I’m presenting a handful delicious dishes for Chinese New Year Menu Ideas — and they all have what are considered to be “lucky foods” for the holiday. The 2021 Chinese New Year begins on February 12th! 
Chinese New Year
Beginning on the second new moon, after the winter solstice, and ending on the full moon fifteen days later, Chinese New Year is a Chinese festival that marks the beginning of the new year. Also called Lunar New Year, the celebration revolves around family and friends, special meals, fireworks, and gift giving.
I’m not claiming to be an expert on Chinese New Year or Chinese food, but with my culinary experience I’ve created this delectable collection of dishes for Chinese New Year menu ideas.
And if you’re not celebrating, who wouldn’t want a delicious Asian inspired feast any day!?
“Asian inspired” is the key phrase here. These dishes are not authentic Chinese dishes, although I think a couple might pass with flying colors. They are however, Asian inspired dishes that I think work well for the holiday. Let’s go with it, shall we? 🙂
Lucky Foods for Chinese New Year
- fish – for an increase in prosperity
- dumplings – for wealth
- spring rolls – for wealth
- sweet rice balls – for family bonding
- good fortune fruits – these include grapes, lychee, plums, jujube, kumquats and more, and are for fullness and wealth
- rice cakes – for a higher salary and career status
- longevity noodles – for happiness and longevity
The dishes I’m sharing here represent many of the above: fish, dumplings, rice, good fortune fruits, and longevity noodles. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Chinese New Year Menu Ideas
Ginger-Garlic Chicken Dumplings
Thai Inspired Mahi Mahi
(I know, it says “Thai.” Please remember what I said, these are Asian inspired dishes, not authentic Chinese dishes, that work really well for the menu. 🙂 )
Lychee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Enjoy!
Here’s more about food symbolism during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Ron says
Having spent over 20 years traveling and working in China, I’d say your yi mein would suit most Chinese folks I worked with. All of your inspired dishes would be well received.
We always celebrate Chinese New Years either by cooking up a Chinese banquet for friends or meeting up with our local Chinese friends at their restaurant. Happy year of the pig!
valentina says
Well Ron, having spent that much time in China, I’m happy (and relieved!) you approve. 🙂 The Longevity Noodles are my favorite! Happy year of the pig to you too. I bet you’re cooking something delicious!
Andrea Metlika says
These dishes are all magnificent. Truly appreciate the inspiration of this.
valentina says
Thanks so much, Andrea!
Pam Greer says
Oh, I think I want to make them all! I love all your Asian inspired recipes!
valentina says
Do! 😉 Thank you!
Shanika says
These dishes look so good! Perfect for a celebration indeed!
valentina says
Thanks Shanika! Hope you try some of them. 🙂
Adrianne says
Wow, there are so many great ideas here!! I love the dumplings and spring rolls and I could eat noodles every day for the rest of my life – YUM!! Cheers for inspiring me with an Asian theme today.
valentina says
I feel the same way about noodles. 😀 Thanks for visiting.
Laura | Wandercooks says
Dumplings are my all-time fav, or should I say all-year haha, but I’ve not tried longevity noodles before – definitely keen to give these a try!
valentina says
Those noodles are my favorite! I hope you try them. Thanks!
Christina Conte says
An excellent array of choices for the new year celebrations, Valentina! Those noodles are calling my name! 🙌🏻
valentina says
Thanks Christina. Making those dumplings was my 13-yr-old’s idea! xo
David @ Spiced says
We’ve never celebrated Chinese New Year, and now I’m starting to wonder why not. This sounds like an excellent menu, and that crispy fried rice is going to be stuck in my head all day today! Everything looks delicious! 🙂
valentina says
Thanks, David! I always love a holiday that involves a lot of delicious food. 🙂
Dawn says
Wow! I’d love to make a meal with a few of these in the mix. So fun knowing what’s behind each dish. I’d have to make extra dumplings because I’m obsessed with those. Yours look perfect!!
valentina says
Thanks, Dawn! There are never too many dumplings! I always make a ton of extra and freeze them. My kids love them too. Hope you have a great week. 🙂
Nancy says
This is why I should NEVER, EVER read your posts before lunch 🙂 Now, of course all I want are those chicken dumplings… and there are none to be found :-(.
I definitely agree this menu passes with flying colors – absolutely delicious!!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Chinese New Year always sneaks up on me for some reason. Probably because it’s a moveable feast. Anyway, love all of your menu ideas! Like ’em all, but I’ll never turn down dumplings. Ever. 🙂
valentina says
I’m with you on the dumplings, John. Impossible to turn down. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
Kelly | Foodtasia says
Everything looks so delicious! Those are definitely calling my name!
Kelly | Foodtasia says
*Those noodles!* – Got me so excited I forgot how to type!
valentina says
Thanks so much, Kelly. I do love those noodles! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
angiesrecipes says
wow I want to try the whole menu, esp. those dumplings…so good!
valentina says
Thanks so much, Angie. I do love dumplings! 🙂
valentina says
Thanks so much, Frank. I like to celebrate too — especially since it’s surrounded by so much good food. So nice you have good Chinese restaurants where you live. Such delicious food! 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
It’s not even lunch and I’m totally craving this right now, especially some dumplings (hubby and I have bee loving dumplings lately, especially with hot oil)! Seriously, though, if any of these were in front of me (and not just on my screen), I’d be quite happy. Such a yummy round up!
Kim Lange says
Love all these ideas! My faves are those Dumplings and Longevity Noodles! I’m definitely wanting a buffet of all!
valentina says
Thank you, Kim! Enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina
Ron says
Valentina, this still a great Chinese feast menu. As it’ll just be Eva and I this year, we’ll likey just steam up a fish and have some lucky noodles…
valentina says
Lucky noodles it is! Thanks, Ron. Enjoy and hope you’re feeling well! 🙂 ~Valentina
John / Kitchen Riffs says
This post is such a great resource! Lotta good dishes here. “Asian-inspired” definitely describes virtually all the “Chinese” food I make!
valentina says
Thank you, John! Happy Lunar New Year and Happy Valentine’s Day. 🙂 ~Valentina
Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man! says
I’d love to have all of these, one after the other!
valentina says
Thanks, Jeff. As it turns out, me too. Happy Lunar New Year and Happy Valentine’s Day! 😉 ~Valentina