Ah the old Sunday Roast, a British favourite. Slow cooked meat, roasted spuds, veg, gravy and Yorkshire puddings. But you already know that, right? So what do people eat for Sunday lunch in different countries around the world?

We’ve taken a quick look at the traditional Sunday lunch in several other countries (as well as having been to a fair few ourselves). So maybe these will make an appearance on your table next Sunday instead of the British Sunday roast…

France

A French Sunday lunch usually consists of…. Roast meat and potatoes!

Yup, like us, the French also enjoy a leisurely roast lunch, usually roti de poulet (roast chicken) or roti de boeuf (roast beef). Their potatoes are usually less crispy than ours, and they’re more likely to have steamed or boiled green beans and vegetables.

Now, although this might be the case, the French don’t really have a set Sunday roast like us Brits. And depending where you are in the country, you might find an entree of salads, a main of cassoulet and crusty bread and the obligatory aperitifs.

A cassoulet, for those that don’t know, is a hearty stew of beans and multiple meats, usually duck legs, sausage and maybe some chicken or pork. It’s the kinda of meal that you need to walk or sleep off, so perfect for a Sunday lunch with a few big glasses of vin rouge.

Italy

As you might expect, Italian Sundays mean big family gatherings and lots of food. So although the Sunday lunch in Italy is a thing, there isn’t a typical meal that Italians will enjoy on the day.

Expect a big salad, and a hearty meat based dish. This might be a big lasagne, or pasta dish. But the Italians also love some slow cooked braised meat, such as beef braciole . This is thin slices of beef stuffed with pecorino cheese, proscuito ham, garlic and cooked in a rich wine and tomato sauce. Yes, it’s seriously indulgent and a popular Italian Sunday meal dish.

Spain

It’s hard to pin down one type of Spanish Sunday lunch, as the country is a ‘nation of nations’. So what they have for sunday lunch in Madrid will be different to what they eat in Seville or Barcelona.

In the Valencia region, paella is a popular Sunday dinner. In fact, the dish started out as a dish made by fishermen on the sundays to give their wives a day off. Across the Valencia region you will often see huge paella platters on offer in popular restaurants, which families will share between them.

However, a typical Spanish Sunday lunch will consist of roasted fish or meat, a sharing platter of meat or cheese, and most likely a flan or rich pie for dessert. Oh and don’t forget the wine!

The Spanish don’t tend to do big home gatherings, preferring instead to head to restaurants and soaking up the al-fresco vibes. So Sunday lunches in Spain are a big thing. Book a table if you’re planning to eat out on Sunday in Spain…

Brazil

The national dish of Brazil is feijoada, which is a sort of slow cooked black bean stew with assorted meats, usually a sausage of some sort, and cuts of pork. In some parts of the country, they may also include beef or chicken in a the stew… Anything goes. Feijoada is a popular Brazilian Sunday lunch dish, and is often served with farofa – a sort of toasted cassava flour.

As a big hearty lunch, it’s the type of dish that the whole family will sit down to enjoy and take their time to eat.

Brazilians also love their meat, so an asado is also very popular here. This is basically a sort of barbecue… More on that below.

South Africa

The sausage is king in South Africa, and for the big Sunday lunch expect to chow down on boererwors. This huge, spiced sausage of German origin is a popular in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe and is often the centrepiece for a hearty lunch gathering.

Sunday lunch in South Africa also means lots of ‘boerekos’, or farmers food.

It can also be swapped out for roasted chicken, or any braai’d (barbecued) meat. The meal is then typically served with heaps of rice, fresh veg, roasted pumpkin and potatoes. Yes, a lot of starch there.

India

Sunday dinner in India is often a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy a leisurely meal. Many traditional Indian dishes are prepared, featuring a wide variety of spices, vegetables, and meats.

One popular Sunday dinner dish in India is biryani, a fragrant rice dish typically made with spices, vegetables, and meat. Biryani can vary widely depending on the region of India, but it is often a flavorful and satisfying main course.

Another popular Sunday dinner dish in India is butter chicken, a creamy and rich chicken dish that is often served with naan bread or rice. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt before being simmered in a tomato-based sauce with butter and cream.

For vegetarians, dal makhani is a popular Sunday dinner dish. This hearty lentil dish is made with black lentils, kidney beans, and a variety of spices, and is typically served with rice or naan bread.

In addition to these main dishes, Indian Sunday dinners often include a variety of side dishes, such as raita (a yogurt-based dip), chutneys, and pickles. Desserts such as kheer (a rice pudding) or gulab jamun (a sweet fried dough ball) are also commonly served.

Southern Latin America

Asado is a traditional Sunday lunch in Latin America, especially in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. It is a barbecue-style meal that features grilled meats such as beef, pork, or chicken, as well as sausages, blood sausage, and sweetbreads.

The meat is typically cooked over an open flame or charcoal, and is often accompanied by chimichurri sauce, a mix of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil.

Asado is more than just a meal, it is a social event that brings families and friends together. It is often prepared by men, who take pride in their grilling skills and share stories and laughter while cooking. Asado can last for several hours, with multiple courses and plenty of wine and beer to go around. Expect to be more than full at the end of an asado….

Overall, asado is a beloved tradition in Latin America that celebrates food, family, and friendship. It is a symbol of Latin American culture and hospitality, and is a must-try experience for anyone visiting the region.

China

Weekend or Sunday dinners in China are a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy delicious food. One of the most popular meals is hot pot, which involves a simmering pot of broth placed in the centre of the table, with raw meats, vegetables, and other ingredients arranged around it.

Diners cook their own ingredients in the hot pot, dipping them in a variety of sauces for added flavour.

Dim sum is also a popular weekend brunch option, consisting of small steamed or fried dishes such as dumplings, buns, and rolls that are served on small plates and shared among the diners.

Peking duck is a famous dish from Beijing that is often enjoyed on special occasions, including weekends. It is a roasted duck that is sliced and served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Congee, a rice porridge made with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, pork, or fish, is also a popular weekend option in China. It is often flavoured with ginger, scallions, and other seasonings.

Another favourite dish is xiaolongbao, a type of steamed bun filled with pork and a savoury broth. Xiaolongbao is often served with soy sauce and vinegar for dipping and is a great option for a snack or part of a weekend meal.

Weekend and Sunday dinners in China are more than just about food. They are a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy each other’s company. These meals are often accompanied by tea or beer, and lively conversation is an essential part of the experience. With so many delicious and unique options to choose from, weekend and Sunday dinners in China are a wonderful way to experience Chinese cuisine and culture.

In summary

Food culture is a huge part of human culture. And experiencing a culture through it’s food is one of the best ways to really enjoy connecting with people and the local customs when travelling.

Weekends and Sundays in particular are valued as a great time to hang with family and friends, and enjoy some great food too. So wherever you’re heading in the world, if you can make time to meet and eat with locals then you’ll really see ‘the real’ side of the country.