Foods that define a culture’s day of rest

Sundays are sacred—not just in churches and temples, but around the table. Across continents and cultures, Sunday is a day to reset, reflect, and reconnect. And what better way to do that than through food? From the comforting aroma of a roast in the oven to the vibrant spices of simmering stew, Sunday meals are a cultural ceremony.

Here’s a look at how different cultures mark their Sundays with dishes that mean far more than just a full plate.

South Africa: The art of the Sunday Roast

In many South African households, Sunday lunch is non-negotiable, which is colloquially called ‘Sunday Kos’. After a morning service or a slow start, the comforting scent of roast beef or chicken drifts from the kitchen, served alongside golden potatoes, rice, gravy, pumpkin, and crispy roast vegetables. A simple salad, often with tangy atchar or sweetcorn, adds freshness. While this culinary tradition traces its roots to British influence, it’s been thoroughly localised: think of pap on the side, or a twist of peri-peri spice on the chicken, or even a braai

The final course? A sweet treat like peppermint crisp tart or malva pudding, followed by coffee and—inevitably—an afternoon nap.

Nigeria: Jollof Sundays and family feasts

In Nigeria, Sunday lunch means jollof rice—vivid, spicy, and simmered to perfection. This tomato-based rice dish, often made with red bell pepper, onions, chilli, and seasoning cubes, is a culinary icon. It’s usually accompanied by fried plantains, grilled or fried chicken, spicy stewed beef, and sometimes a bowl of moi-moi (steamed bean pudding).

Sunday is when the family comes together, and jollof is the main attraction. There’s pride in who makes the “best” version, with recipes passed down and fiercely guarded. Jollof is not just food; it’s a marker of cultural identity and community pride. Even the cooking process—lengthy and fragrant—signals that this is no ordinary meal.

ALSO READ: From Africa to the world: Global dishes with African roots

Morocco: Tagine and time-honoured rituals

In Morocco, Sundays aren’t necessarily official rest days, but they are often slower and shared, and nothing brings people together like a tagine. This traditional North African dish, named after the conical clay pot it’s cooked in, is slow-simmered with spices, vegetables, dried fruits, and tender cuts of meat.

Popular combinations include lamb with prunes and almonds, chicken with preserved lemons and olives, or hearty vegetable stews with warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric. Served with crusty khobz (flatbread) and mint tea, a tagine is more than a meal—it’s a ritual. Families eat together from one dish, in a circle, hands reaching and pausing in rhythmic communion.

France: Long lunches and slow conversations

The French déjeuner dominical is a masterclass in culinary slow living. Spanning several hours, the Sunday lunch starts with apéritifs—maybe olives, pâté, or a few slices of saucisson—before moving into a main like roast chicken, duck confit, or boeuf bourguignon. This is followed by a cheese course, dessert, and coffee, often served with a digestif.

The pace is deliberate. Children learn table manners, adults catch up on the week, and the table becomes a space for conversation, not just consumption. In the French countryside, it’s not uncommon for a Sunday lunch to begin at midday and only end at dusk. Wine flows generously, and dessert—whether a fruit tart, clafoutis, or mousse au chocolat—is never skipped.

More Sunday traditions worth tasting

Not all Sunday meals are alike, but their spirit, togetherness, and rest are universal. Here are a few more dishes that define the world’s favourite day of the week:

• Italy: Pasta al forno or a slow-cooked ragù served over fresh tagliatelle, followed by espresso and a slice of nonna’s cake.
• Jamaica: Rice and peas with oxtail, curried goat, or jerk chicken, and maybe a splash of sorrel or rum punch.
• Japan: A home-cooked spread of grilled fish, pickles, miso soup, and rice, shared in peaceful simplicity.
• Mexico: Birria or barbacoa tacos, traditionally slow-cooked and sold by local vendors on a Sunday morning.
• Southern USA: Fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens, and mac and cheese—a soulful, satisfying feast.

A universal recipe for togetherness

Whether served from a clay pot or a cast-iron pan, the world’s Sunday dishes offer more than flavour. In the blur of busy weeks, Sunday meals invite us to linger. To listen. To pass the bowl and the story. They remind us that food isn’t just about eating—it’s about belonging.

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