Celebrating Chinese New Year in a big way is a tradition in most Asian countries which falls between January and February. In China, decorated red lanterns, ear-splitting firecrackers, auspicious door decorations, clothing colors and hairstyles are all part of the celebrations when the whole family gathers on Chinese New Year eve. However, for many people, enjoying a special meal with family is an important thing that should not be missed.
Various dishes are served on the table such as sweets, snacks and luxurious dishes to eat with the family. There are several dishes that usually have symbolic meaning, cooked and served to bring good luck on Chinese New Year, these dishes will definitely bring you prosperity and success. Reporting from the Serious Eats page, here are 5 typical Chinese New Year dishes that are believed to bring good luck!
1. Jiaozi
Dumplings/Photo: freepik.com/freepik
One of the dishes that is usually eaten with warm sauce, you can also find it on the dining table during Chinese New Year celebrations. Dumplings are usually filled with various fillings, almost everyone has their own filling recipe. Ground pork is the most popular ingredient, often mixed with shrimp, Shaoxing wine, white pepper and spicy ginger.
There are various ways to cook dumplings, you can boil them, steam them, or even fry the dumplings that you have filled and folded. Dumplings are delicious on a cold evening, nothing beats a bowl of dumplings dipped in Zhenjiang vinegar or Shanxi vinegar sprinkled with chili.
2. Dayu Darou
Fish dishes/Photo: freepik.com/freepik
Dayu Darou means 'big fish and big meat'. This expression is used to describe a luxurious party that emphasizes animal protein dishes. Fish also symbolize abundance.
The Chinese expression 'you yu' literally means 'fish' or 'excess'. When you eat fish as a main dish, you might wish your friends 'niannian youyu' meaning may you have abundance year after year!
The Dayu Darou dish is fish that is usually served steamed whole. In Hangzhou, carp is steamed and drizzled with a sweet vinegar sauce, while in Guangdong Province, the fish can be served with soy and sesame oil.
3. Lawway
Sausage/Photo: freepik.com/azerbajian_stock
Lawei is a dish in the form of preserved meat. Throughout China, especially in winter, it is customary to hang fish, skinned ducks and sausages on a rack or pole to dry and serve as a dish for the upcoming Chinese New Year.
4. Chun Juan
Lumpia/Photo: freepik.com/kamran aydinov
Chun Juan (spring rolls) is known as a dish that brings good luck because it is wrapped in fried golden spring roll skin which is likened to a crunchy golden roll to symbolize gold bars, bringing wealth and prosperity in the coming year.
The spring roll wrapper is made from wheat flour dough, while the filling consists of grated carrots, shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, bean sprouts and pork, served with a drizzle of Saoxing wine sauce.
5. Changshou Mian
My/Photos: freepik.com/dashu83
Longevity noodles or Changshou Mian, a dish that cannot be missed during Chinese New Year. Longevity noodles symbolize the hope of a long, happy and healthy life. These noodles are usually served cooked with oyster sauce and finely sliced shiitake mushrooms, you can also add mustard greens.
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