The end-of-year celebrations are a special time to get together with family and friends. In Reunion Island, these celebrations take on a very special flavor thanks to a rich mix of Creole traditions. But what are these customs that make Christmas and New Year’s Day unforgettable moments on the intense island?
Through this article, we invite you to discover the Creole traditions that animate the end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island. From Christmas carols to typical dishes, including decorations and rituals, you will be surprised by the diversity and richness of this cultural heritage.
Why are these festivals so important in Reunion? Quite simply because they are the result of a unique blend, where African, European and Asian influences are mixed. This mix gives rise to colorful celebrations, where music, dance and gastronomy take center stage.
So, put on your finest attire and follow us for a journey to the heart of Creole Christmas and New Year traditions in Reunion with the Exsel hotels !
To fully experience the end-of-year celebrations in Reunion, there is nothing like a stay in an exceptional establishment. The Exsel hotel and restaurant welcomes you in a warm and authentic setting, where you can enjoy refined Creole cuisine and take part in festive entertainment.
Book your stay at Exsel now and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island.
A gourmet Christmas in Reunion
The end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island are inseparable from gastronomy. The table is adorned with exotic colors and flavors, reflecting the cultural mix of the island.
Christmas dinner: a taste journey
The Christmas menu in Reunion Island is a real feast. Traditionally, it consists of a main course, often a meat or fish curry , accompanied by rice and rougail . Mango rougail is particularly popular at this time of year.
Typical dishes | Key Ingredients |
Chicken curry | Chicken, spices, coconut milk |
Pork chops | Pork, spices, coconut milk |
Dear fish | White fish, spices, coconut milk |
Mango Rougail | Green mango, onion, chili pepper |
For those with a sweet tooth, Creole pâté is an institution. This sweet or savory dish is often enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert.
Seasonal fruits : an explosion of flavors
Seasonal fruits play a central role in Christmas celebrations in Reunion. Lychees , mangoes , Victoria pineapples and passion fruits are abundant and tasty. They are eaten fresh, in fruit salads, compotes or juices.
Seasonal fruits | Flavors |
Lettuce | Sweet, slightly tangy |
Mangoes | Sweet, fragrant |
Victoria pineapple | Sweet, tangy, fibrous |
Passion Fruits | Tangy, fragrant |
Desserts: a Creole sweet treat
Christmas desserts are just as varied as the main dishes. The Yule log is an imported tradition, but it is often revisited with local flavors. There are also chocolate sweet potato mousses and other Creole sweets.
To discover all the flavors of Christmas in Reunion, head to the Exsel hotel-restaurant. Our chef will prepare an exceptional festive menu for you, combining tradition and modernity.
The flavors of Christmas in Reunion
In Reunion, Christmas is also a matter of taste! The festive table is adorned with colors and aromas that take the taste buds on a journey.
The essentials
- Rice and curry: The main dish par excellence, rice traditionally accompanies meat curries (beef, chicken, pork) or fish (tuna, marlin). For a Christmas in style, you can opt for a lobster curry or a duck stew with vanilla.
- Rougail: Essential for enhancing flavors, rougail comes in an infinite variety. For the holidays, we prefer mango rougail, sweet and fruity.
- Exotic fruits: Lychee and mango are the stars of the dessert. They can be enjoyed fresh, in fruit salad or as a Christmas log with exotic flavors.
Local specialties
- Creole pâté: Sweet or savory, this dish is a real institution in Reunion. It can be enjoyed as a starter or dessert.
- Sweet potato: Often made into a puree or cake, sweet potato is another key ingredient in Creole cuisine.
- Spices: Saffron , vanilla , chili pepper … Spices give Christmas dishes a unique and authentic taste.
A table to better visualize
Plat | Main ingredients | Special features |
Meat carts | Meat (beef, chicken, pork), spices, coconut milk | Accompanied by rice |
Mango Rougail | Green mango, onion, garlic, chili pepper | Enhances the flavors |
Yule log | Rolled cake, cream, exotic fruits | Traditional dessert |
Creole pâté | Flour, eggs, milk, sugar, meat (optional) | Sweet or salty |
To enjoy these specialties and many more, head to the Exsel Hotel-Restaurant. Our chef offers you an exceptional Christmas menu, combining tradition and creativity. You will be able to savor the flavors of the island in an enchanting setting.
