The Chinese New Year is marked by food used as a symbol
Gathering for food is just part of Chinese New Year; we also share our good wishes. All the dishes on offer carry meaning from their language, form and origins. Some dishes represent wealth, others peace or long life. Knowing what each habit represents enriches the holiday and helps every food you eat wish for good luck. Try eating these 10 popular foods this Chinese New Year.
1. Fish (鱼 Yú) – Abundance and Surplus
During Chinese New Year, fish is commonly eaten because the name for fish, yú, has the same pronunciation as surplus or extra in Chinese. The traditional greeting at Lunar New Year is “(Wishing you to have) surplus every year, starting with the Lunar New Year.” A whole steamed fish, including the head and tail, is usually set out to show a good beginning and a good ending for the year. A tip: don’t fully eat the fish, as doing so is said to bring luck into the next year.
2. Dumplings (饺子 Jiǎo Zi) – Wealth and Prosperity
Just as ancient Chinese ingots were made to look like dumplings, so they came to stand for prosperity. You’ll typically find pork, cabbage or chives in them and large offerings are prepared by families before New Year’s day. Occasionally, a coin is placed in just one dumpling and whoever discovers it is thought to celebrate a lucky year. Pig out on these dishes late at night for a celebratory meal and a little good luck.
3. Glutinous Rice Cake (年糕 Nián Gāo) – Advancement and Success
Nian gao is a type of rice cake that’s made using glutinous rice flour and sugar. Year is written as “nian,” and to wish people growth, you say “may you have a tall year,” mirroring the sound of “gao” for high or tall. Eating nian gao during New Year celebrations is believed to support success in business, school or life generally. It is possible to prepare dumplings by steaming, frying or eating them in sweet soup.
4. Longevity Noodles (长寿面 Cháng Shòu Miàn) – Long Life
In Chinese culture, the long style of these noodles is meant to wish you a long life. Intriguingly, these are often spread in rice and served in broth soup or stir-fried with vegetables and mushrooms, making them popular with people looking to be healthy in the new year. Never cut your noodles! Keep them whole to show you hope for a full and continuous life.
5. Spring Rolls (春卷 Chūn Juǎn) – Good Fortune and a New Beginning
During the Chinese New Year, many people in southern China enjoy golden and crispy spring rolls. Because their shape and color are like gold bars, they stand for wealth and treasure. Spring roll is a name linked to the time of year when things grow. With one of the three fillings inside, they give a tasty blessing in a small bite.
6. Sweet Rice Balls (汤圆 Tāng Yuán) – Family Unity and Reunion
Tāng yuán consist of glutinous rice and sweet paste from sesame or peanuts and often eaten in warm syrup or broth. This round shape symbolizes togetherness and completeness, so they’re the perfect choice for sharing with family. Though they are eaten during the Lantern Festival (Day 15), families often enjoy them for every celebration of Chinese New Year.
7. Turnip Cake (萝卜糕 Luó Bo Gāo) – Good Luck and Promotion
Savory dim sum favorite turnip cake is made using shredded radish and rice flour for the New Year. The word for radish, cai tou, sounds like good fortune in Chinese and the word gao means to grow. When pan-fried until it turns golden, this vegetable is rich, filling and thought to help people succeed professionally. It’s also delicious with a side of chili sauce.
8. Whole Chicken (全鸡 Quán Jī) – Unity and Family
Eating a chicken with head and tail together shows family members are together and whole. Most of the time, fish is lightly cooked and served at the reunion during New Year’s Eve. There are communities where chicken is given to ancestors as part of their worship. The action is an expression of respect and the food itself works as a blessing for unity.
9. Braised Mushrooms with Fat Choy (发菜 Fà Cài) – Prosperity and Riches
It includes shiitake mushrooms and fat choy, a Chinese moss sometimes called “to get rich” (fa cai). Most commonly, sharks are added to banquet meals with oysters or abalone, because they’re known for their flavor and their meaning. On New Year’s Day, families prepare it for the table with the wish that it attracts good business opportunities.
10. Yu Sheng (鱼生) – Fortune Toss for Wealth and Luck
An important tradition in Southeast Asia, yu sheng, is a raw fish salad people toss together during Chinese New Year on Ren Ri. Behind the tradition, carrots bring luck, radishes represent youth, the crackers carry the meaning of gold and raw fish signify abundance. The higher you toss, the greater the fortune. It means families and groups of associates can come together to enjoy one another’s company.
Eat with Intention and Joy
More important than being tradition, these ten dishes celebrate the culture around you. Each piece of food you eat means you’re recognizing your family, wishing yourself good fortune and seeking prosperity for the year ahead. No matter if you’re offering food, dining with others or just coming for a meal, understanding its symbolism helps bring the holiday to life.
And of course, don’t forget the treats! Delicious buttery pineapple tarts and crunchy love letters give the most festive joy during meal and visit breaks. For delicious luck in your home, check out CNYDelights.com and try our stunning CNY Goodies—they’re great for giving, enjoying and making the new year tasty.