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!
Dawn
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
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. 🙂
David @ Spiced
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
Thanks, David! I always love a holiday that involves a lot of delicious food. 🙂
Christina Conte
An excellent array of choices for the new year celebrations, Valentina! Those noodles are calling my name! 🙌🏻
valentina
Thanks Christina. Making those dumplings was my 13-yr-old's idea! xo
Laura | Wandercooks
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
Those noodles are my favorite! I hope you try them. Thanks!
Adrianne
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
I feel the same way about noodles. 😀 Thanks for visiting.
Shanika
These dishes look so good! Perfect for a celebration indeed!
valentina
Thanks Shanika! Hope you try some of them. 🙂
Pam Greer
Oh, I think I want to make them all! I love all your Asian inspired recipes!
valentina
Do! 😉 Thank you!
Andrea Metlika
These dishes are all magnificent. Truly appreciate the inspiration of this.
valentina
Thanks so much, Andrea!
valentina
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!
Ron
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!