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8 Must Have Food During The Lunar New Year

8 Must Have Food During The Lunar New Year

Auli Cinantya
09 February 2024

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From savory dumplings to auspicious rice cakes and longevity noodles, these symbolic dishes are must-haves for a prosperous Lunar New Year.

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As the Year of the Dragon approaches, it’s time to start thinking about Lunar New Year foods to welcome the auspicious occasion. How do you plan to celebrate this year? Are you gearing up to cook a feast at home or are you considering dining out? Either way, we’ve got you covered with a list of eight must-have dishes that will bring luck and prosperity to your Lunar New Year celebrations.

Checkout our curated list on where to dine this Lunar New Year!

Must Have Lunar New Year Dish

Dumplings

With over 1,800 years of history, dumplings (饺子 Jiǎozi) are a classic Lunar New Year dish that symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Legend has it that the more dumplings you eat during the festivities, the greater your chances of financial success in the coming year.

Want to know more on why you Dumpling is a must have dish for Lunar New Year?

Longevity Noodles

Just like their name suggests, longevity noodles (长寿面 Chángshòu Miàn) symbolize a wish for longevity. These uncut noodles, served in a single long strand, represent smoothness and continuity, promising a seamless year ahead.

Do you know the difference between Lo Mien and Chow Mien? 

Lucky 8 Stir-Fry

This dish, inspired by Buddhist vegetarian cooking, includes a combination of ingredients representing good luck, prosperity, and happiness. With eight vegetables symbolizing abundance, it epitomizes the spirit of Lunar New Year celebrations.

Nian Gao (Glutinous Rice Cake)

Whether sweet or savory, Nian Gao symbolizes upward growth and improvement in life. Made from sticky rice flour, dates, chestnuts, and sugar, these cakes are believed to bring good fortune to those who partake in their indulgence.

Orange

Revered as symbols of wealth and fullness, oranges are often displayed around homes and exchanged as gifts during the Lunar New Year. Their round shape and golden hue embody the spirit of abundance and prosperity that defines this joyous occasion.

Peking Duck

Renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, Peking Duck symbolizes fidelity and good fortune. With its history dating back to the Ming Dynasty, this iconic dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Spring Rolls

Symbolizing wealth and prosperity, spring rolls are a must-have during the Lunar New Year festivities. Fried to a golden perfection and filled with savory delights, these crispy treats are a symbol of good fortune.

Steamed Fish

Serving a whole fish during the Lunar New Year dinner is considered a must symbolizing abundance and surplus for the coming year. The word for “fish” sounds like “surplus” in Chinese, making it a powerful symbol of prosperity.

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