With Chinese New Year just a few months away, it’s time to start thinking about which dishes you’ll ring in the Year of the Rat with. Let’s take a look at some of the most well-loved meals to choose from.
Symbolism and connection through food
Chinese New Year isn’t just about countdowns and fireworks-more so, it’s about connecting with family and spending time with loved ones. Food forms the foundation of nián yè fàn, the New Year’s Eve reunion dinner where extended families gather together. This sumptuous feast encompasses a huge range of dishes. Since symbolism is such a big part of Chinese culture, it’s no surprise that most of those meals have been selected because their names or shapes hold hidden meanings. Any traditional dish is welcome at the reunion dinner, but there are a few that almost always make it to the table.
- Jiaozi Dumplings – Jiaozi takes centre stage in Northern China. Families stay up throughout the eve to fill these scrumptious dumplings with ground meat, fish, and vegetables. Then, they eat them after the clock strikes midnight to symbolise wealth because jiaozi dumplings are shaped like an old Chinese currency. You can get your own Chinese New Year dumplings from Yi Hao Gui Lin Mi Fen.
- Hot Pot – One way families really come together on Chinese New Year is by sharing a hot pot. Everyone cooking their ingredients in one central pot is thought to forge bonds that will weather any difficulties in the coming year. Plus, it’s an easy dish to prepare, leaving plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company. One of our favourite places to grab this dish is La Mei Spicy Hot Pot.
- Longevity Noodles – Longevity noodles (known in Chinese as chángshòu miàn) are a staple at most celebrations in China, and the Lunar New Year is no exception. These noodles are made as long as possible to represent a wish for a long life and good health in the year ahead. Served uncut either fried or with soup, they’re as delicious as they are meaningful. They can be a little tricky to prepare yourself, so don’t hesitate to order them from your local Gu Ma Jia.
- Fish – Fish is an interesting Chinese New Year dish because almost all families prepare it, but not all of them eat it. That’s because this is another dish where symbolism is the most important factor. In Chinese, “may you have fish every year” sounds almost exactly like a phrase that wishes for surpluses every year. If you do feel like tucking in to fish this year, try a delivery from Chong Qing Grilled Fish.
- Buddha’s Delight – Many Chinese New Year dishes include meat and fish, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing on the table for vegetarians. Buddha’s Delight is a popular dish eaten by Chinese families because one of the ingredients (black algae) sounds like the word for ‘prosperity’. Filled with a huge variety of mushrooms and veggies, you can get this dish from Divine Realm Vegetarian Restaurant.
