What do they have for teatime in New Zealand at Christmas?

Answer 1

If, by teatime, you mean afternoon tea then it would probably be a cup of tea and a piece of Xmas cake or a Xmas mince tart.

If you mean the main meal on Xmas day then over the last fifty years there has been quite a change in the way that is arranged in NZ. Because Xmas in the Southern Hemisphere falls at the hottest time of the year the main meal is likely to be eaten in the early evening. It is usually a lavish affair but with less emphasis on hot roast meals than formerly.

There is likely to be a cold baked ham and probably also a roast chicken as well. Many families like to have a crayfish. There will be a variety of cold salads - potato salad, green salad, pasta salad. And seasonal vegetables like beetroot, green beans, avocadoes. Roadt potatoes, pumpkin and kumara may still feature. There is an increased emphasis on Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Hot steamed puddings are less likely to be served nowadays but there will be plenty of choice for desserts: pavlova, trifle, fruit salad, chocolate log, cheesecakes. Plenty of chocolates and Xmas fruit cake.

It is quite usual for groups of people, friends or extended families to get together for shared Xmas meals for 15 or 20 people with everyone bringing something to contribute. Some families like to simply avoid all the anxiety and organisation and take a lavish picnic lunch to the beach.

It is increasingly likely that families will enjoy a mid-winter feast at the Winter Solstice with the type of foods enjoyed at a Xmas dinner in the Northern hemisphere.

There will be bubbly, beer, a choice of local wines and plenty of chocolates.