Valentine's Day: A Celebration of Love Around the World in 11 Menus ❤️🌍

Valentine's Day

, Valentine's Daycelebrated every year on February 14th, is the quintessential day for lovers. It's an opportunity to express your love through small romantic gestures, gifts, or a dinner for two. But did you know that this holiday is celebrated differently in different countries?

Where is Valentine's Day celebrated?

While Valentine's Day is popular in Europe, North America, and Asia, it is not celebrated in the same way everywhere.

• 🇫🇷 France : Couples exchange gifts and flowers, often over a romantic dinner.
• 🇺🇸 United States : It's a celebration of love but also of friendship. Children even give cards to their friends!
• 🇯🇵 Japan : Women give chocolate to men on February 14th, and a month later, on White Day, men return the favor.
• 🇧🇷 Brazil : Here, Valentine's Day takes place on June 12, the day of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage.
• 🇩🇰 Denmark : Lovers exchange Gaekkebrev, small anonymous poems accompanied by white flowers.
• 🇰🇷 South Korea : There are three Valentine's Days ! Chocolate in February, gifts in March, and a day dedicated to singles in April.

A Festival That Sparks Debate

In some countries, such asSaudi Arabia and Pakistan, Valentine's Day is sometimes banned, deemed contrary to local traditions. Elsewhere, it is criticized for its commercial aspect.

Whether you celebrate it or not, Valentine's Day is first and foremost an excuse to say "I love you" ! 💕

11 Menus from Around the World for Valentine's Day

Here are 11 original menus from around the world for an unforgettable Valentine's Day, each inspired by a destination and naturally gluten-free.

1️⃣ Tropical Passion Menu – Brazil 🇧🇷

• 🥂 Cocktail: Passion Fruit Caipirinha (Cocktails of the World)
• 🍽️ Starter: Salada de Palmito (Palm heart, avocado and mango salad)
• 🍤 Dish: Fish and shrimp moqueca (with coconut milk and coriander)
• 🍫 Dessert: Brigadeiro with almonds and cocoa

2️⃣ “Lights of Kyoto” Menu – Japan 🇯🇵

• 🍵 Cocktail: Matcha Sour (Cocktails of the World)
• 🍣 Starter: Citrus salmon sashimi
• 🍜 Dish: Tuna tataki with Miso
• 🍰 Dessert: Mochi filled with mango and coconut

3️⃣ "Flavors of the Arabian Nights" Menu – Morocco 🇲🇦

• 🍷 Cocktail: Gin and Mint Tea (Cocktails of the World)
• 🥗 Starter: Carrot salad with cumin
• 🥘 Dish: Chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives
• 🍊 Dessert: Oranges with cinnamon and orange blossom

4️⃣ “Polynesian Delights” Menu – Tahiti 🇵🇫

• 🍹 Cocktail: Mai Tai revisited with coconut milk (Cocktails of the world)
• 🍍 Starter: Raw fish with coconut milk and lime
• 🥥 Dish: Chicken fafa (with coconut milk and tropical spinach)
• 🍍 Dessert: Grilled pineapple with honey and vanilla

5️⃣ "Scandalously Gourmet Escape" Menu – Scandinavia 🇸🇪🇳🇴🇩🇰

• 🍸 Cocktail: Cranberry Spritz (Cocktails of the World)
• 🥗 Starter: Salmon gravlax with pink peppercorns and dill
• 🥩 Dish: Creamy salmon soup (Lohikeitto)
• 🍏 Dessert:  Blueberry pie

6️⃣ “Tuscan Elegance” Menu – Italy 🇮🇹

• 🍷 Cocktail: Bellini (Cocktails of the world)
• 🧀 Starter: Burrata and roasted cherry tomatoes
• 🍝 Dish: Porcini mushroom risotto
• 🍓 Dessert: Panna cotta with red berries

7️⃣ "Exotic and Spicy Escape" Menu – Thailand 🇹🇭

• 🍷 Cocktail: Mango Lassi with Coconut Milk (Cocktails of the World)
• 🍽️ Starter: Scallops with red curry
• 🍖 Dish: Thai Beef, The Crying Tiger
• 🍰 Dessert: Sticky rice with mango

8️⃣ Bollywood Mystery Menu – India 🇮🇳

• 🍹 Cocktail: Rose and cardamom lassi (Cocktails of the world)
• 🥭 Starter: Mango and cashew nut salad
• 🍛 Dish: Chicken tikka masala
• 🍮 Dessert: Kheer (rice pudding flavored with cardamom and almonds)

9️⃣ “Flamenco and Passion” Menu – Spain 🇪🇸

• 🍷 Cocktail: Pomegranate and citrus sangria (World Cocktails)
• 🦐 Starter: Prawns with garlic and sweet chili
• 🥘 Dish: Cod Biscay-style
• 🍰 Dessert: Catalan lemon cream

🔟 “Sunset in Greece” Menu – Greece 🇬🇷

• 🍹 Cocktail: Ouzo Tonic (Cocktails of the world)
• 🥗 Starter: Greek salad with Kalamata olives and feta
• 🍖 Dish: Chicken souvlaki marinated in lemon and oregano, with tzatziki
• 🍯 Dessert: Persimmon and almond cake

1️⃣1️⃣ Menu “French Elegance” – France 🇫🇷

• 🍸 Cocktail : Raspberry Kir Royal (Cocktails of the World)
• 🦪 Starter : Scallop and Citrus Salad (Fresh scallops, lime and orange, a touch of ginger and dill)
• 🥩 Dish : Beef Rossini  (beef fillet, pan-fried foie gras and port sauce)
• 🍫 Dessert : Chocolate Fondant (dark chocolate molten center)

👉 And you, how do you celebrate Valentine's Day?