5 Mother’s Day Food Traditions from Across the Globe
Mother’s Day is still one of the busiest days in the hospitality calendar, and the single most popular day for brunch. In fact, according to research by Open Table, Mother’s Day gets on average 3 times as many bookings as a typical Sunday, and has 62% more reservations than Father’s Day.
In the UK and Ireland, Mother’s Day menus and celebrations typically involve a home-cooked roast dinner followed by a classic British dessert, or a spot of afternoon tea, but around the globe, food traditions can look very different…
Brazil
Dia Das Mães (Mother’s Day) takes place on the second Sunday in May. As you might expect from a country known for its partying and carnivals, celebrations usually involve big family barbecues. Sirloin steak with rice and beans being one of the meals usually served.
Dessert might include brigadeiros (chocolate truffles), pudim (caramel flan), or passionfruit mousse—all homemade and shared with love. What makes Brazilian Mother’s Day special is the sense of togetherness. It’s not just about honouring mums, it’s about celebrating the entire family unit, with food as the centrepiece.
France
In France, Fête des Mères is celebrated on the last Sunday in May (or the first Sunday in June if it clashes with Pentecost). While the day shares similarities with UK traditions; family meals, gifts, and heartfelt gestures, there’s a distinctly French flair to the celebration.
Families typically gather for a multi-course lunch, often featuring:
- Quiche Lorraine or duck confit as a main
- Fresh baguettes, cheese platters, and seasonal salads
- A bottle of rosé or sparkling wine to toast the occasion
But the highlight comes at dessert: a cake shaped like a bouquet of flowers. These stunning creations are often made with genoise sponge, layered with fruit mousse, and decorated with buttercream petals, fresh berries, and edible flowers. Patisseries across France compete to craft the most beautiful and creative designs, turning dessert into a true art form.
Ethiopia
Mother’s Day in Ethiopia takes places at the end of the rainy season. Daughters traditionally bring a variety of vegetables, butter, spices and cheese to the celebrations, whilst the sons will bring a selection of meats, usually lamb or bull. The mother then puts all the ingredients together to create a delicious hash meal.
Italy
La Festa della Mamma takes place on the second Sunday in May. Families gather to enjoy a lunch of pasta and meat, followed by a show-stopping heart-shaped cake. The meal is typically homemade, with children and grandchildren helping in the kitchen. It’s a celebration of family, tradition, and togetherness.
China
Also taking place on the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day is becoming much more popular in China. It’s not only used as a day to celebrate mothers, but also to raise funds for mothers working in poor, rural areas. A popular treat served is the Red Bean Cake, which is made with red beans and coconut milk and has a jelly-like quality.
📣 Final Thoughts
Food is a universal language of love—and Mother’s Day is the perfect time to speak it. Whether you’re a caterer, chef, or foodservice provider, tapping into global traditions can inspire fresh ideas and boost engagement.
