A Flavorful Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is almost here, and you know what that means—it's time to feast! This year, we're celebrating the Year of the Snake with dishes that aren't just delicious but packed with meaning too. Whether you're gathering around the table for a family meal, twirling up a plate of longevity noodles, or stocking up on good fortune fruit (oranges and tangerines, anyone?), every bite is a little wish for a happy and prosperous year ahead.
Looking for abundance? Serve up a whole fish and let the good fortune roll in. Want to bring a little extra luck to the table? A whole chicken is the way to go—because why settle for just a wing when you can have the whole bird? From Mom’s classic Five Spice Roast Chicken to Crispy Cantonese White-cut Chicken, it’s all about tradition with a tasty twist.
So whether you're perfecting homemade dumplings, tossing together a citrus salad, or mastering the art of chilled soba noodles, one thing's for sure—Lunar New Year is best celebrated with good food, great company, and plenty of joy.
Family Meals
Lunar New Year family meals are the ultimate gathering—think of it as a delicious excuse to bring everyone together. It’s all about sharing dishes that symbolize prosperity, happiness, and togetherness, with flavors passed down through generations. From mom’s legendary Chinese New Year cake (nin go) to hearty lion’s head meatballs and fragrant no mai fan, these meals are a labor of love and tradition. The best part? Sitting around the table, swapping stories, and sneaking that extra bite when no one’s looking—because when it comes to Lunar New Year, more is definitely more.
Longevity Noodles
When it comes to Lunar New Year, noodles aren’t just a tasty dish—they're a symbol of longevity, so the longer, the better! Slurping up a bowl of noodles is basically a delicious way of wishing for a long and prosperous life, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want that? Whether you're diving into a steaming plate of Fast Fast Dan Dan Noodles, chilling out with some Soba in Spicy Peanut Sauce, or going all out with a twist like Bucatini XO Butter e Pepe, it's all about savoring every strand without breaking them—because snapping your noodles? Big no-no. So grab your chopsticks and get ready to stretch your way into the new year, one satisfying bite at a time.
Good Fortune Fruit
This time of year, you’ll see oranges and tangerines everywhere—and for good reason! These bright, juicy fruits are all about bringing good fortune, thanks to their round shape and golden hue that screams prosperity. Plus, the words for orange and success sound pretty similar in Chinese, so it’s like eating your way to wealth—talk about a win-win. Whip up a zesty Orange Chiffon Cake, toss together a Citrus Salad with Five Spice Honey, or get fancy with Mandarin Miso Crêpes Suzette—these fruits bring a refreshing burst of luck to every bite. Just make sure to keep a few on hand (or in a pretty bowl) to invite all that good energy into your home.
Serve Fish for Abundance
Serving fish at Lunar New Year isn’t just about having something tasty on the table—it’s all about abundance and prosperity. In Chinese, the word for fish, “yú,” sounds just like the word for surplus, so eating it is basically a way of saying, “Let’s have plenty of good stuff this year.” Try a beautifully Salt-baked Whole Fish with Lime and Ginger, a comforting bowl of Fish Chowder, or a Mediterranean-inspired Tomato-braised Cod. If you can, serve it whole—head, tail, and all—to symbolize a good beginning and an even better ending—but I included a couple of options to get a piece of the good stuff! Just remember, if you are serving it whole, don’t flip the fish over (bad luck alert!), and save a little for leftovers because abundance isn’t just for one night—it’s for the whole year ahead.
A Whole Chicken for Luck
When it comes to Lunar New Year, a whole chicken isn't just dinner—it's a full-on symbol of luck, unity, and family togetherness. Serving the whole chicken represents completeness and prosperity for the year ahead. I’m (of course) partial to my Mom’s Five Spice Roast Chicken, but try my classic Cantonese White-Cut Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce, or even a simple but flavorful Wednesday Roast Chicken, this dish is all about bringing good vibes to the table. Plus, it’s a great excuse to fight over the juiciest piece while secretly hoping it means extra good fortune is coming your way. Just don’t forget to share—because luck, like chicken, is best when it’s spread around!
