While the Western New Year is more about drinking, the Chinese New Year is an opportunity to honor family and friends, and to enjoy some culinary traditions. To learn more, lets take a look the Chinese culture and celebrations to find out what foods we should have on hand to ensure a prosperous and happy year to come.
TANGERINE. Displaying and eating these fruits is said to bring wealth and luck. It’s good if they have leaves because leaves symbolize longevity.
LONG NOODLES. If noodles are served, then keep them as long as possible for long life.
TRAY OF TOGETHERNESS. The eight (a traditionally symbolic lucky number) compartments of the tray are filled with things such as preserved kumquats for prosperity, coconut for togetherness, longans to bring many sons, and red melon seeds for happiness
NIAN GAO. It means “year cake”, the cakes symbolize achieving new heights in the coming year. The steamed sweets are made of glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and oil. Some versions have white sesame seeds, red dates, or nuts in them.
POMELO. This large citrus fruit is popular because it is thought to bring “continuous prosperity and status.” The tradition comes from the way the Cantonese phrase for pomelo sounds similar to the words for prosperity and status
JAI. This vegetarian dish is eaten because it’s part of the Buddhist culture to cleanse yourself with vegetables. It’s also packed with good-luck foods
LONG LEAFY GREENS OR LONG BEANS. leafy greens, such as Chinese broccoli, are served whole to wish a long life for parents.
WHOLE FISH. The Chinese word for fish sounds like the word for abundance. It’s important that the fish is served with the head and tail intact to ensure a good start and finish and to avoid bad luck throughout the year.
SWEETS. Serving desserts brings a sweet life in the new year. A cookie pockets called GOK JAI, filled with peanuts, coconut, and sesame. — at InterContinental Bali Resort.
YUANBAO (JIAOZI). It’s a pork or cabbage dumpling served with vinegar and soy sauce. as a reference to the ancient and to bring prosperity.
