I'm presenting a handful of delicious Chinese New Year Menu Ideas - and they all have what are considered lucky foods for the holiday. Whether you're celebrating or not, I think you'll love them.
Disclosure: I do not fancy myself an expert on Chinese New Year or Chinese cuisine - below is basic information about it I've learned through my interest in the food.
About 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.
The following recipes for Chinese New Year might not be authentic, but they've been made with my culinary expertise. And I think a couple of them might pass with flying colors.
If you're not celebrating the Lunar New Year, wouldn't you want a delicious Asian-inspired feast anyway?
Seven Lucky Foods for Chinese New Year
Eating auspicious foods for Chinese New Year is universal, though the seven lucky foods vary from region to region in China. I'm highlighting the following, which are said to have roots in both southern and eastern China.
- fish - For an increase in prosperity.
- dumplings - For wealth.
- spring rolls - For wealth.
- sweet rice balls - For family bonding.
- citrus fruits, specifically tangerines and oranges - For good luck, wealth, and prosperity.
- rice cakes - For career growth and status.
- longevity noodles - For happiness and a long life.
Here's more about food symbolism during Chinese New Year celebrations.
My crispy rice might be a stretch, but let's go with it. 😉
I hope you love them as much as I do!
Delicious Recipes for Lunar New Year
Ginger-Garlic Chicken Dumplings
Enjoy!
Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!
I'd love to have all of these, one after the other!
valentina
Thanks, Jeff. As it turns out, me too. Happy Lunar New Year and Happy Valentine's Day! 😉 ~Valentina
John / Kitchen Riffs
This post is such a great resource! Lotta good dishes here. "Asian-inspired" definitely describes virtually all the "Chinese" food I make!
valentina
Thank you, John! Happy Lunar New Year and Happy Valentine's Day. 🙂 ~Valentina
Ron
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
Lucky noodles it is! Thanks, Ron. Enjoy and hope you're feeling well! 🙂 ~Valentina
Kim Lange
Love all these ideas! My faves are those Dumplings and Longevity Noodles! I'm definitely wanting a buffet of all!
valentina
Thank you, Kim! Enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
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!
valentina
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! 🙂
angiesrecipes
wow I want to try the whole menu, esp. those dumplings...so good!
valentina
Thanks so much, Angie. I do love dumplings! 🙂
Kelly | Foodtasia
Everything looks so delicious! Those are definitely calling my name!
Kelly | Foodtasia
*Those noodles!* - Got me so excited I forgot how to type!
valentina
Thanks so much, Kelly. I do love those noodles! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
John / Kitchen Riffs
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
I'm with you on the dumplings, John. Impossible to turn down. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
Nancy
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!!