Lately, my mum has been gently (read: firmly) reminding me that it’s time to plan this year’s Christmas menu. So over the weekend, during one of those rare quiet moments I finally asked her what she wanted. Then I added what I felt like cooking… and just like that, a full menu appeared.
Honestly, I already know I’m going to regret the workload on Christmas Day but the food will be worth it.
Back in 2020, I wrote a similar post about our Christmas meals, and let’s just say things have changed since then. Some dishes that used to feel special are now just everyday meals because we cook them so often. So this year, I’ve decided to switch things up with dishes we rarely make but that remain classics from the coastal region.
So… here’s what’s on our Christmas menu for 2025:
Breakfast Ideas
1. Mkate wa Sinia
Not my idea but my mum insisted. This soft, coconut-rich rice cake is a family favorite, so who am I to argue?
2. Samosas
Still deciding on the filling but definitely not beef, because we eat that often. Options on the table: chicken, vegetables, green grams, or fish.
3. Doughnuts
These took the place of mahamri because honestly… we eat mahamri almost every day. Time for a break.
Main Meal Ideas
1. Beef Biryani
Replacing the usual pilau because after the amount of pilau I’ve eaten this year… it no longer counts as “special.” Biryani it is.
2. Coconut Rice
Because plain rice feels like a downgrade.
3. Matumbo ya Mbuzi
My mum says this cannot be missing. Simple seasoning, boiled, and a bit spicy – perfection.
4. Maini (Liver)
Not my personal favorite… but again mum said yes, so it’s a yes.
5. Vegetables
Someone in this household will definitely cause chaos if vegetables aren’t included – so they made the cut.
6. Passion Juice
Passions are pricey, so we don’t make this daily. But for Christmas? Absolutely.
7. Fruits
A variety — depending on what’s available. Fingers crossed for pineapples.
Extras (Not Special, but Non-Negotiable)
√ Spiced milk tea
√ Sausages
√ Bacon
√ Beef (boiled and grilled)
√ Fish (fried)
√ Chicken (fried, stewed, and grilled — because one style is never enough)
So that’s our lineup for Christmas this year.
Now I’m curious,
What’s on your Christmas menu?
Are you sticking to tradition, or are you switching things up too?
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