Year of the Snake Special: Trending Chinese New Year Dishes

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Chinese New Year is not just about celebrating new beginnings, but also about indulging in delicious foods that bring luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Each year, certain dishes become particularly popular, with their symbolic meanings and flavors believed to bring good fortune. In the Year of the Snake, some traditional and modern dishes have been trending, reflecting both the rich cultural heritage of the holiday and the evolving tastes of today’s diners.

Dumplings: Symbol of Wealth 饺子：象征财富

Dumplings 饺子(jiǎo zi) are a must-have during Chinese New Year, and in the Year of the Snake, they continue to be a fan favorite. Their shape resembles ancient gold ingots, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The tradition of eating dumplings dates back centuries, and they are often filled with ingredients like pork, cabbage, or shrimp. In recent years, creative variations, such as dumplings shaped like snakes, have emerged to embrace the animal of the year. This year, snake-shaped dumplings represent a good omen, as they are believed to bring fortune and happiness to the family.

饺子, noun, dumplings

  1. 
Dumplings are a traditional dish during Chinese New Year.

    饺子是中国新年期间的传统菜肴。
    
jiǎo zi shì zhōng guó xīn nián qī jiān de chuán tǒng cài yáo.

  2. Eating dumplings brings good luck for the new year.

    吃饺子为新的一年带来好运。

    chī jiǎo zi wèi xīn de yī nián dài lái hǎo yùn.

Fish: A Blessing for Abundance 鱼：象征富饶

In Chinese culture, fish is a symbol of abundance and good fortune, especially during Chinese New Year. The word “鱼” (yú) sounds like the word for surplus (余, yú), signifying that there will always be more than enough in the coming year. A whole fish is typically served at the New Year’s Eve dinner to symbolize completeness and prosperity. In the Year of the Snake, a whole fish dish—such as steamed fish with ginger and scallions—has become even more popular, symbolizing the hope for abundance in all aspects of life.

鱼, noun, fish

  1. 
Eating fish during the New Year is believed to bring prosperity.

    新年吃鱼被认为会带来富饶。
    
xīn nián chī yú bèi rèn wéi huì dài lái fù ráo.

  2. Fish dishes are a sign of good fortune for the upcoming year.
    
鱼类菜肴是来年好运的象征。
    
yú lèi cài yáo shì lái nián hǎo yùn de xiàng zhēng.

Noodles: A Long Life Ahead 面条：长寿的象征

Noodles 面条(miàn tiáo) are another popular dish served during Chinese New Year, especially in the Year of the Snake. The long, unbroken strands symbolize longevity, and eating them is thought to extend one's life. In this special year, many people enjoy stir-fried noodles with vegetables, shrimp, or pork, while others prefer the traditional hot pot style. Noodles are often served on New Year’s Day for breakfast, ensuring that the first meal of the year will bring a long, healthy life.

面条, noun, noodles


  1. Noodles represent longevity in Chinese culture.

    面条在中国文化中代表长寿。
    
miàn tiáo zài zhōng guó wén huà zhōng dài biǎo cháng shòu.

  2. Eating noodles during the New Year symbolizes a long life.

    新年吃面条象征长寿。
    
xīn nián chī miàn tiáo xiàng zhēng cháng shòu.

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