Good Food blog

8th February, 2012

Valentine's food across the world

It's all about a box of chocolates and a lobster dinner in England. But would you think of sending an Easter egg? Or maybe throwing a dinner and dance party? We take a look at how the world celebrates the day of love...

America
It's not just lovers who mark Valentine's Day in the US - it's also a time to express gratitude to family, friends and teachers!

Just like us, it's chocolate and sweets that people go crazy for on February 14. But you might also be invited to a Valentine's Day dinner and dance party, which even happen in schools around the US.

Japan
Only women give gifts to their sweethearts on Valentine's Day - the men have to wait until March 14 for 'White Day', when they return the favour.

Two types of chocolate are popular... giri ('obligation')-choco is brought for friends, bosses, colleagues and male friends, and hon-mei chocolates are given to lovers, and are usually homemade.

Here's a top fact: of all the chocolate sold in Japan in one year, more than half of it is brought on and around Valentine's Day.

Italy
It's only lovebirds who celebrate Valentine's Day in Italy. Couples will usually go out to dinner, and if you're lucky you'll get a handful of 'Baci Perugina' - chocolate-covered hazelnuts wrapped in shiny paper, containing a poetic quote in four languages.

Denmark
Young'uns take care to follow Valentine's traditions in Denmark to guarantee a successful love life when they are older. One tradition is to write a 'gaekkebrev' - a special love poem, only sent on Valentine's Day. The man writes it anonymoulsy, and if the woman correctly guesses his identity than she is rewarded with an Easter Egg later that year!

Iraq
In some areas of Iraq, people decorate apples with cloves and offer them to their partners on February 14. A red apple dotted with cloves represents love and prosperity.

Feeling inspired? Then get cooking! Check out our best Valentine's Day recipes.