February 16, 2026 | 10:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Celebrating the Chinese New Year in 2026, which falls on February 17, is a vital moment for families to gather and strengthen their bonds. There are various traditions associated with this celebration, including consuming food believed to bring good luck.
But these practices vary according to regions, countries, and cultural backgrounds. “Traditional Lunar New Year foods are deeply symbolic and almost always tied to wishes for prosperity, longevity, and good fortune,” said lifestyle expert and author of the book Family Style, Peter Som, as quoted from Real Simple.
Here are some of the dishes typically consumed during the Chinese New Year.
1. Dumplings
Dumplings, known as jiaozi in Mandarin or mandoo in Korean, are often served during this celebration. Annie Shi, one of the authors of The King Cookbook, stated that the shape of dumplings resembles traditional gold ingots and is believed to bring more prosperity in the new year. The dish consists of various fillings wrapped in dough, with pork being the most commonly used filling.
2. Whole Steamed Fish
Steamed fish with ginger and scallions is also served during the Lunar New Year. This dish symbolizes abundance and good luck. However, the fish must be served whole, from head to tail.
Sophia Tsao, the second-generation owner of Po Wing Hong Food Market in New York City, mentioned that cutting up the fish would bring bad luck. Interestingly, the entire fish is not eaten. "Leaving part of the fish on the plate symbolizes having more than enough, an abundance," said a speaker at the Chinese Museum in America.
3. Noodles
Long noodles symbolize longevity. In some regions of China, they are called changshou mian. "The longer, the better!" Tsao commented. The way they are prepared varies depending on the region and family preferences, such as with shiitake mushrooms, scallions, and sliced pork.
4. Citrus
Oranges are an essential part of the Chinese New Year dishes. Mandarin oranges, according to Tsao, symbolize good luck. Their round shape represents continuity and a pouch of money. They are usually arranged as decorations on the table, stacked and large, symbolizing gold and wealth. Moreover, their leaves also symbolize prosperity and well-being.
5. Sweets
Various types of sweets are served during the Chinese New Year, such as sweet glutinous rice pudding adorned with eight types of candied fruits or dried fruits, various seeds, or different nuts.
Additionally, there are candies served in circular trays divided into eight compartments. The candies symbolize a sweet start to the year, and the number eight is believed to bring good luck. “The circle symbolizes roundness, continuity, and togetherness,” Tsao explained.
Jon Kung added that each type of candy also represents something. "Candied lotus root represents the interconnectedness of family, red pumpkin seeds represent the gathering of wealth, oranges are for prosperity," he said.
One of the popular treats is nian gao, a cake made of glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, as reported by Good Housekeeping.
Imanda Zahwa contributed to the writing of this article
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