Christmas lunches in Indian homes are unique. With roots of Christianity going back 2000 years in the sub-continent, the food is a repository for influences from across the globe. From Portuguese flavours to traditional English roasts, all find a place on the table. In Bengaluru, which is home to Christian families from all parts of the country, the traditional lunch can take many different avatars.
Table set for Christmas at Clive VanBuerle’s home | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Anglo roots
Clive VanBuerle is a quintessential Anglo-Indian with Dutch and English background, but a true-blue Bengaluru boy. “On Christmas day, we generally do a potluck with my siblings and their families. There is lots of food and games.” The potluck will typically have a chicken roast, pork roast or a buff roast, with sides such as a Russian salad, cutlets, a Christmas pudding, a meatloaf, and shepherd’s pie.
“Christmas for an Anglo-Indian is where we celebrate our Anglo roots. For the rest of the year. we live an ‘Indian’ life. If you came home, I eat rice and dal or rasam. But Christmas is all about the Anglo side.”
