What is Chinese New Year (CNY) without feasting? Chinese people love food and often express their care and concern through it. It is common to greet each other by asking, "Have you eaten?" as a way of showing concern for one's well-being. When visiting others on regular days, a sign of respect is to bring a gift, which is often a dessert or a food platter.
This Chinese New Year, it's a time for feasting, and there are a few items you can bring when visiting that are sure to win the hearts of homeowners or elders. In addition to the usual oranges for exchange and angpows (if you're married) to give out, here are some auspicious food items you can bring along with you!
Yu Sheng
This legendary dish is familiar to everyone who celebrates Chinese New Year. Yu sheng, or lo hei, is a beloved tradition during the festive season. It symbolises prosperity and good fortune. Each ingredient in the platter carries a specific well-wish, and when you toss them together, you inherit all the blessings they bring. You'll find favourite ingredients like raw fish, crispy crackers, vegetables, and spicy sauce. This dish is a crowd favourite, and you can even get creative with arranging its colourful ingredients to form auspicious words or the zodiac animal of the year—this year, the Year of the Snake!
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Braised Mushrooms with Fat Choy
This dish brings prosperity, happiness, and luck, especially since its name includes "Fat Choy," which sounds similar to "Fa Cai," meaning "get rich." The elderly particularly love this dish because it is easy and soft to eat, and it symbolises prosperity, something they greatly appreciate. Amaze your elders with this dish on your next visit and wish them great luck and prosperity in 2025. Who knows? They might just give you the largest ang pow in return!
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Peng Cai
One of the most popular and sought-after dishes to bring to a reunion dinner is Peng Cai! This traditional Chinese dish consists of layers of seafood and meat, symbolising abundance, unity, and harmony—and it tastes absolutely delicious too! You'll find ingredients like abalone, roasted pork, roasted chicken, broccoli, sea cucumber, mushrooms, dried scallops, prawns, fish maw, and more in this dish. Bring it to your next reunion dinner with friends or family, and we're sure you'll win plenty of hearts with this dish!
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Bak Kwa
Visiting a loved one and bringing Bak Kwa is always a winning choice. This popular CNY snack pairs perfectly with rice, bread, or can be enjoyed on its own! Choose from a variety of flavours, ranging from spicy to truffle and even tangerine! While it may not be a specific dish, it's a delightful treat that will make everyone happy when received. Bring it to your next visit, and we're sure your aunts and uncles will love you (and maybe even give you a break from all the tough questions)!
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Kueh Lapis
A sweet treat to complement all the savoury dishes, Kueh Lapis is a popular layered cake that everyone loves! It’s a timeless dessert enjoyed by both the young and old, whether before or after a meal. Bring this to your next family gathering, and we guarantee many people will be asking for seconds! For the best texture, pop it in the fridge and enjoy it chilled.
Nian Gao
What is Chinese New Year without Nian Gao? This sweet, sticky rice cake symbolises prosperity, growth, and good luck! Since the name of this dish sounds similar to "growing taller or reaching higher places year by year," it’s a must-eat for both the young and old. No matter whose house you visit, Nian Gao makes the perfect gift, bringing blessings to people of all ages.
Tang Yuan
Originating from China, tang yuan is traditionally eaten on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, when the moon is at its roundest! It symbolises unity, harmony, and joy, especially for families. If you're visiting relatives or going home to your family, enjoy a bowl of tang yuan together and be thankful that everyone is living well and healthy. Bring this dish when you visit on the last day of Chinese New Year, and we're sure you'll be regarded as the most cultured member of the family.
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We hope these dishes bring lots of laughter and blessings to you and your family this Chinese New Year. Most importantly, being together as a family and being present is the true gift of reunion. We wish you all a safe and pleasant Lunar New Year celebration, and may the huats be in your favor!
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