As we heard about Chinese new year, we used to experience the decoration of bright red color, lanterns, lion dance and especially a tableful of colorful & tasteful dishes in celebration. Depending on chinese calendar, the chinese lunar new year celebration lasts 15days and the Chinese peoples believe the celebration of new year will come good fortune and luck for the whole year. That is why they welcome with new year with their loved ones_ family, relatives, friends, all together. As we all know in this special occasion, the excellent, yummy and colorful chinese dishes cannot be lack out. So, let us share what kinds of chinese food they eat and celebrate, and why they eat them in this article.  

Prosperity with Delectable Dumplings 

Resembling coin purses, dumplings are a popular food enjoyed throughout the year, not just during Chinese New Year. Traditionally filled with a flavorful mixture of meat, tofu, egg, and/or vegetables, dumplings can be boiled, steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried. Whichever way they are prepared, they never fail to be delicious. In Chinese culture, dumplings are believed to bring wealth and prosperity. It's no wonder they are an essential part of every Chinese New Year celebration, adorning every table with their presence.

Duck Your Way to Happiness and Health

Everyone knows the popular Peking Duck, which is gracefully placed at the center of the Chinese New Year celebration table. The red color of the Peking Duck symbolizes happiness, health, and prosperity, making it a prominent dish that represents Chinese cuisine. To achieve its crispy skin and juicy meat, we can stuff the duck with ginger, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon powder, Chinese masala, garlic, soy sauce, and leeks for a fragrant and delicious taste. The accompanying special sauce, made with honey, rice wine, vinegar, Chinese masala, salt, garlic, and oil, creates a perfect match and gives the Peking Duck a golden brown, delicious finish.

Royal Lion’s Head Meatballs 

Pork dishes hold a significant place in Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing harmony and peace. Among them, meatballs made from minced pork are a delectable choice that can be enjoyed through various cooking methods such as frying, steaming, and cooking. These delicious meatballs have gained popularity worldwide and have been known as "lion's head meatballs" since ancient times in Chinese history due to their resemblance to a lion's head. The perfect combination of minced pork, ginger, scallions, water chestnuts, mushrooms, oyster sauce, spice powder, cooking wine, and light soy sauce results in a moist, flavorful, and appetizing cuisine. For a simple yet delightful preparation, we can fry the meatballs by mixing them with corn flour and egg. Additionally, we can transform the style of the dish by creating a sweet and sour sticky meatball recipe with the addition of sugar, cornstarch, chili oil, and preferred vegetables. 

Trays of Chinese Sweets 

During this special occasion, we often come across a red box filled with sweet snacks. These snacks typically include peanuts, sesame sticks, dried fruits, and candies, all beautifully adorned in white, yellow, and red colors. Many Chinese people enjoy these sweet treats at home or present them in the red boxes as New Year gifts to their loved ones. Peanuts play a significant role in most of these sweets, as they symbolize vitality, longevity, wealth, and honor. Peanuts can be prepared in various ways, such as boiling them with water or saltwater, or stir-frying them. Chinese tradition holds that eating raw peanuts is the preferred method. In addition to peanuts, sunflower seeds are also an essential snack during Chinese New Year celebrations. They carry a symbolic meaning of having many sons and grandsons in traditional Chinese culture. 

The Lifelong Love Affair with Fried Noodles 

The saying goes that the longer the noodle, the longer one's life will be. Longevity noodles, also known as "Long Life Noodles," are a simple and delicious Chinese traditional dish. They symbolize a long and healthy life. According to tradition, the length of the noodle is believed to bring good luck. It is important to handle the noodles with care while cooking, as accidentally breaking a noodle is seen as a symbol of a shortened life. Longevity noodles are thin wheat flour noodles that are cooked in broth. They are seasoned with soy sauce and typically served with vegetables. 

Rewards of Abundant Fish 

In Chinese culture, the word for "fish" (Yú) sounds like the word for "abundance." As a result, eating fish during the Lunar New Year is seen as a symbol of hoping for wealth at the end of the year. It is commonly steamed whole fish or included it in a stew with essential ingredients such as soy sauce, which is an integral part of Chinese cuisine, along with other spices. However, there is a specific tradition associated with eating fish. After finishing one side of the fish, it is considered unlucky to flip it over. This tradition stems from the belief that the whole fish resembles a boat. Flipping it over symbolizes capsizing the boat and inviting misfortune. Instead, it is customary to remove the bones and continue enjoying the meal. 

Chewy & Sticky Rice Cake 

One popular dessert enjoyed during Chinese New Year is "Nian Gao" or "E Kway" (sticky rice cake). It is a well-known Chinese dish known for its sweet and sticky flavor. Nian Gao is not limited to the New Year celebrations; it is enjoyed throughout the year. It is a delicious treat that symbolizes happiness, peace, and strong bonds with loved ones for the entire year. There are different ways to make this sticky rice cake, but there are two main types: white and brown. The most common variety is the brown sticky rice cake, made with ingredients such as coconut milk, sugar cane, and a little sugar. These ingredients are stirred together in a pot with medium heat. Afterward, the mixture is placed in round tiny bowls and shared with friends, relatives, and family members. 

 These foods are not only delicious but also hold cultural significance, being part of the traditions that make Chinese New Year special. Are you ready to celebrate the Year of the Dragon by creating and sharing these recipes with your loved ones?