17 International Foods And Traditions That Prove Valentine's Day Is SO Much More Than Chocolates And Hearts Outside The US

In the United States, when Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re so quick to grab that box of chocolates or reach for those iconic conversation candy hearts. But a fascination with a deeper form of culinary connectivity and food history made me wonder: How are people celebrating, and what are they eating, around the world?

From a Yucatán roast chicken dish called Pollo Pibil in Mexico to a Nigerian street food called Suya, copious amounts of cocoa in Ghana to buttery Biscoff-filled hot cross buns in Australia, here’s what 17 countries around the globe will be eating this love day.

1.South Africa: Marshmallow Pies

A classic dessert made of marshmallow, chocolate, and wafer, marshmallow pies are an integral part of Valentine’s Day celebrations in South Africa. Whip up a batch of your own and treat your sweetie to the kind of fluffy filling dreams are made of.

2.China: Qiaoguo

Though Valentine's Day isn’t celebrated in China until summertime — on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month — it’s commemorated with the annual Qiqiao (Qixi) festival. The fried Qiaoguo, made with oil, flour, and sugar, is the traditional pastry at the festival and often comes with a sweet sesame filling.

3.Italy: Baci Perugina

In Italy, the famous La Festa degli Innamorati, The Day of Lovers, calls for Baci Perugina, chocolate kisses with cherries and love notes tucked inside. On the savory side, Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, Osso Buco, and Penne all’Arrabbiata (followed by more Baci, of course) are also popular.

4.Egypt: Fatteh and Kahk

In Egypt, a main dish called Fatteh consists of spice-boiled lamb or beef (or other proteins) served over a bed of rice alongside toasted pita bread and a garlicky tomato sauce. For dessert, there’s a traditional cookie known as Kahk, which is filled with nuts or dates and dusted with powdered sugar.

5.Argentina: Alfajores

Argentinians don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in February, but instead celebrate “the week of sweetness” in July. A common sweet treat, alfajores consists of two round cookies made from flour, honey, almonds, and cinnamon, that are often filled (or topped) with dulce de leche.

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6.Mexico: Pollo Pibil

In Mexico, Valentine’s Day is called The Day of Love and Friendship, or El Día del Amor y la Amistad. Lovers and friends enjoy a Yucatán roast chicken dish known as Pollo Pibil, which is made with achiote paste, citrus, and spices.

7.United Kingdom: Potato Dauphinoise

In Potato Dauphinoise, thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream and cheese for the ultimate comfort food decadence. To really do it as they do in the UK, pair this love day side dish with a classic Beef Wellington.

And in Great Britain, specifically: The Pacific Oyster

The long-associated-with-love oyster is a popular item for romantic meals around the world. But in Great Britain, they specifically choose to eat special Pacific Oysters, which are produced on farms, instead of the native oysters—because only the best bivalves for your boo.

8.Australia: Biscoff-Filled Hot Cross Buns

Commonly served as an Easter treat in Australia, Biscoff-Filled Hot Cross Buns have since stolen the show on Valentine’s Day, too. Fluffy, warm, and soft, these beautiful, buttery buns are filled with Lotus Biscoff cookie butter spread for an irresistible treat.

9.Bulgaria: Local Wine

It’s bottoms up in Bulgaria! On February 14, Bulgarians celebrate St. Trifon Zarezan, the saint of wine. Couples toast with local wine, priests perform blessings over the country’s vineyards, and farmers prepare wine-inspired feasts alongside their family and friends. It’s also said that on this day, as tradition has it, the housewife rises early to knead and bake grape-leaf bread and prepare the rice-stuffed chicken.

10.Japan: Honmei Choco and Giri Choco

Also known as “true love chocolate,” Honmei Choco is a gift of chocolate given by a woman to her romantic partner or love interest. Not to be confused with the former type of chocolate, Giri Choco, or “obligatory chocolate,” which is given to a male co-worker to express friendship and gratitude.

11.Ireland: Sweet Carrot Dishes

Though chocolate is still a top choice in Ireland, sweet carrot side dishes have surprisingly risen to the top as a Valentine’s Day go-to. Bring a taste of Ireland to your table with Irish Buttered Carrots, also called Slieve Na Mbam, which are simmered in milk and butter.

12.Sweden: Hjärtansfras and Kärleksmums

In Sweden, Valentine's Day or Alla hjärtans dag (All Heart's Day) is celebrated with hjärtansfras — heart-shaped waffles topped with whipped cream and berries. They’re also known to indulge in kärleksmums, or "love treats," a light chocolate cake topped with chocolate coffee glaze and shredded coconut.

13.Ghana: Cocoa

In Ghana, February 14th is also National Chocolate Day. As one of the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world, Ghanaians celebrate the day with concerts, festivals, and copious chocolate consumption.

14.United States: Conversation Hearts

Etched with words like “BFF,” “CUTIE,” and “ROCKSTAR,” Brach's iconic Conversation Hearts are about as Valentine’s Day-ish as it gets in the United States. From lemon-lime to wintergreen, there’s a go-to flavor and phrase for the love day gifter in us all.

15.Canada: Heart-Shaped Sweets

Similar to the United States, our Canadian neighbors love their heart-shaped treats, too. A symbol of love and romance, they celebrate with heart-shaped sweets — sugar cookies, cinnamon heart candies, and chocolate hearts.

16.France: Macarons

Traditionally the French celebrated Valentine’s Day with “une loterie d’amour," in which single people stood outside of their homes calling to others until they paired off. Today, they keep it simple with a delicately chewy, perfectly balanced, slightly nutty-in-flavor macaron (and perhaps, a box of chocolate and a glass of wine from Bordeaux to go along with it).

17.Nigeria: Suya

A popular Nigerian street food, Suya is made from strips of seasoned meat that are marinated, skewered, and grilled. Often made with tender beef and a spicy peanut sauce, it can be served with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lettuce, and lime juice.

And that’s a love day wrap from around the world! Do you have a culinary tradition of your own that you look forward to celebrating on Valentine’s Day? Share it with us — and spread the culinary love — in the comments! ❤️