6 celebration dishes picked by Good Food show experts

1. Tiramisu

Chetna Makan writes, ‘It wouldn’t be a celebration without some of our family’s favourite meals. This time of year is so special for us, as we celebrate Diwali. For that, I always tend to prepare a big vegetarian feast that consists of delicious shahi paneer, chole (chickpea curry) and some puri (fried flatbreads). To round off the meal, I love serving a refreshing cucumber salad, crunchy papad (poppadums), and cooling raita. When it comes to Christmas, I always cook a big traditional dinner with chicken as the main, along with all the regular sides of potatoes, veg, Yorkshire puddings and gravy. But, the dessert for us has to be a tiramisu as we all love it so much. I even tend to make an extra tray, as we’ll eat it almost every day over the Christmas break.’ @chetnamakan

Try one of our Italian-inspired tiramisu recipes.

2. Smoked trout & pickle pumpernickel toast

Smoked trout & radish remoulade tartines

Sophie admits, ‘In my family, my mum is still in charge of the bulk of the Christmas cooking, but I take great pleasure in being the head chef for the canapés. The line-up varies year to year, but without fail, these smoked trout toasts feature. It’s the perfect balance of oily fish and sharp pickled things served on nutty bread to soak up the fizz you’re drinking. It’s a great thing to kick off the rich festive eating.’ @sophiewyburd

Check out our canapé recipes for more inspiration on finger foods that your family will enjoy. Follow Sophie Wyburd’s recommendation and try smoked trout with our smoked trout & radish remoulade tartines.

3. Meat-free ‘meatball’ sliders

Pull-apart garlic rolls with baked camembert in a dish

For Max la Manna, ‘It wouldn’t be a celebration without having loved ones with you in the kitchen. And, while I understand that can be stressful at times, think about all the joy and memories that will be made. One of my favourite dishes to make when I have family over – perfect for any party – is my meat-free meatball sliders. They’re very moreish, and easy to make for everyone to enjoy. The best part? You pull them apart and eat them with your hands.’ @maxlamanna

Try our pull-apart garlic rolls with baked camembert for another festive vegetarian pull-apart option. Or give in to your meat craving and offer guests our pull-apart meatball sliders.

4. Curry

Two pots of turkey curry with rice next to a broken naan and some nuts in a bowl

Nadiya Hussain passionately states, ‘It wouldn’t be a celebration without an enormous pot of curry.’ During the festive season, a hearty curry often becomes the star of the table, especially on Boxing Day, when there’s a delightful rush to use leftover turkey and vegetables. For Nadiya, a curry represents warmth and generosity; it embodies abundance, encourages conviviality, and invites everyone to return for seconds. ‘There’s nothing better than the joy of knowing you can indulge a little more at a celebration!’ @nadiyajhussain

Are you weary of the usual festive roasts by the time Christmas ends? Revitalise your taste buds with this vibrant, spicy leftover turkey curry.

5. Crispy chilli beef bao buns

Steamed bao buns filled with pork and vegetables

Brin Pirathapan writes, ‘Winter celebrations call for hearty comfort food packed full of bold flavours, and my crispy chilli beef bao buns just scream crowd-pleaser. The fluffy bao buns are a literal comfort blanket for the crispy, spicy filling– beautiful strips of crunchy beef coated in a zingy, vibrant sauce are nestled in these edible clouds. Topped with spring onions and some extra chillies for those brave enough, these bao buns are totally moreish and a celebration in themselves.’ @brin.pirathapan

Check out our steamed bao bun recipe before checking out more comfort food recipes.

6. Roast turbot

For Paul Ainsworth, the festive season is the ‘perfect opportunity to push the boat out’. He loves sharing food around the table and finds it incredibly special to watch loved ones indulge in wonderful, abundant dishes. Paul believes there is something truly remarkable about serving seafood as a main dish, especially living in Cornwall, where exceptional produce is always at hand.

This celebratory season, he plans to prepare a recipe from his cookbook For the Love of Food, featuring a traditional roast dinner—with a twist, of course, as he opts for turbot. While Cornish turbot may be considered a luxury, it is a meaty fish that offers excellent value and serves as a stunning centrepiece. Alternatively, he suggests using brill or monkfish for those looking for options. Carving the fish at the table adds a delightful element of theatre, and Paul believes it is best enjoyed alongside chicken wing gravy, Yorkshire puddings, and braised carrots. @paulainsw6rth

Discover more fish recipes perfect for enjoying as the showstopping main with our dinner party fish recipes. Our baked cod recipe is ideal for your festive spread alongside our crispy roast potatoes.

Nadiya will be at the Good Food Show Winter on Sunday 24 November at the NEC, Birmingham. Come along to see her cooking live, plus listen in to her interview on the Let’s Talk Good Food Stage and pick up a copy of her new book to get signed.

Find out more and book tickets on the Good Food Show website.