Food is the cornerstone of so many celebrations and Lunar New Year is no different.
2017 marks the Year of the Rooster in the Lunar calendar and is a time to celebrate good fortune and longevity by bringing families, traditions and, of course food, together. Lunar New Year starts January 28 and is celebrated over 15 days, each day holding its own role with regards to the kinds of foods that are best to be consumed on each day. Many foods hold superstitious meanings and are considered to bring luck based on two things: their appearance and the sound of their names.
According to , this year is considered to be the unluckiest in the 12-year cycle, but never fear, as many people prepare to stock their fridges, pantries and kitchens full of food, here are some tips to help you ring in the Year of the Rooster with delicious optimism and good luck.
Simple and fresh, this colourful platter of vegetables, pickled ginger and raw salmon (or yee sang as it’s known in Mandarin) is said to bring good luck, wealth and prosperity. The raw fish symbolises 'rising abundance' and 'life', and the higher you toss your salad, the more luck you will have.
2. A dose of citrus
Sure they contain vitamin C, but oranges, cumquats, mandarins and tangerines are said to be lucky fruits for the New Year. In orange sounds like 'gold' and tangerine sounds like 'luck', so enjoy them fresh or use them in a stir-fry, like this , that works wonders in a banquet.
Serving over the New Year? The longer the strands the better it is, as long noodles represent longevity and lead to a longer life for those who consume them. Be sure not to cut or break them as this is bad luck! You can make your own with this recipe.
4. 2 in 1!
Rice is a must for New Year celebrations no matter where you celebrate. It is said to bring fertility, good luck and wealth, whilst sticky rice is said to create unity within families. Dumplings come in all shapes and sizes and while you might choose the popular , these combine the best of both worlds - rice & !
Sticky rice dumplings Source: China Squirrel
This and is one of those dishes that looks impressive on the table but takes very little effort to create. Whilst different fish have different meanings, it is important to serve your , head to tail, to ensure a good start to a year full of abundance.
6. More than a fruit salad
Fresh fruit symbolises life and beginning. So it is no surprise they are a common (and sweet) offering over this time of year. Oranges, mandarins, cumquats and tangerines are popular, as are lychees, which are eaten to strengthen family ties and translate to . Pomelo is also common as it also symbolises family unity and health. This zesty, fresh and summer-y bowl combines lychees, pomelo, papaya and pineapple, topped with a spicy sambal syrup! Get the recipe .
Source: Feast magazine
According to , “Spring rolls are said to resemble gold bars with their shape and golden colour, whilst the Cantonese word for ‘orange’ is a homophone for the word for ‘wealth’. These are a deliciously lucky way to finish any banquet.
And keeping in line with the sweet (and fruit-filled) life, you will also find that over the New Year period these golden, buttery pineapple tarts are virtually everywhere. Not only are they delicious delicacies, but once more convey luck and prosperity.
Source: Alan Benson
8. Bitesize luck
The Tray of Togetherness is another way to showcase sweet blessings, especially for when you have visitors. These trays make a great centrepiece filled with candies, fruits, vegetables and nuts that have been separated into compartments, usually six (which symbolises luck) or eight (which symbolises fortune). Coconut for health, kumquats for togetherness and peanuts for a longer life are common additions as each snack has its own auspicious meaning. There's no such thing as too much luck!
Lead image via Instagram /
More Lunar New Year delights
Peanut butter sticky rice balls in green tea
