Eight Chinese foods to indulge in for the Lunar New Year

Published: by Jaff Conejos Published on: January 24, 2025


Holidays are perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, and, of course, indulging in delicious food!

In the Philippines, Chinese New Year (CNY) is widely observed due to the strong historical and cultural connections between Filipino and Chinese communities. This vibrant holiday is rich in traditions, with food playing a central role in ushering in good fortune for the year ahead.

For Filipinos, food goes beyond mere sustenance—it symbolizes love, unity, and cultural heritage. Every holiday is an opportunity to create lasting memories around the dining table, and CNY is no exception.

As we prepare to welcome the Lunar New Year, here are eight Chinese delicacies you can enjoy during the festivities, from beloved rice cakes to sweet, lucky tangerines.

1. **Year Cake (Tikoy)**
A favorite during CNY celebrations in the Philippines, Tikoy (also known as Nian Gao in Mandarin) is a sweet rice cake made from glutinous rice flour. Traditionally sliced thin, dipped in beaten egg, and fried, this treat's round shape symbolizes success and prosperity, while its sticky texture represents strong family ties and good fortune "sticking" throughout the year.

2. **Longevity Noodles (Pancit)**
Noodles are a staple in celebratory feasts, representing long life and smooth transitions. The belief that eating pancit brings longevity is deeply rooted in Filipino culture, especially during milestones. The long strands signify the wish for a long, prosperous life and are often served with meat, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings.

3. **Whole Fish**
A whole fish is a must-have dish for CNY, typically steamed or braised. Certain types of fish, like catfish (symbolizing abundance) and mud carp (representing good fortune), are considered lucky. It’s customary to leave the head and tail uneaten until the next day, signifying the hope for continued prosperity throughout the year.

4. **Spring Rolls (Lumpiang Shanghai)**
Spring rolls, or Lumpiang Shanghai, are popular in Filipino celebrations beyond CNY, such as birthdays. These crispy rolls are filled with meat and vegetables, wrapped in thin dough. Their golden color resembles gold bars, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

5. **Vegetables**
In Mandarin, the word for greens, "Qing Cai," sounds like "wealth." Common vegetables for CNY include lettuce, broccoli, and bok choy, symbolizing growing wealth, harmony, and good fortune. While lighter than meat dishes, these vegetables offer both health benefits and symbolic luck for the new year.

6. **Stir-fried Rice**
No feast is complete without a hearty rice dish. Stir-fried rice, often prepared with shrimp, pork, and vegetables, is a flavorful addition to the CNY table. Known as "Yangchow fried rice," it symbolizes abundance and ensures that everyone leaves the table satisfied.

7. **Dumplings**
Dumplings are a favorite Lunar New Year treat, filled with meat and vegetables wrapped in dough. Their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Eating dumplings during CNY is believed to attract financial success in the coming year.

8. **Oranges and Tangerines**
These bright fruits are commonly seen during CNY celebrations. Resembling gold coins, they signify prosperity, completeness, and wealth. Giving and receiving oranges and tangerines is a tradition that symbolizes sharing blessings and attracting positive energy and success into homes.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, let these traditional dishes remind you of the blessings you’ve received and the many more to come. Whether celebrating with family or simply embracing the festive spirit, enjoy these delicacies to welcome the new year with abundance and joy.