Eat Your Way Through Chinese New Year

The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is as important to China as Christmas is for many Europeans. On this day, no matter how far from home they live, Chinese people always manage to travel back to their hometowns to spend the festival with their families.

Of course, family reunions are special in and of themselves, but a table filled with delicacies brings even more joy and happiness to the occasion. Here, we’ve assembled a perfect Chinese New Year menu for you, so that you can learn more about this festival and how to make the feast for yourself:

For Luck

In Chinese, the word “chicken” is a homophone for “luck,” so it is always a staple at the Spring Festival feast. Plus, 2017 is the year of the rooster (close enough, right?), according to the Chinese zodiac cycles. This stewed chicken recipe will be a great dish to introduce you to Chinese New Year cuisine, no matter where you live.

For Prosperity and Happiness

When speaking of Spring Festival foods, you can never leave out dumplings. The variety of its fillings reflects the diversity of the Chinese culture. Dumplings have the shape of gold bricks, representing fortune and treasure in China. Meanwhile, the three varieties in this recipe are also symbolic of the wish for a better start to the New Year.

For Fortune

Fish is representative of “getting richer every year” in Chinese culture and is a popular ingredient on the eve of the Chinese New Year. Choose between steamed red gilthead and whole braised fish to give you and your family a flavorful and festive dinner—and a successful year ahead.

For Indulgence

There’s no better time to set guilt aside and indulge in comfort food than at a celebration. Embrace these two pork-based dishes for the ultimate festival treat.

For Balance

Round out your menu with these vegetable-laden dishes to create a well-balanced feast.