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Are you ready to ring in the Year of the Rabbit on January 22, 2023? This year, Joe and I will be celebrating Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) with some friends at a Chinese restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. Although we decided to go out this year, I still plan on making a few of our favorite Chinese New Year dishes for a taste of the meal we would share with our families if we were together.
Whether you are going out or making a meal at home, below are some Chinese New Year dishes that we enjoy (and some you can order at a restaurant).
Chinese New Year Dishes
Every family has their own traditions when it comes to celebrating Spring Festival and there are certain dishes that are eaten not just because they taste delicious, but we also eat them because of the special meaning. I hope you enjoy reading about them and the significance behind why we eat these Chinese New Year dishes.
Fish (鱼 yú)
Fish represents having surplus for the following year making it an essential dish to eat on Chinese New Year. From whole fish with a soy glaze to fish balls in hot pot, there are many ways to enjoy fish on this holiday.
Meatballs (团圆 tuán yuán)
Meatballs represent being together with loves ones. There’s a reason traveling home for Chinese New Year has been called one of the largest annual human migrations in the world. Being with family is the most important aspect of Spring Festival and sharing a plate of meatballs together is very significant. Our family loves to make these pearl meatballs because they are simple and delicious. In fact, we usually plan to make this favorite Chinese New Year dish at least twice during the multi-day celebration.
Dumplings (饺子 jiǎo zi)
Dumplings represent wealth and prosperity making them another must have Chinese New Year dish. When we’re celebrating with my mom, she’ll make wrappers from scratch so we can have steamed dumplings. One of my favorite parts of making dumplings is we can have all types of fillings and it’s a fun activity that the whole family can participate in. Plus, we can play guess who wrapped this dumpling when it’s time to eat them. Can you tell the difference in folding style among the dumplings in the photo above?
Check out my pork and celery dumpling recipe.
Pork (五花肉 wǔ huā ròu)
This sweet and savory braised pork belly is part of our family tradition and an indulgence on Chinese New Year. Pork belly is sometimes referred to as five layers of happiness and who wouldn’t want to start the year off right with a generous helping of happiness? Pigs are also associated with wealth and prosperity making it a key ingredient in many popular Chinese New Year dishes.
Shrimp (虾 xiā)
Shrimp represent happiness and joy in Chinese culture. This plate of golden deliciousness is my family’s recipe for fried shrimp. I used to watch my grandparents make these in their outdoor wok and they would let me taste one before the plate made it to the dinner table. My mom and I have carried on this family recipe and continue to make it for the holiday.
I hope you enjoyed reading some of the Chinese New Year dishes we eat together as a family. Let me know what some of your favorite dishes are and whether there is a special meaning behind the dish by leaving a comment below.
Wishing you and your family happiness and good health in the New Year! (新年快乐! xīn nián kuài lè!)
