The Meaning Behind 8 Iconic Chinese New Year Dishes

Chinese New Year celebration in Singapore is one of the most important festivals, bringing families together for reunion dinners and traditions. A key highlight of the celebrations is food—each dish carries a special meaning, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and happiness. Among them, 8 must-have Chinese New Year dishes stand out, each rich in cultural significance and tradition.

Dumplings 饺子 (jiǎo zi) - A Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity

Dumplings (Jiaozi) are one of the most iconic and beloved dishes during Chinese New Year celebrations. Their significance goes beyond just being a delicious treat; they are deeply symbolic, representing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.

Their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots (Yuanbao), once used as currency, leading to belief that eating dumpling will bring good fortune and financial success. In fact, the more dumplings you eat, the more wealth people believe can accumulate – so do not hold back!

• Symbolism: Wealth and Prosperity 
• Meaning: Dumplings are shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots represent financial success and abundance in the coming year

 

Treasure Pot盆菜 (Pen Cai) – A Symbol of Abundance and Unity 

Pen Cai, or "prosperity pot", is a beloved Chinese New Year dish that brimming with meaning and flavours. This one-pot dish features a variety of ingredients like seafood, meats, mushrooms, and vegetables, with special additions such as abalone or dried scallops. Traditionally served in large pots, Pen Cai is perfect for family gatherings, symbolizing prosperity and harmony in the coming year. 

Each ingredient in Pen Cai represents a wish for abundance like wealth, health, career, and relationships. Sharing the dish with loved ones strengthens bonds and fosters unity, making it a cherished tradition during Chinese New Year celebrations. 

• Symbolism: Abundance and Unity 
• Meaning: People typically enjoy this dish as a symbol of unity and harmony. Sharing the same pot with family and friends helps strengthen relationships and promotes goodwill.

Browse Eu Yan Sang Singapore Royal Imperial Abalone Treasure Pot.

 

Fish 魚 (Yu) – A Symbol of Surplus and Prosperity 

The word fish (鱼, yú) sounds like the “surplus” (余) in Chinese, making it a symbol of having more than enough. It represents wealth, happiness, and opportunities in the coming year. 

In Chinese tradition, the fish is served whole, with both head and tail intact. The head symbolizes the start of the year, while the tail represents year end, together wishing for a smooth and prosperous year. Eating fish during Chinese New Year ensures a surplus of good fortune throughout the year. 

• Symbolism: Abundance, prosperity, and good luck 
• Meaning: Eating fish ensures that you have surplus wealth, good luck, and prosperity in the year ahead.

 

Bucket Of Gold 一桶金 (yi tong jin) – A Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity 

A Bucket of Gold isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a powerhouse of fortune, symbolizing abundance, success, and endless opportunities in the new year. Just like ancient gold ingots, this golden treasure represents prosperity and financial growth. Its rounded shape isn’t just about wealth; it signifies harmony, wholeness, and an overflowing year of blessings. A bucket brimming with gold is the ultimate wish for a future filled with riches and good fortune! 

• Symbolism: Overflowing wealth and financial success. 
• Meaning: Displaying or indulging in gold ingot-shaped treats is like stacking up treasures—inviting fortune, prosperity, and lasting abundance for the year ahead.

Browse Eu Yan Sang Singapore Bucket of Gold Assorted Gift Set.

 

Longevity Noodles 长壽面 (Chang Shòu Miàn) – A Symbol of Long Life and Health 

Longevity Noodles are an essential dish in Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing long life, health, and good fortune. The uncut noodles represent longevity, as cutting them is believed to shorten life. 

The length of the noodles is the key symbol, with longer noodles signifying a stronger wish for a long and healthy life. It is often served to elderly as a mark of respect and well-being. In some lunar new year traditions, people even consume it without biting, symbolizing a smooth and enduring life. 

• Symbolism: Long Life, health, and good fortune. 
• Meaning: Uncut, long noodles represent a wish for longevity and are served to ensure a prosperous year ahead.

 

Chinese Spring Rolls 春卷 (chūn juǎn) – A Symbol of Wealth and New Beginnings 

Chinese Spring Rolls are a popular dish during Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth, good fortune, and new opportunities. Their golden appearance resembles gold bars, making them a powerful symbol of financial prosperity. The word "spring" (春) also connects them to renewal, representing a fresh start and hope for a thriving year ahead. 

• Symbolism: Wealth and Fortune 
• Meaning: The golden and crispy rolls is reminiscent of gold bars, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.

 

Sweet Dumplings 湯圓 (Tāng Yuán) – A Symbol of Family Unity and Harmony 

Sweet dumplings, traditionally filled with fragrant peanut or sesame paste and served in a warm, soothing broth, are a beloved treat during Chinese New Year. To elevate this delicacy, adding the luxurious touch of bird’s nest enhances both its richness and auspicious symbolism, making it even more exquisite. 

Their perfectly round shape represents completeness, family unity, and harmony. Sharing Tang Yuan during the festive season embodies the heartfelt wish for loved ones to stay close and supportive throughout the year. 

The name Tang Yuan sounds like "tuan yuan" (团圆), meaning reunion or gathering in Chinese. This reinforces the tradition of families coming together, celebrating togetherness, and embracing harmony for the year ahead. 

• Symbolism: Family unity, togetherness, and harmony. 
• Meaning: The round shape of the dumplings symbolizes family togetherness and the hope for a harmonious year.

Browse Eu Yan Sang Singapore Superior Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar (Reduced Sugar) 6's.

 

Mandarins Oranges 橘子 (Jú Zǐ) – A Symbol of Good Luck and Prosperity 

Mandarin oranges are a cherished symbol of good luck and fortune during Chinese New Year. In Cantonese, the word for "orange" sounds like "auspicious," making them a popular gift to wish for a prosperous year ahead. Their bright, golden colour represents wealth and success, while their round shape symbolizes completeness, unity, and family harmony. 

Exchanging oranges among family, friends, and businesses is a traditional Chinese New Year greeting for a thriving future. 

• Symbolism: Good luck, prosperity, and family unity 
• Meaning: The golden colour of mandarins symbolizes wealth and a flourishing year ahead.
   

Chinese New Year is a time to honour tradition, reflect on the past, and look forward to a prosperous future. Each dish is rich in cultural meaning, symbolizing luck, wealth, health, and unity. 

By understanding the significance behind these iconic foods, we gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions of Chinese New Year, making the celebration even more meaningful and joyful. These dishes are shared at family tables and passed down through generations, creating a sense of connection, togetherness, and hope for the year ahead.