7 lucky dishes to celebrate Chinese New Year in style

AS the Chinese New Year (CNY) approaches, preparations are underway to welcome the Year of the Snake with vibrant celebrations, heartfelt gatherings and most importantly, a feast of symbolic dishes.

Across the globe, Chinese communities embrace the season with culinary traditions deeply rooted in their culture, each dish representing hopes for wealth, prosperity and good fortune.

These delectable creations are more than just food; they are a celebration of heritage and auspicious beginnings. Here are seven iconic dishes that shine on Chinese New Year tables:

1. YU SHENG (PROSPERITY TOSS)

The ritual of tossing Yu Sheng is synonymous with CNY celebrations. This dish features thinly-sliced raw fish paired with shredded radish, carrots, pickled ginger, toasted sesame seeds and crispy flour bits, all dressed in plum sauce and spices.

The tradition originates from the Shang Dynasty’s appreciation for raw fish and has evolved into a vibrant communal activity. Diners energetically toss the ingredients while chanting good wishes for abundance and success.

Yu Sheng’s playful and symbolic nature makes it a crowd favourite.

2. POON CHOI (LAYERED TREASURE POT)

Poon Choi, a dish of layered ingredients, traces its history to the Song Dynasty, when villagers cooked this meal to honour a young emperor in exile. This extravagant pot features radish, pork, chicken, mushrooms, abalone and prawns, each layered to infuse flavour into the stew.

Its grandeur signifies prosperity and togetherness, as the dish is served for all to share at the table.

3. WHOLE STEAMED FISH (SYMBOL OF COMPLETION)

A whole steamed fish, presented with its head and tail intact, embodies the Cantonese wish for a good start and end to the year. The fish is steamed to perfection, topped with julienned ginger and fresh scallions and drizzled with hot oil and a light soy-based dressing.

The emphasis on freshness and precise cooking reflects the community’s appreciation for balance and harmony.

4. LAP MEI FAN (PRESERVED MEAT RICE)

Lap Mei Fan, or claypot rice with preserved meats, harks back to a time when food preservation was essential. Featuring Chinese waxed sausages, duck liver sausages and cured pork, the dish is cooked so the meats infuse their savoury essence into the rice.

This comforting dish represents the importance of sustenance and enduring traditions.

5. NIAN GAO (SWEET GLUTINOUS CAKE)

Nian Gao, a sticky rice cake, carries the literal meaning of 'higher year', symbolising progress and success.

Often sweetened with flavours like pandan or black sesame, it is a beloved treat that signifies hope for greater achievements and happiness in the year ahead.

6. HO SEE FATT CHOY (OYSTERS AND BLACK MOSS)

This Cantonese delicacy combines braised dried oysters (ho see) and black moss (fatt choy), whose names echo the wishes for good fortune and prosperity.

Often enhanced with abalone, fish maw and mushrooms, this dish is a staple for those looking to usher in a prosperous year.

7. BUBUR CHA CHA (PERANAKAN SWEET DELIGHT)

A unique fusion of Malay and Peranakan influences, Bubur Cha Cha is a dessert made of sweet potato, taro (yam), black-eyed peas and tapioca jelly in coconut milk.

Its rich, vibrant colours and luscious flavors symbolise abundance and joy, making it a festive favourite in Malaysia and Singapore.

Each of these dishes carries stories, traditions and aspirations, making them more than just meals; they are symbols of hope and joy for the year ahead.

As you savour these treats this CNY, may the flavours bring luck, prosperity and warmth to your celebrations.