Chinese New Year
Food & Cuisine
Discover the delicious traditions, symbolism, and recipes that make Chinese New Year a feast for the senses
Explore DishesTraditional Dishes
The Chinese New Year feast includes special dishes that not only delight the palate but also carry auspicious meanings. Here are some essential foods that grace tables during this important celebration:
Dumplings (饺子 Jiǎozi)
Shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, dumplings symbolise wealth and prosperity. Many families hide a coin in one dumpling during preparation—whoever finds it will enjoy exceptional good fortune throughout the year.
Whole Fish (鱼 Yú)
The Chinese word for fish (yú) sounds remarkably similar to 'surplus' or 'abundance'. A whole fish symbolises prosperity throughout the year. It's traditionally served whole with the head and tail intact, ensuring completeness.
Spring Rolls (春卷 Chūnjuǎn)
These crispy golden parcels, filled with fresh vegetables and sometimes meat, represent wealth because their golden colour and cylindrical shape resemble precious gold bars from ancient times.
Longevity Noodles (长寿面 Chángshòu Miàn)
These specially prepared extra-long noodles must never be cut or broken during cooking or eating, as they symbolise longevity. The longer the noodle remains intact, the longer your life will be!
Sticky Rice Cake (年糕 Niángāo)
This delightfully sweet and chewy rice cake gets its auspicious meaning from wordplay—its name sounds like 'higher year', symbolising advancement, progress, and reaching new heights in the coming year.
Sweet Rice Balls (汤圆 Tāngyuán)
These delightful glutinous rice balls, served floating in a warm, sweet soup, symbolise family reunion and togetherness. Their perfectly round shape represents wholeness and unity amongst loved ones.
