12 Good Luck Foods and Dishes for Lunar New Year

In just a few weeks, many families around the world will be gathering for multi-course meals to celebrate the Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year). February 11th marks the end of the Year of the Rat and on February 12th the Year of the Ox begins.

According to Chinese astrology, those born in the Year of the Ox are loyal, hardworking, grounded, reliable and gentle. If you were born in 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, or 2009, you are an Ox.

Chinese New Year is a big holiday for my family as my grandparents, parents (mom), uncles and aunts are immigrants from China, Taiwan or Hong Kong. Celebrating the Lunar New year is a way for my kids to learn about Chinese culture, traditions and customs. Typically we would spend the week leading up to February 12th, celebrating with friends and extended family members. This year we will be doing things a bit differently – virtual dinners and get togethers! 🙂

The Lunar New Year is celebrated by the Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Mongolians and Tibetans. Many of the festivities center around food and dishes are chosen because they symbolize health, prosperity, or luck.

Here are 12 foods and their symbolic meanings that you might find during Lunar or Chinese New Year:

1. Lettuce / Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables symbolize wealth and prosperity.

2. Chicken

Usually served whole for New Year meals, a chicken represents family togetherness.

3. Fish

Also served whole, fish symbolizes abundance.

4. Dumplings

Dumplings appear on many New Year menus as they represent increased wealth in the coming year.

5. Nian Gao (Rice Cake)

The literal translation means “year higher” and those who eat it will have more prosperity and general improvement from the previous year. You can get the recipe for Stir Fried Sticky Rice Cake here.

6. Noodles

Longer than normal noodles, they’re served uncut and represent a long life.

7. Tangerines, Oranges and Dragon Fruit

These fruit represent health and good luck.

8. Shrimp

Shrimp symbolize happiness and good fortune.

9. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls represent wealth (like gold bars).

10. Rice

Rice is believed to bring fertility and luck in the new year.

11. Sweets

Either candy or dessert dishes, sweet foods represent a sweet life. You’ll often find tons of candy at Asian supermarkets during this time of year.

12. Hot Pot

Similar to fondue, everyone at the table cooks their food in one shared pot. Normally meat, dumplings, vegetables, seafood and noodles are cooked in a broth and hot pot symbolizes the coming together of family and friends.

Happy New Year Everyone!
Xin Nian Kuai Le, Gung Hay Fat Choy!