Funeral Food from Around the World

Inspiration for Funeral Food From Around The World

Funeral foods around the World hold different symbolic meanings and they help to create a shared sense of community. Food has a wonderful way of bringing people together, allowing family and friends to celebrate their special person and to provide support for each other. Here are a few examples of typical funeral food from around the World.

Koliva

Koliva is a sweet dish created with wheat, nuts, raisins, pomegranate and spices, and covered with powdered sugar. It is prepared and eaten in the Eastern Orthodox church to commemorate the dead.

Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoes is a traditional potato and cheese dish that is served at wakes and post-funeral receptions, particularly in the American Intermountain West and Midwest and with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Irish Wake Cake

Traditionally at an Irish wake people bring food to provide support for friends and family at their time of grief. An Irish Wake Cake, which is very rich and similar to a pound cake, is a regular feature at Irish wakes, along with comforting dishes such as Beef and Guinness Pot Pies and Irish Dingle Pie.

Shortbread & Ale

In Scotland, shortbread is traditionally served at funerals and wakes, often with tea or local ale. Ale is served as a sign of respect and to honour the life of the deceased.

Halva

Halva is very sweet and is made mainly of tahini or sesame butter, sugar, glucose or honey. It is shared with family and friends at times of grief in a number of countries including Turkey, Armenia and Iran.

Pan de Muerto & Tamales

In Mexico, Pan de Metro is a pastry that is traditionally made for Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead). It is also served at wakes and funerals to honour the deceased. The bread is sweetened with orange or anise and is shaped like a skull or crossbones. Tamales, a corn dough stuffed with meats or vegetables, symbolises the connection between the living and the deceased.

Pancit & Lechon

In the Philippines, Pancit (noodles), which are believed to symbolise long life, and Lechon (roast pig) are often served at funerals or celebrations of life.

Kasha & Pirozhiki

In Russia, food at funerals and celebrations of life often includes pirozhki (small pies filled with meats, vegetables, or eggs) and kasha (a porridge made from buckwheat, barley, or oats). After the funeral, family and friends may share a glass of vodka in memory of the deceased.

Noodles & Fruit

At Chinese funerals, noodles are traditionally served. They symbolise long life and offer a wish for the deceased’s peaceful journey into the afterlife. The noodles are usually served uncut as cutting noodles is believed to symbolise a break in the cycle of life. Fruit, such as oranges and apples, are often served as an offering to ancestors as they are associated with good fortune and prosperity.

Frittata & Sweets

In Italy, particularly in the Southern regions, frittata and sweets like pasticciotti (pastries filled with custard) are often served at funerals and celebrations of life to provide comfort at a time of grief.

Find Further Information About Organising a Funeral or Celebration of Life

For further information about organising a funeral or celebration of life, please go to Funeral Planning Information or Catering for a Funeral Reception or Wake.

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If you would like to find caterers for a funeral or celebration of life, please go to our Provider Directory for Caterers & Planners.