Chinese New Year Dishes

Steamed Fish

Fish is a must for the Chinese New Year. Why does fish symbolize surplus and wealth? In Chinese, fish has the same pronunciation as surplus or extra.

Half of the fish is eaten for dinner, and the second half the next day. This is to prolong the surplus and make the future prosperous as well. A whole fish also represents a harmonious and whole family.

Some would cook a bigheaded carp. But only the middle would be eaten, while the head and tail are left intact. This is a reminder to finish everything you start and wish for positive results. During dinner, the fish head should be placed facing the guests. In Hunan, red peppers are added after broiling the fish. Red is a festive and lucky color and the spicy hotness expresses wishes for fiery (thriving) business in the new year.

Steamed Chicken

A whole chicken is another symbol of family. Rich in protein, one chicken is enough to feed an entire family. It represents reunion and rebirth. To express this auspicious meaning, people keep the head and claws.

After cooking, people will first offer the chicken to the ancestors. Though only a superstition now, praying to the ancestors for blessings and protection is still a significant part of the Spring Festival and Chinese culture.

In Hubei, chicken soup is the first meal of the new year. It is a wish for peace. The main workers of the family should eat chicken feet, also called “phoenix claws”. This is supposed to help them grasp onto wealth. Chicken wings help you fly higher, while the bones represent outstanding achievement.

For the first meal, some also cook eggs. The egg white and yolk represent gold and silver and are simple gifts for friends and neighbors.