Christmas means something different to everyone, but there’s one common thread – at least for our team. It’s the meals!
Getting together with our loved ones over a groaning table full of piping hot food, silverware on white table linen, and crystal wine glasses reflecting the the warm chandelier lights overhead while chatter and laughter drift through the air… Against this background, you eat and drink your fill, every bite a flavour fest of happiness.
It’s one of those memories that warm the soul on a cold night. And today, the GastroSense team opens their heart to share their own favourite Christmas food memory.
Hero image: GastroSense past Christmas lunches; photo credits to Merissa & Nick
Bing Blokbergen-Leow
L-R: Binglova with snowman slope; Binglova Original (photo credit: Bing & Merissa)
One of my favourite Christmas food memories centre on a dessert that I learnt to make long ago – the pavlova. My version involves very fresh cream and as many fresh berries as I can possibly squeeze on it. My family and friends call this the Binglova!
I frequently get requests to make and serve this for dinners with friends and family. It's not always possible because it takes a lot of time, but when I can, I try to make this for Christmas gatherings.
One year, the meringue base had cracked a little on one side of the exterior. I didn't have time to make a new one. It didn't affect the taste, to be honest, but it made the Binglova imperfect! I wavered about serving it. Then I had an idea - I carefully patted cream on top to create a slope leading "outwards" and then put a small skiing snowman figurine on top of the slope. That little detail was a hit, and I still get comments reminiscing about it to this day!
Merissa Chong
Photo credit: Bedrock Origin
My must-have Christmas food is roast beef! It may sound ‘boring’, but it’s a classic and a must-have for me. If it’s not a roast beef, then it’s beef anything. It’s because I have such fond memories of celebrating Christmas Eve at my Uncle’s place. It’s a massive gathering of my extended family with a potluck dinner. My Aunt doesn’t cook often but would pull out all the stops and roast a variety of meats – this was her specialty. From beef to duck, lamb and chicken, and once, my cousin made Yorkshire Pudding to go along. It was always a feast!
Nickmatul Huang
Photo credit: Acqua e Farina
In the vague memories of early childhood, I remember crying because someone forced me to eat a bite of fruitcake. I hadn’t even liked the smell; so when I had to actually eat it, it felt like torture. I didn’t want to chew or swallow but if I didn’t, the bad smelling cake would be left in my mouth. I don’t remember what happened after I cried; I suspect everyone laughed at the weird baby and eventually let me spit it out.
Despite this childhood trauma however, one of my favourite Christmas foods now is panettone... But please let me specify that I like only traditional panettone!
When I was first asked to try panettone, I had to hide my struggle; I was at a Christmas dinner and it felt rude to decline the host. I remember smiling and cutting a small piece from the frightfully large slice. I remember the piece looming larger and larger and holding my breath as it got closer to my mouth. And I remember the sheer surprise and enormous pleasure I felt at the sweet fragrance of dried fruit and raisins, the rich butter aroma and the soft, light texture of the tender crumb.
Obviously, I don’t have that visceral reaction to panettone anymore, but that first bite will always stay in my mind. It reminds me that there’s never any harm in trying something new. If worse comes to worst, I guess I’ll learn from my kiddie self and just cry, then spit it out.
Sheryl Neo
Photo Credit: Tablescape
Every Christmas, for some unknown reason, my family gets this strange craving for Western food even though it’s not something we usually eat. We’re more into Chinese cuisine – mainly the dishes we grew up with, but there’s something about the holiday season and the festive spirit that makes us all want a change.
One Christmas, my mom asked if I could cook pork chops for dinner. I wasn’t exactly an expert in cooking Western dishes, but I thought, "Why not?" She had always been the one to cook for the family, so it felt like a nice way to step up and contribute. I decided to pair the pork chops with mashed potatoes and broccoli—simple enough, but I had no idea how the pork chops would turn out.
To my surprise, it all came together pretty well (thanks to online recipes and Youtube videos).The pork chops were juicy and well-seasoned; the mashed potatoes were creamy and smooth; and the broccoli added just the right crunch. My family ended up really enjoying the meal, which felt like a big win for me, especially since it was something I’d never cooked before.
That Christmas dinner started a tradition. Every year, if we have time and if the mood strikes, we’ll have pork chops as part of our holiday meal. It’s a small thing, but it’s become a special part of our Christmas—something I never expected, but now look forward to every year.
