Best 10 Traditional Chinese New Year Food​s (2025 Chinese Dishes)

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of joy, family reunions, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. Each dish served during this festive period carries a special meaning, symbolizing prosperity, luck, and togetherness. As we approach the 2025 celebrations, let’s explore the top 10 traditional Chinese New Year foods that are sure to grace tables across the globe.

1. Chinese Dumplings

Chinese dumplings, also known as jiaozi in Chinese, are versatile savory morsels that are served throughout the year, but they are especially popular during Lunar New Year celebrations due to their cultural significance. Their shape resembles silver currency, and eating them is believed to bring wealth and fortune.

People often stuff them with special materials that also symbolize good luck, such as leeks (Jiucai), which sounds like “industrious wealth”; red dates (Hongzao), which prophesize a prosperous new year; and peanuts or candy, which predict a lucky year.

Guo tie, shaped more like a lion’s head and steamed or braised, is another popular dumpling that represents strength and family unity. Glutinous rice cake – Niangao is also a common New Year food, as its name sounds like “getting higher year-on-year,” a wish for prosperity.

2. Chow Mein Noodles

Longevity noodles (Chang Shou Mian / chung-show mien) are another unsurprising addition to the Chinese New Year table. The noodles, which are thinner and longer than normal, are a symbol of longevity. They are often fried but may be boiled as well. Chow mein noodles, on the other hand, are soaked and stir-fried, giving them a slightly crunchier texture compared to the chewier, fully cooked lo mein noodles.

They can be fried or boiled and are commonly served with a sweet soup. They’re considered especially auspicious if they are shaped like a lion’s head, as this symbolizes strength and power. The word chun jin means “gold bars make a fortune” in Chinese, so eating these noodles will bring you luck all year long.

3. Nian Gao

Sweet rice balls, also known as tangyuan or nian gao, are chewy glutinous rice balls served in hot broth or syrup that symbolize family unity and togetherness, especially during significant Chinese celebrations such as the Lantern Festival and Spring Festival.

They can be stuffed with either sweet or savory fillings. The word nian literally means higher/taller year-on-year, so eating these treats is meant to bring growth in general: height for children, wealth for business, health and knowledge, etc. Served at the Lantern Festival at the end of the Chinese New Year, these sweet treats are considered the perfect way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new.

Nian gao also represents prosperity and wealth as its pronunciation is a homophone for nian (lit. year high). It’s often eaten in the afternoon as a snack or dessert, especially in Shanghai and southern China. Adding red decorations to this traditional Chinese New Year dish further enhances its auspicious meaning.

4. Fish

The main meal during the Lunar New Year is the reunion dinner, which takes place at a family member’s house rather than in a restaurant. In Chinese culture, serving a whole fish during the reunion dinner embodies cultural values such as family unity and abundance.

During the meal, it is customary to serve a whole fish, which symbolizes prosperity. The head and tail are saved to be eaten the following day as a way of saying good luck for the rest of the year. It is also important to serve the fish with its head facing honored guests or elderly relatives.

Another symbol of wealth is steamed sliced carp, which is a popular dish for the Lunar New Year. Carp has the lucky Chinese name Nian Nian you, which sounds similar to the phrase “to have a surplus,” suggesting that people will have plenty of food year after year.

5. Ground Pork

In China, pork is a symbol of prosperity. During the Chinese New Year, families serve whole pigs or roasted ribs to wish for wealth and good health in the upcoming year. These dishes are especially popular in Southern China. Certain pork dishes are also prepared using deep-fried methods, enhancing their crispy and flavorful texture.

Another food that signifies wealth is cured meats, which are called la roue in Chinese. These can be steamed, boiled, or fried. The best-known is smoked pork, which is considered the most auspicious of all the cured meats.

This translates to “higher or bigger year.” Glutinous rice cake is another food that symbolizes wealth due to its name and appearance. It can be steamed, fried, or stuffed with chestnuts and jubes.

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6. Mandarin Oranges

Mandarin oranges are a staple for Chinese or Lunar New Year dishes and symbolize luck and prosperity. The word orange in Mandarin sounds similar to the word “gold,” and the citrus fruit’s round shape symbolizes abundance. The Spring Festival is a time for family reunions and celebrations, particularly focusing on traditional foods like mandarin oranges. Giving mandarin oranges to loved ones is a way of wishing them happiness and wealth for the year ahead.

