Every time the Lunar New Year approaches, Chinese New Year dishes seem to contain the quintessence of heaven and earth and culture. They are not just simple dishes, they are symbols associated with the wish for a peaceful and prosperous new year. Each dish on the tray is a sweet and complete wish sent to everyone in the first days of the new year.
1. Tet jam
Trays of jam are indispensable on New Year's Day (Photo source: Collected)
Chinese New Year dishes carry deep cultural nuances and beliefs, most notably the New Year jam tray with a history of nearly 1000 years. The red or yellow jam tray symbolizes luck and prosperity and is often divided into eight compartments, this number represents fortune. Each compartment contains a type of nut, jam or candy, not only for enjoyment but also carries meaningful wishes.
2. Fish dishes
Popular traditional dishes on Chinese New Year (Photo source: Collected)
During the Lunar New Year, the Chinese New Year food cannot lack meaningful fish dishes. Fish in Chinese is “yu,” which sounds like “abundance” – a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Chinese people often eat fish on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with the hope that good fortune will last “year after year.”
More than just a dish, fish carries with it subtle rules: the head of the fish must be turned toward the eldest, a sign of respect, and the body is eaten but the head and tail are left behind, as a prayer for a prosperous new year. Each fish is carefully selected based on its lucky pronunciation—from crucian carp, which represents “blessing,” carp, which represents “luck,” to catfish, which represents a wish for wealth and well-being.
3. Spring rolls
Spring rolls - A delicious dish for Tet holiday with the meaning of wealth (Photo source: Collected)
Spring rolls are an attractive dish on the Chinese New Year tray, especially popular in large eastern cities such as Shanghai, Fujian, and Guangzhou. With a crispy golden crust covering a filling of vegetables, meat or shrimp, spring rolls are not only attractive in appearance but also carry the meaning of fortune. When fried, the golden crust evokes the image of gold bars, symbolizing abundance and prosperity in the new year. Exquisitely prepared with a thin layer of dough tightly rolled, Chinese spring rolls are a meaningful wish for a year of abundance and prosperity.
4. Dumplings
Dumplings - A symbolic dish of reunion on Chinese New Year (Photo source: Collected)
In the bustling atmosphere of the Lunar New Year, the most popular Chinese New Year dish is dumplings – a symbol of abundance and luck. With a history of more than 1,800 years, dumplings are not only a dish but also have a deep meaning in Chinese culture. Skillfully wrapped like gold bars, this dish symbolizes the wish for wealth and happiness in the new year.
Dumplings come in a variety of fillings, from fresh meat to fresh vegetables, each with its own message. Especially during Tet, people are very careful in choosing the filling to ensure a prosperous year. Dumpling shaping is also important, with skillful folds representing wealth, whereas flat dumpling skins can signal poverty.
In addition, many people also add interesting surprises to the cake such as coins, a symbol of prosperity, creating a joyful atmosphere for the reunion meal. When the whole family gathers together to enjoy dumplings on New Year's Eve, the warm and loving atmosphere spreads, making this dish the soul of Tet.
5. Banh troi tau
Dishes that symbolize reunion on Tet holiday (Photo source: Collected)
Chinese New Year dishes always include sweet rice balls, or Tangyuan. With their round shape and sweet taste from glutinous rice flour, this dish is not only a delicious dish but also symbolizes family reunion and togetherness. Each ball of sweet rice balls is poured with hot ginger syrup, creating a delicious and warm experience, connecting family ties. Sticky rice, a symbol of fulfillment, further highlights the good meaning of this dish at the beginning of the year, carrying with it wishes for a new year filled with peace and prosperity.
6. Longevity noodles
Longevity noodles are a favorite dish during Chinese New Year (Photo source: Collected)
Lunar New Year is not only a time for reunion but also a time to enjoy meaningful Chinese New Year dishes. Among them, longevity noodles stand out as a symbol of health and longevity. With long, uncut noodles, this dish not only brings delicious flavor but also conveys wishes for a long and happy life. When enjoying, eating a whole noodle shows the desire for completeness and uninterrupted life. Especially loved in the North, longevity noodles are not only a traditional dish but also a hope to bring luck for the new year.
7. Cake
Banh to is a familiar dish of Chinese people (Photo source: Collected)
Among the Chinese New Year dishes, Banh To, also known as Nian Gao, is a dish that is always popular at the New Year's feast. With a name that has a special meaning—"Gao" is a homophone of the word "high" and "Nian" is similar to the word for "year"—Banh To is not only a delicious dish but also carries wishes for a prosperous new year, with development surpassing the previous year.
Made from ground glutinous rice combined with sugar and red beans, banh to is often used as a Tet gift, expressing the giver's heart, while also conveying wishes for luck and success in the new year. The appearance of this cake not only enriches the Tet tray but also connects generations in the family, creating a warm and hopeful atmosphere.
8. Dumplings
Dumplings - "Silver bag" on Tet holiday according to Chinese concept (Photo source: Collected)
Steamed buns are a traditional dish that is indispensable during the Lunar New Year in China, especially in the North, with over 1,800 years of history. The shape of steamed buns resembles silver ingots, symbolizing wealth; the more you eat, the more money you will attract in the new year.
Dumplings are usually filled with pork, shrimp, fish, chicken, and vegetables, and are prepared in a variety of ways, such as boiled, steamed, fried, or grilled. Chinese people avoid eating dumplings with pickled cabbage, as this symbolizes poverty.
On New Year's Eve, dumplings are often served with cabbage and radishes, in the hope of bringing beauty and a good mood. In particular, those who eat dumplings with hidden white threads or coins will have longevity or wealth, making this New Year's dish special and meaningful!
9. Eight Treasures Rice
Eight Treasures Rice is a unique New Year's rice dish of the Chinese people (Photo source: Collected)
One of the most special Chinese New Year dishes is Eight Treasures Rice, made from regular rice but with a unique beauty thanks to its delicate decoration.
After cooking, the rice is scooped onto a plate, carefully rounded, then covered with a layer of syrup, which not only enhances the beauty but also brings a sweet taste. To increase the appeal, people also garnish it with nuts and dried fruits, creating a colorful culinary picture. This rice dish is not only delicious but also symbolizes the desire for a new year of abundance, prosperity, bringing luck and fortune to the family. In each spoonful of rice, we feel the dedication and hope of the Chinese people for the future.
10. Fruit
Oranges and tangerines are popular fruits during Tet in China (Photo source: Collected)
In the bustling atmosphere of spring, the five-fruit tray cannot lack typical fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Oranges and grapefruits, with their round shape and bright yellow color, are often chosen to be displayed on the five-fruit tray. Oranges not only have an attractive color but also sound similar to the word "ju," representing good luck. Grapefruits, with the meaning of wealth, contribute to making the party even more prosperous.
In the bustling atmosphere of Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year dishes become the focus of gatherings and bonding love. Each dish not only brings delicious flavors but also contains profound cultural values. Let Vietravel accompany you on this journey of discovering unique cuisine.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-ngay-tet-cua-nguoi-trung-quoc-v15947.aspx
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