to panettone that originated from Italy, understand the traditions and stories behind these unique desserts. Though we cannot travel now, you can still ‘tour around the world’ as you try out these mouth-watering Christmas desserts here in Singapore.
The first known gingerbread recipe originated from Greece in 2400 BC. Chinese versions of the gingerbread recipe emerged only towards the 10th century. Finally in the Middle Ages, countries such as England, France, Holland and Germany started selling gingerbread cookies cut out in shapes at medieval fairs!
The cookies were typically decorated with gold leafs and shaped like animals or royalties. Legend has it that these cookies have such shapes because Queen Elizabeth I ordered her gingerbread cookies to resemble visiting dignitaries in the past.
Every season, you may also notice the shapes of the gingerbread changing back then - with flowers-shaped cookies in spring to birds-shaped ones in fall.
As for gingerbread houses, they were first seen in Germany during the 16th century. The cookie-walled houses, detailed with gold leafs, led to its association with the Christmas tradition. Also, remember the story of Hansel and Gretel? If you do, then you may recall the gingerbread house featured in the fairytale. This was when the popularity of gingerbread houses soar and many around the world got curious about it.
Where to find Gingerbread Cookies in Singapore:
BreadTalk (Online)
Gingerbread Cookies Gift Sets are available for sale here. There is also the DIY option where you can decorate your own cookies with chocolate pipings and sprinkles that come with the set!
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All Things Delicious (Online)
They offer many cool gingerbread treats - from gingerbread snowflake cookies to DIY gingerbread houses! Check them out here.
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Panettone
Panettone is an Italian Christmas treat. It is a cake-like bread, stuffed with raisins and citrus peel, giving the bread a sweet tangy flavour. The history of this treat dates back to the 1500s, when a baker in the service of the Duke of Milan burnt his cake. Left with no other choice, he tried creating something new with all the ingredients he had at his disposal. With just flour, eggs, sugar, raisins and candied fruit, the delicious bread we now know as Panettone was made!
Where to find Panettone in Singapore:
Jupiter 57
Jupiter 57 is an Italian Importer & Promoter offering tasty and high quality panettone. Try out the different options they have!
Address: 40 Carpenter St, Singapore 059919
Phone: 9137 6564
Email: [email protected]
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The Bakehaus
Packed with premium and gourmet ingredients such as Lescure AOP butter and French candied fruits, this panettone is definitely something you will love. Order on their Facebook page now to get yours today!
Address: 130 Owen Road Singapore, Singapore 218934
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 9AM - 5.30PM
Tuesday: Closed
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Yule Log Cake/ Bûche de Noël
This famous Christmas dessert originated from French. It was made to resemble the Yule log of European tradition. Many valued the Yule log in the past for its slow burning properties, giving homes the warmth for the 12 days preceding Christmas. There was a tradition whereby logs were placed underneath beds too. It was thought to provide luck and protection against lightning and fire. Though it is not clear where the story first originated from, the most popular and heard of story is derived from Germanic paganism.
It was found that French bakers in the 19th century first popularised this treat. They used an iced sheet of genoise and rolled it to form a cylinder. It was then iced again on the outside and decorated to create a yule log-looking cake.
Indulge in the sweet and sinful spongey cake today!
Where to find Log Cake in Singapore:
Ministry of Desserts by WongLee
Address: Pop-Up store at B.E.D, 26 Tai Seng St, Level 1, Singapore 534057
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 12PM - 8PM
PAUL Bakery
Address for PAUL Takashimaya: 391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City, #03-16/17 Singapore 238872
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 9.30AM - 8PM
Friday to Saturday: 9.30AM - 9PM
Address for PAUL Tanglin Mall: 163 Tanglin Road #01-16/17, Singapore 247933
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8AM- 7PM
Friday to Sunday: 8AM - 9PM
Address for PAUL Paragon: 290 Orchard Road #02-09/K1 Singapore 238859
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9AM - 8PM
Friday to Sunday: 8AM - 8PM
Address for PAUL Ocean Financial Centre Level 1: 10 Collyer Quay #01-01, Singapore 049315
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8AM - 6PM
Friday to Sunday: Closed
Address for PAUL Marina Bay Link Mall: 8A Marina Boulevard #B2-07, Singapore 018984
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 7.30AM - 6PM
Saturday: 8AM - 3PM
Sunday: Closed
Address for PAUL Changi Airport Terminal 1: Departure/Transit Lounge West Level 2, #02-26, Singapore 819642
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11AM - 10PM
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Candy Canes
Always loved candy canes when you were a child? Ever wondered how this cute treat actually came about? It has been said that it was used to keep children quiet during long church services. In the past, a choirmaster from Germany once used crooked candies to keep kids silent during Christmas mass. The ‘J’ shape from candy canes were either inspired by the shepherd’s crook or the letter J, for Jesus.
Where to find candy canes in Singapore:
Candylicious
Address: 26 Sentosa Gateway, 01 225-230, 098138
Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday: 2PM-9PM
Monday to Wednesday: Closed
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Christmas Pudding
Christmas pudding is also commonly known as plum pudding. Did you know though that the very first version of the pudding was savoury and not sweet? The very first version of the pudding which originated in the 14th century, was stuffed with beef and mutton with wines, currants and spices. Such a wide range of flavours! Back in the past, during the festive season, the British had pudding which was more like soup.
By the end of the 14th century, the dish had several renditions. After the 16th century, when dried fruit became readily available, the pudding slowly shifted from savoury to sweet! Plum pudding then became then became the customary Christmas dessert in 1650s. Though Puritans in England tried banning the consumption of the pudding, with the thought that it was ‘sinfully rich’ and ‘unsuitable for ’God-fearing people', King George I re-established its place. It was said that he tasted the pudding and really enjoyed it. Since the 17th century, the dessert is often eaten every Christmas.
Where to find Christmas pudding in Singapore:
Simply Good Pies
This festive season, they will be selling their Luxury Brandy Christmas Pudding (450g)! Packed with dried fruit, nuts, and of course brandy, this is sure to leave you satisfied.
The English House
For three days - Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, you can check out their Christmas Menu which offers the Christmas pudding!
Address: 28 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore, Singapore 238972
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 11.30AM - 3PM, 5.30PM - 10PM
Tuesday: 11.30AM - 3PM, 6PM - 10PM
Saturday: 8.30AM - 3PM, 5.30PM-10PM
Sunday: 8.30AM-8PM
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Buñuelos
Often served as a special Christmas treat around the world, they are enjoyed differently in different countries. In Mexico, their versions of buñuelos are churros while in Colombia, they are not sweet and are instead more like fritters. They are made into a ball-shaped snack made with curd of costeno cheese and then fried to a golden brown. Paired with hot chocolate or coffee, it is a match made in heaven. However, most places typically eat sweet buñuelos. Cinnamon, honey, jam and cream are common toppings added to satisfy your sweet tooth during the festive season!
So how did this Christmas snack come about? It was said to have originated from Spain. During the Spanish settlement of the Americas, those explorers brought the buñuelos tradition along. Many people believe buñuelos bring good luck and is thus a popular snack!
Where to find Buñuelos in Singapore:
HOLA! MEXICO Orchard Road
Address: 21 Cuppage Road, Cuppage Terrace, 229452
Opening Hours: 4PM-10.30PM
Contact: 6282 5520
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Comida Mexicana Singapore
Address: 404 East Coast Road Singapore 428998 Singapore, Singapore 428998
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11.30AM - 2.30PM, 6PM - 10PM
Contact: 6440 8030