Matthew De Jesus
Photo Credit: Matt
My favourite Christmas food memory is preparing Noche Buena – commonly referred to as a Christmas Eve meal in the Philippines – with my family.
My parents love to cook and often prepare feasts that can feed 6 to 8 people, even if there are just three of us at home. They enjoy making the celebrations grand, and we love having Noche Buena around 11:30 PM so we can open our gifts during the meal.
For the Noche Buena, one of my favourite Christmas dishes that we prepare every year is lechon kawali – a Filipino crispy deep-fried pork belly dish. While it may not be considered a super festive dish in the Philippines, I don't have it very often in Singapore, so it is quite special to me. It was also the first dish I learned to deep-fry, despite my fear of hot oil. Because of this, it has become my favourite for Christmas, and I enjoy it even more during the festive season.
Michelle Lim
Photo Credit: Michelle
My favourite Christmas food memory is enjoying fried chicken at the Christmas table. Back in the early 2010s, my family and I decided to switch things up from our usual rotisserie chicken and went for fried chicken instead. The crispy, flavourful chicken was an instant hit and has since become a staple at our gatherings. Not only has it been a family tradition ever since, but it's also something I love to bring to potluck dinners, adding a touch of nostalgia and comfort to any celebration.
While fried chicken isn't my all-time favourite food, it ranks in my top ten and the memory of that first Christmas with fried chicken holds a special place in my heart. It's a fond reminder of the warmth and togetherness of the holiday season, and it's especially amusing to the family to find out that fried chicken is also a Japanese Christmas tradition. This connection adds an extra layer of festivity and joy to our celebrations.
Natalie Wan
Photo Credit: Da Paolo Gastronomia
One of my favourite memories is curating a charcuterie board for family gatherings. It’s not exactly my favourite food, but I enjoy doing this for my family and big gatherings because it’s just so versatile and there’s always something for everyone, even myself! If there’s Brie cheese, I’m bound to have more of it with crackers.
It makes me especially happy that my family and friends seem to appreciate the board, and my efforts. It’s also a lot of fun when a few of us decide to collaborate on the board – especially during Christmas; it’s another way of spending time and bonding with loved ones.
Ee Jia Hui
Photo Credit: Da Paolo Gastronomia
My favourite Christmas food memory is of going to my paternal grandparents’ home and getting together with my whole extended family to celebrate Christmas! My uncle will specially order a Christmas feast so that nobody has to cook; a honey-glazed ham is always included. We’ll sit together and chat while eating; the television will be playing Christmas movies and sometimes we’ll watch and comment. It’s always so warm and relaxed. To this day, honey-glazed ham is still my favourite thing to eat for Christmas.
When Covid hit and we went into lock-down, this festive gathering was not possible. I missed it very much. I still remember how I felt during Christmas last year when I finally got to meet everyone again. Eating slices of my favourite ham, and spending quality time with my family: my heart and soul felt warm and happy.
Chloe Chow
Photo Credit: AMI Patisserie
My favourite Christmas food memory centres on a Strawberry Shortcake! It’s also my favourite Christmas food. Growing up in a family that was strict about sugar intake, Christmas was one of the rare occasions when my sister and I were allowed to indulge in sweet treats. During our Christmas gatherings, my parents would often buy a whole Strawberry Shortcake, and we were always the first in line for a slice. Over the years, this cake became something we looked forward to every Christmas — a sweet reward to celebrate the holiday season and wrap up the year.
Clair Ong
Photo Credit: The Marmalade Pantry
Every year, my sisters and I hold a Secret Santa gift exchange over dinner, but it all started with one very special dinner featuring barbecue pork ribs. This was the first meal that we – as daughters – bought for our entire family, marking the beginning of a cherished tradition.
What made it unforgettable was the laughter and joy we shared as we exchanged gifts for the first time. That meal wasn’t just delicious; it set the tone for years of togetherness and love during the festive season. Now, barbecue pork ribs are not only my favourite Christmas food but also a symbol of the warmth and connection my family shares every holiday. And yes, I’ve already made a purchase for barbecue pork ribs this year!
We hope you enjoyed this collection of mini stories from the team? Share with us – what’s your favourite Christmas food memory?
And before we sign off, please let us take the opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!
