Eight Christmas dinner options without the turkey: ‘It’s a simple choice, but one that makes the day infinitely more enjoyable’

As bird flu affects poultry supply and people grow tired of the usual spread, we ask chefs, artists and regular Christmas Day dinner hosts for their alternative take on the menu, from meaty to spicy, veggie and hassle-free

Scrap the traditional Christmas dinner for some exciting new options this year. llustrator: Daria Voskoboeva

Christmas is coming but this year it doesn’t look like the goose, or the turkey, is getting fat as an outbreak of bird flu has led to the culling of thousands of birds in farms across the country, many of which were destined for the Christmas market.

While turkey will still be on the menu in many Irish homes this year, poultry supply is likely to be reduced and prices may be higher than normal, so an alternative option for your festive feast may be necessary. To help you decide what to serve this Christmas, we spoke to people who don’t opt for turkey and the trimmings on December 25. From spicy to succulent, there is bound to be something that takes your fancy.