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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chinese New Year is more than just a time for gathering and celebration—it is also a feast for the senses, filled with delicious dishes that carry deep symbolism. Each bite of these traditional Chinese New Year dishes represents a wish for prosperity, wealth, health, and happiness in the year ahead.
As we welcome the Year of the Snake, there is no shortage of missing out on these delectable Chinese New Year foods, that will make your festivities even more special.
List of Signature Chinese New Year Dishes
Pure Wow, Red House Spice, and China Highlights feature whole steamed fish as one of the traditional Chinese New Year staples. Other mouthwatering, symbolic dishes to enjoy include:
1. Whole Steamed Fish
As one of the staple Chinese New Year dishes, steamed fish is served as a whole. Symbolizing prosperity, this dish is presented with its head and tail intact, with the head facing the elderly guest as a sign of respect. What’s more, the "leftover" fish is often saved for the next day, representing a surplus that will carry over into the following year.
2. Chinese Dumplings
Celebrating Chinese New Year will not be complete without Chinese dumplings filling all the tables. These little pockets of joy are shaped like ancient gold bars, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Whether filled with pork, vegetables, or shrimp, dumplings are best served in lines to represent forward movement.
3. Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are among the traditionally eaten foods at Chinese New Year. While there are no specific rules for the fillings, the inside of these deep-fried golden bites are typically loaded with vegetables and ground meat like pork or shrimp. Not just a culinary delight, spring rolls are also a symbol of wealth.
4. Tangyuan
Tangyuan, or sweet rice balls, is another cherished traditional Chinese New Year food that graces the table with unity and togetherness symbolism. These glutinous rice dumplings can be stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, like sesame paste or chopped peanuts, and are traditionally served in a warm, fragrant broth.
5. Longevity Noodles
As the name suggests, longevity noodles represent the wish for a long life. These uncut noodles can stretch up to two feet long, symbolizing the hope for a long and prosperous life. Cutting them would be a bad omen, so slurp away and wish for many years of happiness and good health.
6. Steamed Chicken
Similar to steamed whole fish, steamed chicken is another dish that symbolizes prosperity. Traditionally served whole, with the head and feet intact, it represents a full circle of good fortune from start to finish.
7. Vegetarian Stir Fry
If you are looking for a meat-free option, the tasty vegetarian stir fry is an amazing choice. Packed with fresh vegetables and mushrooms, it symbolizes good fortune. The bamboo shoots used in this dish, bring longevity and upward momentum, adding a positive touch to the celebration.
8. Lion’s Head Meatballs
Lion’s head meatballs are a comforting and beloved dish, especially popular in Shanghai. These tender pork meatballs, coated in a sweet, sticky sauce, are shaped to resemble a lion’s head—an emblem of strength and power in Chinese culture.
9. Shrimp
Shrimp is another lucky food commonly served during Chinese New Year. In Chinese, the word for shrimp sounds like the word for "laughter," and it is believed that eating shrimp brings joy and happiness for the coming year. You can easily find shrimp in various forms, such as inside dumplings, served as a whole, or even diced-in lettuce wraps.
10. Nián gao
Among the traditional Chinese New Year dishes, nián gao is a must for anyone wishing for a life improvement. Whether you’re hoping for a raise or general good luck, this sticky rice cake dessert not only adds a sweet touch to your celebration but also fosters hope for the year ahead.
11. Tangerines
Tangerines are often given as gifts during the Chinese New Year because of their association with good luck. Their name closely resembles the Chinese word for “luck”, making them a hopeful offering. Eating tangerines is believed to bring wealth, and the more you eat, the more good fortune is believed to come your way.
12. Wontons
Wontons are another type of dumpling believed to bring wealth and treasure. Served either deep-fried or in a warm soup, they are typically filled with pork or shrimp, both symbols of good fortune and abundance
13. Eggplant Salad
A refreshing addition to any Chinese New Year spread, eggplant salad combines roasted eggplant, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar. This dish not only delights the taste buds but is also believed to represent extraordinary good fortune.
These traditional Chinese New Year dishes are not just delicious—they are a celebration of culture, family, and good fortune. Each dish carries its own symbolic meaning, making the festive meal a time to welcome the new year with hope and joy.
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