Reserve your table now and let yourself be tempted by the delights of our Creole cuisine.
A feast of Creole flavors
The end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island are also an opportunity to treat your taste buds. Creole cuisine, rich and tasty, takes center stage with revisited traditional dishes.
Christmas dinner
- The main course: Curry is undoubtedly the king of the Reunion table. For Christmas, we generally enjoy chicken, pork or fish curry, accompanied by white rice and a spicy rougail. Lobster curry is also very popular for special occasions.
- Accompaniments: Grains (white beans, coral lentils) are essential to accompany the curry. Mango rougail, a local specialty, brings a fruity and slightly sweet touch to the dish.
- Desserts: The Yule log, revisited with exotic flavors (vanilla, passion fruit), is a must. Seasonal fruits such as lychees , mangoes and Victoria pineapples are also very popular.
End of year specialties
- Creole pâté: This savory or sweet dish is a real institution in Reunion. It can be enjoyed as a starter or dessert.
- Bouchons: These small stuffed bites are ideal for an aperitif. They can be found in all bakeries and grocery stores.
- Chilli candies: These original candies, made with chilli and fruit, are a delight for lovers of strong flavours.
Table: The flavors of Christmas in Reunion
Plat | Description | Key Ingredients |
Search | Spicy stew | Meat, fish, spices, coconut milk |
Rougail | Spicy accompaniment | Tomatoes, onions, pepper |
Yule log | Traditional dessert | Biscuit, cream, exotic fruits |
Creole pâté | Starter or dessert | Meats, vegetables, fruits, spices |
Corks | Appetizers | Dough, various stuffing |
Chili candy | Confectionery | Fruits, chili pepper |
Drinks
To accompany this feast, the people of Reunion enjoy fresh fruit juices ( lychee , mango ), white wine and rum .
Creole cuisine is a true journey for the taste buds. By mixing the flavors of Africa, Europe and Asia, it offers a unique taste experience. At Christmas, Reunion Island tables are covered with colorful and fragrant dishes, reflecting the richness and diversity of this island.
The essential dishes for the end-of-year celebrations in Reunion
The end-of-year celebrations in Reunion Island are also an opportunity to treat your taste buds. Creole cuisine, rich and tasty, takes center stage with revisited traditional dishes.
Christmas dinner: a mixture of flavors
Christmas dinner in Reunion Island is a real feast. Families gather around a generously laden table. The dishes vary from one house to another, but some essentials are often found on the tables:
- Curry: An iconic dish of Creole cuisine, curry is available in an infinite variety. For the holidays, we prefer lobster, chicken or pork curries.
- Rice: An essential accompaniment to curry, rice is often flavored with vanilla or saffron.
- Rougail: This spicy condiment made from tomatoes, onions and garlic adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
- Seasonal fruits: Lychees , mangoes and Victoria pineapples are the stars of Christmas desserts. They can be enjoyed fresh , in fruit salad or as compotes.
- The Yule Log: More recently adopted, the Yule Log is often revisited with local flavors, such as vanilla or passion fruit .
New Year’s Day: time for Creole pâté
New Year’s Day is an opportunity to taste another typical dish: Creole pâté . Sweet or savory, it is prepared with meat, vegetables and spices. It is traditionally eaten with bread and butter.
Summary table of holiday dishes
Plat | Description | Key Ingredients |
Search | Spicy stew | Meat (chicken, pork, lobster), spices (turmeric, ginger), coconut milk |
Rice | Accompaniement | Rice, vanilla, saffron |
Rougail | Spicy condiment | Tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili pepper |
Seasonal fruits | Desserts | Lychees, mangoes, Victoria pineapples |
Yule log | Dessert | Rolled cake, cream, exotic fruits |
Creole pâté | Salty or sweet dish | Meat, vegetables, spices |
To discover all the flavors of Christmas and New Year in Reunion, visit the Exsel hotel and restaurant. Our chef will prepare revisited traditional dishes, highlighting local and seasonal products.
Book your stay now and treat yourself to our festive menus.
