10 Must-Have Dishes for Chinese New Year and Their Meanings
What’s on your Chinese New Year menu? Discover 10 must-have dishes and their meanings, from dumplings for wealth to fish for abundance. Eat your way to luck!
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time to gather with loved ones, share blessings, and enjoy symbolic dishes that usher in good fortune. Every dish on the table carries a unique meaning, rooted in centuries of tradition. Here are 10 must-have dishes to make your celebration truly auspicious.
1. Whole Fish – Abundance
A whole fish symbolises surplus and abundance for the coming year. The Chinese phrase “年年有余” (nián nián yǒu yú) translates to “may you have surplus every year.” Steam the fish with ginger and soy sauce to let its natural flavours shine.
Image from iStock
2. Dumplings – Wealth
Shaped like ancient gold ingots, dumplings are believed to bring wealth and prosperity. Folding them with family is part of the fun, and the more you eat, the richer you’ll be!
Image from Kaiser Permanente
3. Spring Rolls – Gold Bars
Golden and crispy, spring rolls resemble gold bars, making them a favourite dish for prosperity. Filled with vegetables, meat, or sweet bean paste, they represent wealth and happiness.
Image from Healthy World Cuisine
4. Glutinous Rice Cake (Nian Gao) – Higher Achievements
“Nian gao” sounds like “year high,” symbolising progress and success. Made with sticky rice flour, this sweet treat represents a higher position in life or career.
Nian Gao
5. Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan) – Family Togetherness
These round, sticky balls represent unity and togetherness. Often served in sweet syrup, tangyuan is a must-have during family reunions.
6. Whole Chicken – Wholeness
A whole chicken signifies family unity and completeness. It’s often poached and served with fragrant ginger-scallion sauce, perfect for a meaningful feast.
Image from Tasting Table
7. Longevity Noodles – Long Life
Uncut noodles represent a wish for long life and good health. Slurp these up carefully—breaking them is considered bad luck.
8. Eight-Treasure Rice – Blessings
This vibrant dessert is made with glutinous rice, nuts, and dried fruits, symbolising prosperity and blessings. Its eight ingredients represent the number’s auspicious meaning.
Image from The Spruce Eats
9. Mandarin Oranges – Wealth and Good Luck
Mandarins are a staple during Chinese New Year. Their golden hue and round shape symbolise wealth, while the word “橙” (chéng) sounds like success in Chinese.
Image from FoodPrint
10. Peking Duck – Luxury and Celebration
This iconic dish signifies opulence and festive indulgence. Its rich flavour and crispy skin make it a centrepiece for joyous occasions.
Takeaway
These 10 dishes aren’t just delicious—they’re filled with meaning and tradition, making Chinese New Year a feast for both the palate and the spirit. As you gather with loved ones, may these dishes bring you prosperity, happiness, and a year of blessings.
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