What are you going to serve for your Chinese New Year feast? Some dumpings, perhaps? That would really tantalize the taste buds! Or an entire braised chicken? It's a great choice for the main course, after all. Or what about fruits? That will really ring in the Chinese New Year in a delicious way, wouldn't it? Although it's not a universal holiday, the Chinese New Year remains a pretty important world event. Even if you're not familiar with Chinese culture and don't subscribe to their beliefs, you've probably heard of the Lunar New Year and the many amazing dishes served during this holiday.
Dumplings
Dumplings are a must during Chinese New Year. Not only is it one of the staple Chinese delicacies out there, but even the process of making it is a beloved
Chinese New Year tradition. It's common for families to spend time making dumplings, from the oldest of grandparents to the youngest of kids. They make them in the shape of Chinese silver ingots, a type of currency back in Ancient China. According to legend, the more dumplings one eats, the more one earns money for the incoming new year. That alone is enough to convince people to make, serve, and eat dumplings every Lunar New Year.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are another dim sum dish that's a culinary staple for Chinese New Year. It's a popular Cantonese delicacy, specifically in East China like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The dish got its name from the fact that it's commonly eaten during the Spring Festival. Cylindrical in shape, it's filled with vegetables and meat or, if you prefer, something sweet instead. And just like dumplings, spring rolls also represent wealth during the Lunar New Year. The more spring rolls you eat, the more you'll be lucky financially in the coming new year.
Noodles
Far from the
different types of pasta from Italy, noodles are delicious in their own right. They're served either fried, simmering in broth, or even boiled. But one thing that's important is that they have to be long. Why? Because noodles represent longevity in Chinese culture. Some even consider the length of the noodles as symbolic of the eater's life. So the longer they are, the longer the eater lives. This is also why noodles are commonly served on people's birthdays. The birthday celebrant would eat noodles to ensure that they live longer.
Meatballs
Do you know what would pair well with noodles? Meatballs! Though they're usually served separately, there's no stopping you from pairing both to make up a more delicious meal. Especially when they're so tender and juicy. Chinese meatballs are usually steamed or braised and served drenched in some rich sauce. Sometimes the sauce is sweet and sour or sweet and spicy. Either way, they taste heavenly. And it makes sense too because the meatballs symbolize family unity. The roundness of their shapes implies the completeness of the family, which is important in both Chinese culture and Chinese New Year.
Braised Chicken
If you're not into meatballs yourself, you can always opt for an entire braised chicken for the main course of your holiday feast. This full-blown poultry dish is among the most important Chinese New Year symbols as it represents good luck and prosperity. And yes, you have to serve the entire chicken, even with the head attached. Though admittedly strange, you'd be surprised at how delicious a chicken's head actually tastes. Yet weirdly enough, tradition dictates that the breadwinner of the family has to eat the chicken feet. This symbolizes how they “grab” onto prosperity by getting its “talons.”
Carp
What if you prefer seafood instead? Chinese food has a ton of exceptional seafood dishes, after all. It makes sense to serve some for your Chinese New Year feast as well. Especially carp! Eating Crucian carp, for instance, is said to bring in good luck for the incoming year. This is because the first Chinese character of the word crucian carp sounds like the Chinese word for good luck. Mud carp is also a good option since it's said to guarantee wealth and prosperity. Fortunately, both carp dishes are delicious and fulfilling.
Shrimp
Another great seafood option for your Lunar New Year holiday feast is shrimp. According to Cantonese people, shrimp is actually among the best Chinese New Year symbols. This dish represents happiness, liveliness, and good fortune. So if you eat it during this holiday, you're guaranteed to have a happy year ahead. And depending on how it's prepared, eating it will already bring a big smile to your face. You can either fry it, pair it with noodles, or even include it in a cocktail. If any of that won't make you happy, then what will?
Rice Cake
Now, let's move on to desserts. For this part of the meal, some glutinous rice cake is the easy favorite choice. It's another lucky food that's said to bring good fortune for the incoming year. Why? Because the Chinese word for this dish means 'getting higher year by year.' And according to Chinese culture, getting higher means getting more prosperous with your business. Moreover, glutinous rice cake is a really sweet treat. It's made with sticky rice, chestnuts, Chinese dates, and sugar. It even makes for a great holiday gift for your loved ones who can't make it to your Chinese New Year holiday dinner!
Round Fruits
And finally, there are round fruits. The most common choice is the orange but other round fruits like grapes, cherries, kiwis, and watermelons work too. In the same vein as the meatballs, the spherical shape alludes to fullness and wealth. Not to mention the completeness and unity of family too. With golden shades in tangerines, it's become the first choice for various households. All throughout the holiday, they display these fruits out in the open and eat them when it's time for the holiday dinner. And again, the more you eat them, the more prosperous your new year will be.
If you're celebrating Chinese New Year with the entire family this year, serve these delicious dishes! Not only will your guests love the food, but they have important meanings and symbolism for the holiday.
