What to Eat on Lunar New Year
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures through my friends, significant others, and coworkers. These cultures have always fascinated me — there’s something so deeply enriching and meaningful in their traditions, religion, and overall way of life. Maybe it’s my love of history and philosophy that makes me so drawn to them, but I’ve always felt that connecting with different cultures, especially through food, opens a new lens to the world. I love celebrating the holidays that are important to others, and I’ve had so much fun learning to cook dishes that honor their traditions. It started as a way to learn something new, but over time, it’s become an act of respect and admiration for the cultures I feel so fortunate to be exposed to. I make latkes for Hanukkah, dahl for Diwali, tamales for Christmas Eve, and dumplings for Lunar New Year — all as a way to celebrate connection through food.
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, marks the start of the lunar calendar and is one of the most significant holidays in many East and Southeast Asian cultures. It’s a holiday steeped in deep tradition — a time to honor ancestors, reunite with family, and wish for health, prosperity, and happiness in the year ahead. And, like so many holidays, food plays an integral role in the celebration. The dishes that are served during Lunar New Year aren’t just delicious — they hold symbolic meanings, bringing blessings and good fortune into the year to come.
What Foods to Eat on Lunar New Year
Dumplings: For Wealth
Dumplings are a must during Lunar New Year, and they hold the symbolism of wealth. They are shaped like ancient Chinese ingots, which represent prosperity. The best part? They are often made together as a family, bringing people together as they wrap the fillings — pork, shrimp, or vegetables — with laughter and stories. The act of sharing these dumplings carries the hope of financial abundance for the year ahead.
Longevity Noodles: For a Long Life
I love the idea of noodles being a symbol of longevity and health. Long noodles (served uncut) represent a long life, so be sure not to break them! These noodles are often stir-fried or served in a broth with vegetables and seafood. They’re a fun challenge to eat too, as you try not to break them, symbolizing the careful attention we need to give to our health and well-being.
Whole Fish: For Abundance
A whole fish symbolizes abundance, not just in the literal sense, but also in a deeper spiritual way. The Chinese word for fish (鱼, yú) sounds like the word for surplus, which is why it’s so important to serve the fish whole, with the head and tail intact. It’s said to symbolize a good start and end to the year, and tradition holds that leaving a little fish uneaten ensures that the abundance continues into the next year. I always find this dish so rich in meaning and a beautiful way to bring everyone together.
Spring Rolls: For Wealth
Golden, crispy spring rolls resemble gold bars, making them a symbol of wealth. This is one of my favorite dishes to serve because it’s light, crunchy, and always crowd-pleasing. The fillings can vary from cabbage and mushrooms to pork or shrimp, but the message is always the same: prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. They’re also a great dish to share, and I love the idea of passing them around as guests enjoy each other's company.
Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan): For Unity
I adore sweet rice balls, or tangyuan, because they represent unity and completeness. Their round shape symbolizes family coming together, and they’re always a part of our celebration. The rice balls are often served in a sweet soup, and the fillings — whether sesame paste, peanut butter, or red bean paste — add a delightful, comforting touch to the meal. This dish always brings me back to the importance of family and togetherness.
Eight-Treasure Rice: For Luck
This colorful dessert, made with glutinous rice and topped with eight ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, is a symbol of good fortune. The number eight is particularly lucky in Chinese culture because it sounds like the word for wealth (发, fā). Not only is it beautiful, but it also carries an abundance of hope for the year ahead.
Mandarin Oranges: For Good Fortune
Mandarin oranges are often given as gifts during Lunar New Year because of their bright, golden color and round shape, which symbolize good luck and wealth. The Chinese words for “orange” and “tangerine” also sound like the words for success and luck, making them a great gesture of goodwill. I like to display them around the house as a reminder of the blessings and opportunities the new year will bring.
Hot Pot: For Togetherness
Hot pot is one of my absolute favorite dishes because it brings people together. It’s an interactive meal where everyone gathers around a pot of bubbling broth, cooking their own assortment of ingredients — meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu — creating a sense of community and connection. It’s the perfect dish for a festive gathering, as it’s all about sharing and celebrating togetherness. It also reminds me of the importance of being present and nurturing relationships, which is such a core value during the holidays.
Tips for Hosting a Lunar New Year Celebration
Decorate with Red: Red symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits. For me, this is one of the easiest ways to create the festive atmosphere of Lunar New Year. Red lanterns, banners with good wishes, and red envelopes (红包, hóngbāo) filled with money for children add to the festive spirit.
Clean Your Home: It’s traditional to clean your home before the holiday to sweep away bad luck, but don’t clean on New Year’s Day itself — that could sweep away good fortune!
Set the Table with Symbolism: Ensure your meal includes dishes that represent wealth, health, unity, and abundance. Each dish carries its own blessing, and together they make for a prosperous and meaningful meal.
Lunar New Year is more than just a feast — it’s a celebration of family, culture, and the hopes we hold for the future. By preparing these traditional dishes and gathering with loved ones, we not only share in the joys of the season but also deepen our understanding and appreciation of the cultures that have shaped them. Wishing you a year filled with prosperity, health, and happiness. Happy Lunar New Year!