Citrus fruits like tangerines, pomegranates, and kumquats are also popular choices for Chinese New Year food because of their round shapes and gold colors. As Time reports, tangerines – particularly the thin-skinned varieties known as jinju – are especially auspicious because they resemble bamboo, which signifies promotion in one’s career. Similarly, pomegranates are said to symbolize fertility and longevity because of their numerous jewel-like kernels.

7. Chicken

Whole chicken is a classic dish served during the Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing luck and wholeness. In Chinese culture, the chicken represents prosperity and the hope for a fulfilling year. It is often prepared as a whole bird to signify unity and family togetherness, making it a popular choice for the reunion dinner.

The method of cooking can vary, from steaming to roasting, but the presentation of a whole chicken is key. This traditional dish is often served with soy sauce and ginger, enhancing its natural flavors while maintaining its cultural significance. The round shape of the chicken is believed to bring good fortune and is a reminder of the importance of family unity during the year festivities.

8. Sweet Rice Balls

Sweet rice balls, also known as tangyuan, are a beloved traditional dish during the Chinese New Year festivities. These chewy glutinous rice balls are often served in a warm, sweet broth or syrup, symbolizing family unity and togetherness. The round shape of the sweet rice balls represents completeness and harmony, making them an auspicious dish for family gatherings during the Spring Festival.

Eating sweet rice balls during the Chinese New Year is a cherished tradition. Their name, tangyuan, sounds similar to the word “tuan yuan,” which means reunion in Chinese. This homophonic connection highlights the importance of familial bonds and the hope for a harmonious year ahead.

Sweet rice balls can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as black sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanut butter, each adding its own unique flavor to this delightful dish.

9. Spring Rolls

Spring rolls (Chun Juan Chunjuan /Schwinn-jin wan-when/) are cylindrical-shaped Chinese dim sum dishes filled with vegetables or meat and something sweet, wrapped in thin dough wrappers. When fried, they are golden in color, and their name translates to “Hwung-Jin Wan-Lyang,” meaning a ton of gold; their round shape is meant to signify prosperity.

Spring rolls should be consumed when fresh, but cooled leftovers may be stored in an airtight container lined with a paper towel for 2-3 days. They can also be reheated in a 350°F oven or 325°F Air Fryer until warmed through.

10. Lamb

Lamb is a lean, tender meat that’s usually less than one year old (less than two years, and it’s considered mutton). Younger lamb is known as spring lamb and can be aged to develop more flavor and additional tenderness. The Spring Festival is a significant time for family reunions and celebrations, where traditional foods like lamb are enjoyed.

When shopping for lamb, look for firm meat with a fine-grained texture and a bright red color without any visible fat marbling. The color is caused by the presence of myoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen to the muscles. It’s important to avoid overcooked lamb, as this will result in tough, tasteless meat.

Regional Specialties

Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region offering its own unique specialties that reflect local tastes and traditions. Here are a few examples:

• Sichuan Province: Known for its bold and spicy flavors, Sichuan cuisine is famous for dishes like Kung Pao chicken, Mapo tofu, and twice-cooked pork. The liberal use of Sichuan peppercorns gives these dishes their distinctive numbing and spicy taste, making them a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Cantonese Province: Cantonese cuisine is celebrated for its delicate flavors and intricate preparation methods. Popular dishes include dim sum, roast goose, and steamed fish. The emphasis is on preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients, often using light seasoning and quick cooking techniques.
• Fujian Province: Fujian cuisine is known for its light and delicate flavors, focusing on seafood and soups. Signature dishes like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and Fujian fried noodles showcase the region’s love for fresh, high-quality ingredients and complex broths.
• Hunan Province: Hunan cuisine is characterized by its spicy and sour flavors. Staples include smoked pork, steamed fish with pickled chili, and Dongpo pork. The cuisine often features a combination of fresh and preserved ingredients, creating a balance of flavors that is both robust and nuanced.
• Jiangsu Province: Jiangsu cuisine is renowned for its refined flavors and meticulous preparation. Popular dishes include steamed fish with scallions, braised abalone, and Dongpo pork. The cuisine often emphasizes the natural sweetness of ingredients, with a focus on presentation and texture.

