Happy Lunar New Year!

Often called the Spring Festival or the Chinese New year, Lunar new year is one of the most important holidays celebrated by many communities and countries in the world, including but not limited to China, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. Lunar new year is the beginning of a new year based on lunisolar calendars.

This year, in 2025, it falls on Wednesday January 29th, culminating with a celebration of the Lantern festival on February 12th. The two week celebration is usually a time for family gatherings and reunions, with a lot of joy and cheerful spirits.

Some common activities would include shopping for new clothes, cleaning the household, decorating the red lanterns or paper cut-outs and most importantly, big, delicious family dinners. Gathered around a large, round table, families would eat plenty of yummy food, letting taste buds connect and unite all members, whether young or old, akin or aloof.

Growing up in a household that hosted these kinds of dinners every year, I have more than sufficient recommendations of dishes one should try out, even if you don't celebrate this festival. Here are the top 3, superior Chinese dishes that will satiate your love for food:

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1. Steamed Chicken (White-cut chicken)

As simple as the name insinuates, this dish is all about chicken. More specifically, it is a carefully-sliced, slightly-salted chicken. The chicken is usually served whole or chopped into neat pieces, with golden skin and juicy, pale meat.

Unlike a lot of other chicken dishes, heavily seasoned or fried, this dish is known for its natural chicken flavour that puts emphasis on the tender, soft texture of the meat above anything else. A result of high quality steaming, the meat is usually succulent and very fulfilling.

If you are an eater with a strong appetite, you can also try accompanying it with a light dipping sauce. Your first choice should be a good soy sauce and sesame oil mixture, or even with a touch of garlic and sugar. If you are not that big of a soy sauce person, you can also try ginger-scallion sauce (a wholesome blend of minced ginger, scallions, and hot oil).

Some tips to experiencing a better taste would be to:

1. Eat the first bits raw: No, I mean eat it cooked, but eat it first without sauce or rice by the side, or anything that will diminish the natural flavor of chicken. The meat is usually very soft and delicate, so please do not swallow it as fast as you can. Instead, chew it in your mouth for a little longer with no distractions of other food.

2. The leg is always the best: Selfishly, if possible, go for the leg. They are usually the places with better and more chewy meat. Growing up with this dish, I would always take my chances and battle for the leg with my cousins and even my dad.

This dish also carries a lot of symbolism. The whole chicken represents wholeness and togetherness for the family. In some places, eating chicken would also indicate rebirth and prosperity.

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2. Stir-fried Crab with Rice Cakes

This might be a controversial one— but not if you simultaneously love seafood and glutinous rice cakes! It might seem like a weird combo at first but trust me: it is so much better than one would ever expect.

This dish is a feast for both the eyes and palette, consisting of the vibrant orange of the crab, gold of the sauce and pearl white of the rice cake. A sniff from miles away is enough— your nose will meet the sweet aroma of garlic, scallion, spice, and umami of fresh crab.

What I love most about it is its texture: the delicate, tender crab meat along with the sticky rice cakes absorbed in luscious, sweet sauce. Usually, due to the flavour it carries within itself, you wouldn’t need side dips, but if you can’t stand the rawness of crab, you can always go with some light vinegar to make sure.

Some tips on eating it would be to:

1. Eat it hot: The dish is always best when served fresh out of the wok. Eat it with smoke rising on the sides, even if it burns your mouth! Only with enough heat can the perfect flavour be preserved.

2. Dip, dip and dip: Let the rice cakes soak in the sauce, and let them absorb all the rich crab sauce. This way, every bite will be packed with sweet, savory, and slightly briny flavors.

Symbolism wise, the crab, with its resemblance to a golden coin, represents wealth and prosperity. Rice cakes, on the other hand, signifies growth, success and good fortune.

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3. Longevity Noodles

Last but not least, longevity Noodles are a must-try. The noodles are usually long , representing the wishes for a long lifespan. The longer the noodle, the better—so try not to break it while eating!

This dish is all about simplicity and depth of flavor. The noodles are typically either stir-fried or served in a light, fragrant broth. The key to their magic lies in their chewy texture and the delicate balance of flavors. Stir-fried versions are coated in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and scallions, while soup versions may feature a clear broth infused with ginger and sometimes a hint of sesame oil.

To enhance the taste, different places add their own variations. You might find Longevity Noodles served with shredded chicken, mushrooms, shrimp, or even shallots. Some families prefer a vegetarian version with bok choy and shiitake mushrooms, keeping the dish light yet flavorful.

Some tips for eating would be to:

1. Do not cut the noodles: They symbolize longevity, and breaking them is considered bad luck. Try slurping them in!

2. Eat it with a light broth. If stir-fried, avoid overpowering flavors—this dish is meant to be enjoyed for its simple, elegant taste. Try it with a dish of chili oil or sesame sauce.

As for its symbolism, the name itself—"Longevity Noodles"—already tells you why it’s an essential Lunar New Year dish. When eating the unbroken strands, you are also hoping for a long and healthy life!

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