Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is widely celebrated in China and around the world. It marks the first day of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and generally falls between 21 January and 19 February in the Gregorian calendar. The festivities last fifteen days, until the famous Lantern Festival.
As so often in China, New Year is a celebration that brings the family together around a good meal. Culinary traditions vary greatly from one region to another, but some dishes are common to the whole country. So if you are planning to prepare a meal like the ones enjoyed in China, discover these delicious dishes to add to your menu.
Steamed fish (Yú)
Fish is a must at the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. In Chinese, the word for "abundance" sounds the same as 鱼 (yú), the word for "fish". In ancient China, it was said that preparing fish for New Year would save you from famine for the rest of the year.
Fish is usually steamed with ginger and spring onion, but the recipe, cooking method, flavours and spices vary greatly from region to region. The choice of fish also varies from one region to another, but crucian carp or catfish are often chosen because their Chinese names sound like good luck and abundance respectively, or carp, since it symbolises wealth. So if fish often appears in Chinese decorative motifs, it is above all because of its great symbolic value!
Nian gao, the Chinese New Year cake
Prepared during the Chinese New Year festival, Nian gao is a delicious dessert to enjoy without restraint! Sometimes translated as "year cake" or "Chinese New Year cake", it is made from flour and glutinous rice. Nian gao was originally an offering to the gods and ancestors. It later became a dessert eaten during the Spring Festival.
Although it can be eaten all year round, it is usually prepared for New Year so that this fresh start brings happiness and prosperity. Either way, eating this dish is a ritual that has been carried on for many years.
(Yet another) occasion to eat dumplings
Dumplings take pride of place at many festivals (notably Dongzhi) and are a great classic of Chinese festivities. Naturally, New Year is no exception!
Much loved in China, dumplings represent Chinese cuisine all over the world. There is even a Chinese saying that "nothing is more delicious than dumplings", and nothing could be truer! Made with ginger, garlic and meat and pan-fried or steamed, dumplings are one of the delights of Chinese cuisine and a symbol of prosperity.
Spring rolls to celebrate the arrival of the new season
Crispy and delicious, spring rolls are among the dishes you absolutely must try during the Spring Festival.
A Vietnamese speciality, they are widespread and popular in China, where they are called Chun juan. In the south of the country, it is common to eat them on the first day of spring to celebrate the arrival of the new season. Spring rolls are said to bring wealth and good fortune.
Longevity noodles
Longevity noodles, also called Chang shou mian, are eaten every year during the festivities celebrating the new year. Made with mushrooms, chicken, garlic, chives and various sauces, this dish is a must in Chinese cuisine.
Tradition also has it that this dish is served especially on the 7th day of Chinese New Year. A symbol of longevity, it is said that you should never cut the noodles unless you want to shorten your life!
With their strong symbolism, these tasty dishes are at the heart of Chinese culture and the festivities associated with New Year. So there's no question of going without them if you want to celebrate the new year properly!