A Guide to Lunar New Year Delicacies Around the World
The Lunar New Year, celebrated across East and Southeast Asia, is a time of family gatherings, cultural traditions, and, most importantly, sumptuous feasts. Each country and region has unique dishes symbolizing prosperity, health, happiness, and good fortune for the year ahead. Here’s a look at some of the most beloved Lunar New Year delicacies around the world.
China: Symbolic Dishes for Prosperity
Dumplings (饺子, Jiǎozi)
Symbolism: Wealth and prosperity, as they resemble ancient Chinese gold ingots.
Ingredients: Ground pork, cabbage, shrimp, and spices wrapped in thin dough.
Tradition: Families gather to fold dumplings together on New Year's Eve.
Fish (鱼, Yú)
Symbolism: Abundance, as the word for fish sounds like “surplus” in Chinese.
Preparation: Steamed whole fish with ginger and scallions.
Custom: The fish is served whole, representing unity and good fortune.
Tangyuan (汤圆)
Symbolism: Family togetherness.
Ingredients: Glutinous rice balls filled with sesame paste or sweet bean paste.
Tradition: Often eaten during the Lantern Festival but also popular during Lunar New Year.
Vietnam: The Flavors of Tết
Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét
Symbolism: Earth and sky, family reunion.
Ingredients: Sticky rice, mung beans, and pork wrapped in banana leaves.
Custom: Families prepare these square (Bánh Chưng) and cylindrical (Bánh Tét) cakes together.
Pickled Vegetables (Dưa Món)
Symbolism: Longevity and balance.
Ingredients: Dried vegetables such as carrots, radish, and papaya, pickled in sweetened fish sauce.
Thịt Kho Tàu (Braised Pork with Eggs)
Symbolism: Prosperity and harmony.
Preparation: Pork belly and boiled eggs slow-cooked in coconut water and caramelized fish sauce.
Korea: Festive Simplicity
Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup)
Symbolism: A fresh start and adding a year to one’s age.
Ingredients: Sliced rice cakes in a clear beef or anchovy broth, topped with egg, seaweed, and green onions.
Custom: Eating a bowl of Tteokguk signifies turning a year older.
Jeon (Savory Pancakes)
Symbolism: Prosperity and community.
Ingredients: Vegetables, seafood, or meat mixed with batter and pan-fried.
Tradition: Prepared and enjoyed as a family.
Japan: Traditional Osechi Ryōri
Though Japan follows the Gregorian calendar, it shares some culinary traditions with the Lunar New Year:
Kuromame (Sweet Black Soybeans)
Symbolism: Hard work and good health.
Preparation: Simmered soybeans in sweet soy sauce.
Datemaki (Sweet Rolled Omelette)
Symbolism: Scholarship and success.
Ingredients: Eggs and fish paste, rolled and steamed.
Malaysia & Singapore: Modern Lunar New Year Dishes
Yusheng (Prosperity Toss Salad)
Symbolism: Prosperity and abundance.
Ingredients: A colorful mix of shredded vegetables, raw fish, and sweet plum sauce.
Tradition: Families and friends toss the salad together while shouting wishes for the New Year.
Pineapple Tarts
Symbolism: Wealth, as the word for pineapple in Hokkien sounds like "prosperity arrives."
Preparation: Sweet pineapple jam encased in buttery pastry.
The Philippines: Auspicious Feasting
Tikoy (Sticky Rice Cake)
Symbolism: Strong family bonds.
Ingredients: Glutinous rice, sugar, and lard, often pan-fried for a crisp exterior.
Tradition: Shared among families and friends as a gesture of good luck.
Pancit (Noodles)
Symbolism: Longevity.
Preparation: Stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables.
Mongolia: Buuz and More
Buuz (Steamed Dumplings)
Symbolism: Prosperity and community.
Ingredients: Ground meat, usually lamb or beef, spiced and wrapped in dough.
Tradition: Central to the Lunar New Year meal.
Airag (Fermented Horse Milk)
Symbolism: Strength and endurance.
Custom: Often served during festive occasions.
Other Lunar New Year Specialties
Indonesia: Lapis Legit (layer cake), symbolizing layers of wealth and fortune.
Thailand: Kanom Krok (coconut rice pancakes), representing unity and togetherness.
The dishes of Lunar New Year are more than just food; they carry centuries of tradition, cultural significance, and heartfelt wishes for a prosperous year ahead. Whether you’re folding dumplings in China, tossing Yusheng in Singapore, or savoring Tteokguk in Korea, the spirit of togetherness and hope ties these celebrations together.
