GET ready to embrace good fortune and delectable delights as we explore the top 8 dishes to enhance your Chinese New Year 2024 spread! From traditional classics to modern twists, this list has got your feast covered.
1. Tikoy
Enter the Year of the Wood Dragon with Tikoy—not just a sweet glutinous rice cake, but the quintessential dish of Chinese New Year. Whether enjoyed in traditional slices, pan-fried for a crispy texture, or creatively incorporated into dishes like sticky rice rolls or spring rolls, Tikoy adds a symbolic sweetness to the celebration.
Whichever way it’s savored, Tikoy becomes a delectable centerpiece, blending tradition and innovation in the festive Lunar New Year spread.
2. Dumplings
These doughy pockets of happiness are crafted with a process that involves rolling, pinching, and boiling, bringing families and friends together in a shared tradition of creating delicious morsels. As you savor each dumpling, you’re not just enjoying a delectable treat; you’re partaking in the spirit of togetherness that defines the Lunar New Year festivities.
3. Lechon Baboy
While roasted pig holds special significance in various parts of the world, none can surpass the excellence of the Philippines’ Lechon. The crackling crispiness of the skin, coupled with the succulence of the meat, makes it a gastronomic treasure that transcends cultural boundaries, making it a perfect centerpiece not only for Chinese New Year but for any joyous occasion.
4. Fish
Fish holds significant symbolism in Chinese culture, particularly during Chinese New Year. The pronunciation of “fish” in Mandarin, “yú,” sounds like the word for surplus, making it a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
Including fish in Chinese New Year dishes is believed to bring good fortune and a surplus of wealth in the coming year as a whole fish served with head and tail, symbolizes a good start and finish to the year.
5. Spring Rolls (Lumpiang Shanghai)
Lumpiang Shanghai, a uniquely Filipino dish found in every handaan, is a delectable adaptation of the Chinese spring roll. While its name pays homage to Shanghai, a city in China, its culinary influence is distinctly Filipino. This dish features a savory filling encased in a thin pastry, deep-fried to golden perfection. As a symbol of wealth and abundance, Lumpiang Shanghai is an ideal choice to amplify the flavors and prosperity of your Chinese New Year 2024 celebration.
6. Oranges and Tangerines
Oranges and tangerines hold special significance during Chinese New Year as symbols of good luck and prosperity. Their vibrant hues and juicy sweetness are believed to usher in positive energy and abundance for the coming year. Placing these citrus delights on the table not only adds a burst of tangy charm to your celebration but also aligns with the tradition of inviting good fortune into your home.
7. Peking Duck
Peking Duck, a dish synonymous with celebration and abundance. If you have the budget for both the Lechon and the Duck in this list, then who’s stopping you from splurging? Go all out with this gastronomic delight. Just remember, enjoy in moderation, and bring prosperity to both your feast and well-being!
8. Longevity Noodles (Misua): Slurp Your Way to a Long and Prosperous Life!
Longevity Noodles, also known as yi mein or e-fu noodles, hold a significant place on the banquet table during Chinese celebrations, symbolizing the wish for a long and prosperous life. For Filipinos looking to embrace this tradition, a local alternative like misua can beautifully capture the essence of the symbolic wish for longevity and prosperity.
Incorporate these dishes into your Chinese New Year celebration, savoring not just their delightful taste but also the cultural significance they bring to your festive table.