These regional specialties highlight the incredible diversity of Chinese cuisine and offer a culinary journey through the country’s different provinces.

How to Cook with Traditional Chinese Ingredients?

Chinese cuisine relies heavily on a variety of traditional ingredients that are essential for creating its distinctive flavors. Here are some key ingredients and their uses:

• Soy Sauce: A staple condiment in Chinese cooking, soy sauce adds a rich, umami flavor to a wide range of dishes. It’s used in marinades, stir-fries, and as a dipping sauce, making it indispensable in Chinese kitchens.
• Sesame Oil: Known for its nutty flavor and high smoke point, sesame oil is a popular choice for stir-fries and marinades. A few drops of this aromatic oil can elevate the taste of any dish, adding depth and complexity.
• Chinese Sausage: This type of cured sausage, made from pork and spices, is often used in stir-fries and braises. Its sweet and savory flavor makes it a beloved ingredient in dishes like fried rice and steamed rice rolls.
• Fermented Tofu: Also known as stinky tofu, this fermented soybean product is often used in soups and stews. Its strong aroma and unique taste are an acquired taste, but it adds a distinctive flavor that is cherished in Chinese cooking.
• Ground Pork: A versatile ingredient in Chinese cuisine, ground pork is used in a variety of dishes, such as dumplings, meatballs, and stir-fries. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it a favorite for many classic dishes.

These traditional ingredients are the backbone of Chinese cooking, each bringing its own unique flavor and character to the table.

Conclusion

Chinese cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition with a wide range of regional specialties and traditional ingredients. From the spicy dishes of Sichuan Province to the delicate flavors of Cantonese cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Chinese cooking.

Whether you’re savoring the bold flavors of Hunan or the refined tastes of Jiangsu, each dish tells a story of its region’s history and culture. We hope this guide has given you a deeper understanding and appreciation of this incredible culinary tradition, especially during the festive Chinese New Year period.

Faqs about Traditional Chinese Food

Q1: Can you eat eggs on Chinese New Year?

Yes, you can eat eggs on Chinese New Year, though they are typically not the meal’s star. Eggs are often used in various dishes, like egg rolls (spring rolls), and their round shape symbolizes wholeness and the cycle of life. However, some people avoid eating eggs during certain festivals or days if they observe specific dietary customs, but generally, eggs are not prohibited during Chinese New Year.

Q2: What is traditional Chinese New Year menu?

A traditional Chinese New Year menu features symbolic foods that represent luck, prosperity, happiness, and longevity. Some common dishes include:

1. Dumplings (Jiaozi) – Represent wealth and prosperity.
2. Fish – Usually served whole, symbolizing surplus and good fortune. “Nian nian you yu” (年年有余) means “every year have surplus.”
3. Spring Rolls – Symbolize wealth and good fortune due to their shape, similar to gold bars.
4. Noodles – Long noodles symbolize longevity and are often eaten without breaking them.
5. Chicken – Represents family unity and completeness, often served whole to signify prosperity.
6. Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan) – Symbolizing family unity, happiness, and completeness.
7. Steamed Buns (Baozi) – Filled with sweet or savory fillings, they symbolize wealth.
8. Oranges and Tangerines – They are often given as gifts or served, representing good luck and wealth.

These foods vary regionally, but they all emphasize positive symbolism, bringing good fortune for the new year.

Q3: What is the difference between American Chinese and authentic Chinese food?

American Chinese food is a fusion cuisine created to suit Western tastes, often featuring sweet, salty, and fried dishes like General Tso’s chicken, sweet-and-sour pork, and egg rolls. It uses more accessible ingredients and simplifies or alters traditional Chinese recipes.

Authentic Chinese food is diverse and deeply tied to China’s regional cultures. It features a wide variety of flavors – balancing sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami – using fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods like stir-frying, steaming, and braising. Dishes often have more complex, subtle flavors and vary greatly by region, such as Sichuan’s spicy and numbing dishes or Cantonese dim sum.