Advertisement
Menus

7 recipes to ring in the Chinese New Year

During the Chinese New Year, specific foods are served that symbolize prosperity, longevity and luck. Gong Hey Fat Choy!
7 recipes to ring in the Chinese New Year

Photo, Sian Richards.

Chinese New Year Foods

Tangerines and mandarins, for wealth and luck

These citrus fruits are commonly given to close family and friends (individually or on the vine) during this time as a symbol of wealth and luck. Recipe: chino margarita cocktail.
7 recipes to ring in the Chinese New YearPhoto, Roberto Caruso. 

Dumplings, for luck

Dumplings are considered lucky because they resemble the ancient Chinese currency of golden nuggets. Recipe: Chinese five-spice pork dumplings.

7 recipes to ring in the Chinese New YearPhoto, Roberto Caruso.

Lettuce wraps, for wealth

Lettuce wraps are also associated with wealth. They are commonly served because the Chinese word for lettuce sounds like "rising fortune." Recipe: Sesame chicken lettuce wraps.


 

7 recipes to ring in the Chinese New YearPhoto, Jodi Pudge.

Asian chicken noodle soup, for long life



Noodles represent a long life. Since the length of noodles refers to longevity, there is superstition attached to cutting your noodles. Recipe: Asian chicken soup.

 

Advertisement
7 recipes to ring in the Chinese New YearPhoto, Sian Richards.

Asian flatbread, just because

Though not traditionally served, Chinese scallion pancakes are a favourite at modern new year's feasts. Recipe: Asian flatbread.


 

7 recipes to ring in the Chinese New YearPhoto, Roberto Caruso.

Crispy szechuan duck with napa cabbage, for fidelity

Roasted duck, symbolizing fidelity, is essential at every Chinese New Year banquet. Recipe: Crispy szechuan duck.


 

Crispy szechuan duck with napa cabbagePhoto, Sian Richards.

Sesame cookies, for happiness and laughter

Traditionally, deep-fried sesame cookies are a staple dessert during Chinese New Year because they symbolize happiness and laughter. Recipe: Black sesame cookies.


 

7 recipes to ring in the Chinese New YearPhoto, Roberto Caruso.

This week marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Monkey. The highlights of this auspicious holiday are, naturally, the feasts that take place over the 15-day celebration.  It’s a chance for family and friends to gather and toast to happiness, wealth and good health in the coming year.

Advertisement

Related:
How to fill and fold dumplings
10 reasons why Chinese New Year is the best new year
How to make smiling sesame-ball cookies for Chinese New Year

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement