What do you eat for Chinese New Year?

Not only in China, but in many parts of Asia, Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays. In the Netherlands too, the celebration is a big deal. In 2022, Chinese families come together on February 1st to welcome the Year of the Tiger in the best possible way.

The turn of the year is the perfect moment to cleanse your life of the bad luck from the previous year. Literally—in the days leading up to Chinese New Year, homes are thoroughly cleaned. This continues until midnight, because cleaning on New Year's Day itself is strictly forbidden, as you might sweep away the good luck of the new year.

Another way to ensure that luck and wealth come your way this year is to serve the right food. Behind every dish eaten during Chinese New Year lies a symbolic meaning. These dishes are shared with friends and family, so that everyone can look forward to a healthy, happy, and prosperous year. Happy New Year!

Longevity noodles

A must during the Chinese New Year celebration is longevity noodles. These noodles are extra long, symbolizing a long life. You are also supposed to eat the noodles in one go, without biting them off prematurely—after all, you would not want to cut your life short prematurely either.

Dumplings

Ahead of the celebration, it is common for families to prepare jiaozi, Chinese steamed dumplings, together. Making the dough yourself, preparing the filling, and spending hours together filling and folding dumplings. As such, dumplings symbolize family, but also prosperity, since their shape resembles that of old Chinese coins.

Whole fish

At nearly every New Year celebration, a whole fish is served at the table. This is because the Chinese word for fish sounds very similar to the Chinese word for "abundance." Fish therefore symbolizes wellbeing and prosperity. It is often steamed whole and served with scallions, ginger, and soy sauce.

Glutinous rice balls

Tang yuan are small, sweet balls made from glutinous rice flour. They are often filled with, for example, black sesame, red bean or peanut. The balls are gently boiled in water or sugar syrup, and their round shape symbolizes family reunion. 

Steamed rice cake

Nian gao is a traditionally steamed rice cake that is widely eaten during Chinese New Year. Nian means "year" and gao means "high," "tall," or "lasting." As such, nian gao symbolizes progress and growth.

Fruit

After the meal, fruit is often eaten, particularly mandarins and oranges. This is because the Chinese words for these fruits sound similar to the Chinese word for "luck." If you order Chinese takeout in the Netherlands during (Chinese) New Year, you will often receive oranges with your order as well.