It has been a year since our last celebration, and a lot has happened during that time. The good news is that the Chinese New Year of the year Dragon is approaching, and as part of the celebration, a red pocket season will be observed. Certain dishes are eaten during the Chinese New Year for their symbolic meaning, as it is believed that they bring good luck for the coming year. 

1. Prosperity Salad / Yúshēng / 鱼生

Yúshēng is a raw fish salad that is popular in Cantonese cuisine. This dish is made with strips of raw fish, mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments. The recipe typically includes ingredients such as shredded white and green radishes, carrots, ginger slices, onion slices, crushed peanuts, pomelo, pepper, essence of chicken, oil, salt, vinegar, sugar, and more. The dish is said to symbolize wealth and long life.

 

2. Dumplings / Jiaozi / 饺子

Dumpling is a popular dish during the Lunar New Year celebration, especially in North China. It is a type of Chinese dumpling, made by filling small pieces of pastry with meat or vegetables, then steaming and frying them. The dish is often served with black vinegar with julienned ginger. Eating dumplings during the Chinese New Year is believed to bring good financial fortune, as they resemble gold or silver, the currency used in ancient times.

3. Spring Rolls / Chūn Juǎn / 春卷

Spring rolls are a type of Cantonese dim sum dish that consists of cylindrical-shaped rolls filled with vegetables, meat, or sweet ingredients. The fillings are wrapped in thin dough wrappers, and then fried to give the spring rolls their distinctive golden-yellow color. This dish is particularly popular during the Chinese New Year in East China, including Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Fujian, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. The crispy golden rolls are traditionally thought to represent bars of gold and are believed to bring wealth and prosperity in the upcoming year.

4. Longevity Noodle / Chángshòu miàn / 长寿面

In Chinese culture, noodles are symbolic of longevity, signifying a desire for a long and prosperous life. In contrast to regular noodles, these noodles are longer and uncut, and can be served either fried on a plate or boiled in a bowl with their broth. In North China, they are considered to be a fortuitous food, traditionally consumed on Chinese New Year's Day. As a result, they hold a significant cultural significance and are an important feature of Chinese New Year celebrations.

5. Whole Fish / Yú / 鱼

In Chinese culture, fish has been a customary dish on the Chinese New Year dinner menu. It is believed that having a surplus at the end of the year will bring extra good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year. This tradition reflects the importance of saving and planning for the future. The fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity, and it is considered an auspicious dish that brings happiness and good fortune to the table.

 

6. Mandarin Oranges / Júzi / 橘子

Mandarin oranges have long been considered a traditional symbolized as jīn (金) / gold. In ancient times, orange and red fruits were viewed as magical, probably due to their vivid colors, and it was a great honor to receive one as a gift.

7. Basin of Vegetables / Pén Cài or Poon Choi / 盆菜  

Poon Choi, also known as Pén Cài is a traditional Cantonese festival meal composed of many layers of different significant ingredients such as mushroom, abalone, seafood, meat, vegetables and many more. It is traditionally served in a wooden and metal basin during festive periods, especially Chinese New Year. Families would contribute whatever food they had to a large communal pot, which would be cooked and eaten over the day and therefore, symbolized unity and togetherness. 

8. Prawn / Xiā / 虾

Prawn is considered a savory symbol of good fortune. It is believed that consuming prawn brings happiness and success in the new year. The notion of good fortune encompasses more than just wealth; it includes overall prosperity, joy, health, laughter, success, and betterment.

9. Whole Chicken / Jī / 鸡  and Duck / Yā / 鸭

In Chinese culture, chicken and duck is commonly braised or roasted for family reunion meals. It is usually cooked with simple ingredients such as ginger or soy sauce. Traditionally, a whole chicken and duck are offered to ancestors and gods for blessings and protection before being served. The chicken and duck are usually served with the head and feet intact to symbolize unity and wholeness. This also signifies a good beginning and end to the year.

10. Braised Pork Belly with Taro / Yùtou Hóngshāo Wǔhuāròu / 芋头红烧五花肉

Braised pork belly with taro is a well-loved dish that is commonly served during the Chinese New Year celebrations in Southern China. The dish features tender slices of pork that are perfectly seasoned with sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, and paired with soft and starchy taro slices. Pork symbolizes a life that is prosperous, wealthy, strong, and filled with abundant blessings. The dish is a way to express the wish that the New Year will be a prosperous one. 

11. Glutinous Rice Ball / Tāng yuán / 汤圆

Did you know that sweet rice balls are a favorite food during China's Lantern Festival? They're so delicious that people in South China enjoy them throughout the Spring Festival! The round shape and pronunciation of the rice balls represent reunion and togetherness, which make them a perfect choice for the Chinese New Year celebration. Sweet rice balls symbolize the importance of being together with loved ones and having a family reunion, so it's no wonder why they're so popular! 

12. Sticky Rice Cake / Nián Gāo / 年糕 

Sticky Rice Cake, also known as "Nián Gāo / 年高", is a popular food in Chinese cuisine made from glutinous rice flour. Although it can be consumed throughout the year, it is traditionally eaten during the Chinese New Year. Eating “nián gāo” is believed to bring good luck during this time of the year, as it sounds similar to "higher year" or "grow every year", which signifies a more prosperous year.