Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important celebration in Chinese culture. Each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals, and the Year of the Snake symbolizes intelligence, wisdom, and transformation. A significant part of the celebration is the traditional feast, where families gather to share symbolic foods that bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness for the coming year. Here are some must-have foods to celebrate Chinese New Year in style. You can make these at home.

Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings are a staple dish during Chinese New Year, especially in northern China. Their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Families often prepare dumplings together on New Year’s Eve, filling them with ingredients such as pork, shrimp, or vegetables. Some even hide a coin inside one for extra luck!

Fish (Yu)

Fish is a must-have dish as its Chinese pronunciation “yu” sounds like “abundance” or “surplus.” It is often served whole to signify unity and completeness. To ensure good fortune, some families eat half on New Year’s Eve and save the rest for the next day, symbolizing continuous prosperity. Common choices include steamed bass or carp, typically garnished with ginger and soy sauce.

Longevity Noodles (Changshou Mian)

Long noodles represent a long and healthy life. Unlike regular noodles, they are not cut, as breaking them is believed to shorten one’s lifespan. These noodles can be stir-fried or served in a broth, often paired with vegetables and seafood.

Spring Rolls (Chunjuan)

Spring rolls resemble gold bars, symbolizing wealth. They are made by wrapping a mixture of vegetables, pork, or shrimp in thin dough, then deep-fried to a golden crisp. They are especially popular in southern China, particularly in regions like Fujian and Guangdong.

Glutinous Rice Cake (Nian Gao)

This sticky rice cake signifies “rising higher” in the new year, referring to progress in career, wealth, or happiness. Made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and sometimes red bean paste, it has a soft and chewy texture, making it a delightful treat.

Mandarin Oranges (Juzi)

Mandarin oranges are often exchanged as gifts and displayed around homes. Their golden color symbolizes prosperity, and their pronunciation in Chinese sounds like “luck.” Eating them is believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead.

These festive foods not only bring families together but also carry deep cultural significance, ensuring a prosperous and joyous Chinese New Year!

Picture credit: Edwin Tan, triocean, DronG, Gyro

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