Rick Stein returns - Christmas Special

Rick Stein returns - Christmas Special

From The Travel Diaries by Holly Rubenstein

December 16, 2025 · 41 min · Season 15

About this episode

Holly Rubenstein interviews Rick Stein about his Christmas traditions and culinary experiences.

Welcome to a very special festive edition of The Travel Diaries . Today I’m joined by the legendary chef, restaurateur and writer, Rick Stein. Rick is returning to the podcast for the first time in five years , and I can’t think of a better guest to bring a little culinary sparkle to our Christmas Special. This year, Rick is celebrating the release of his beautifully personal and utterly joyful new book, Rick Stein’s Christmas - a treasure trove of festive recipes, stories, traditions, and reflections on what this time of year really means. In our conversation, we dive into his own Christmas rituals in both Cornwall and Australia, the dishes that embody comfort and nostalgia for him, the lessons he learned while cooking - and occasionally improvising - his way through last year’s festivities, and the deeply human side of the season that he weaves into the book. We also travel far beyond the Christmas table, hearing about Rick’s recent adventures filming in the Australian outback, the food gems he uncovered there, his newest favourite destinations, and the UK restaurants he’s loving right now. So pour yourself something warm and cosy, settle in, and enjoy this festive journey with…

People in this episode

Host: Holly Rubenstein

Guest: Rick Stein

Topics covered

  • Christmas
  • culinary traditions
  • travel
  • festive recipes
  • personal stories
  • adventures

Keywords

  • Rick Stein
  • Christmas recipes
  • culinary traditions
  • travel destinations
  • festive cooking

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Rick Stein’s Christmas

Places: Cornwall, Australia, Thailand, The Niagara Café, Gundagai, NSW, Australia, Île de Ré, France, Riva, Barnes, London, England, Riley’s Fish Shack, Tynemouth, England, Porto, Portugal, Douro Valley, Portugal, Laigueglia, Liguria, Italy

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