Here is a round-up of the 8 of the luckiest foods for the Chinese, or Lunar, New Year. Why eight symbolic foods? In Chinese culture, 8 is a traditionally lucky number and symbolises prosperity.

The symbolism of these foods is typically based on their pronunciations or appearance. It is also important to remember that in Cantonese culture, not only do the dishes themselves matter, but the preparation and ways of serving and eating mean just as much.

1. Mandarins and Tangerines: Luck

During Chinese New Year, it is very common to see mandarins, pomelos and tangerines more often. They are considered lucky in Chinese culture because they are a golden (ish) colour and circular. In Chinese culture, the circle represents ‘oneness’ and ‘unity’. These citrus bombs also carry a promise of a prosperous and harmonious year ahead

2. Dumplings and Potstickers: Wealth

Dumplings and potstickers are among the most popular Chinese New Year foods, and people from a wide range of cultures appreciate this snack-size food! Dumplings are eaten all year; however, they are particularly enjoyed on Chinese New Year because they symbolize wealth.

Why? They look like boat-shaped Chinese gold and silver ingots. The idea is that the more dumplings you eat at the Spring festival, the more money you will enjoy throughout the coming year. As if we needed a reason to add a couple extra to your plate!

3. Fish: Surplus and Wholeness

In Chinese, the word for ‘fish’ – yú, is also in the word for ‘surplus’ - shèngyú. Over the years, this has led to fish and fish dishes becoming a symbol of abundance and surplus in Chinese culture. Making fish-based dishes the perfect centrepiece for many New Year celebrations.

Eating your fish dish last during the celebrations and leaving some on the plate has also become customary. This signifies surpluses in the new year. In many traditional households, half of a whole fish will be eaten on Chinese New Year’s Eve and finished at the beginning of the new year.

4. Noodles: Longevity

Noodles are a staple food in Chinese cuisine all year round; however, they symbolize a long and healthy life. Many Cantonese people believe it is a bad omen to cut or break up your noodles during preparation or serving. chángshòu miàn (long–life noodles) are eaten explicitly during New Year celebrations and can be as long as two feet. They are always served uncut and fried or as part of a tasty broth. According to Chinese mythology, the longer noodle you eat, the longer you will live!

5. Spring Rolls / Egg Rolls: Wealth

Spring rolls are another iconic Chinese food that has become vastly popular across many countries and cultures. They get their name from the Chinese New Year Spring Festival and are often eaten because they are golden in colour once fried and look similar to a gold bar.

They are traditionally made from scratch for the festival, but due to their popularity, if you wish to add them to your Chinese New Year feast, it is just as easy to buy them pre-prepared from the supermarket and fry them up at home. The filling often includes minced pork, prawn, chicken, or vegetables and is served alongside a sweet or spicy dipping sauce.

6. Shrimp: Happiness

Like many of these foods, Shrimp is a popular Chinese staple all year round! However, it is specifically prepared and eaten for luck on Chinese New Year. Its popularity with Cantonese people celebrating is because the Shrimp represents ‘liveliness’ and ‘happiness’.

This is believed because the Cantonese word for shrimp sounds like ‘ha’, which is also a reminder of the sound of laughter. Its inclusion in the celebration is believed to bring good fortune, happiness and a year of laughter.

7. Vegetables: Progress and Renewal

A Chinese New Year feast would only be complete with a variety of Vegetable dishes. Vegetables in Cantonese culture signify ‘spring’ ‘, wealth’, ‘energy’, and ‘progress’. A handful of vegetables are traditionally served during the festival, and each represents something specific.

• Baby Bak Choy: This traditional Cantonese vegetable is a staple in Cantonese cuisine. It is eaten explicitly during the New Year feast as it symbolises ‘wealth’ and ‘luck’ for the new year and long-term good fortune.

• Lettuce: In Chinese and Cantonese, the words for ‘lettuce’ sound a lot like the word ‘wealthy’ and is, therefore, often a staple In the celebratory feast.

• Chinese Broccoli: is believed to signify harmony and unity in one’s life.

8. Tang Yuan Rice Balls: Reunion

Another staple food you will want to eat going into the year of the rabbit is tang yuan. A sweet black sesame-filled rice ball. These are commonly served in a sweet soup, and they symbolise ‘togetherness’ and a happy family for the new year.

Their name sounds similar to the Chinese phrase for ‘togetherness’ and ‘reunion’. They also have a circle shape, considered harmonious and lucky in Cantonese culture, making these sweet sticky rice balls the perfect addition to celebrate the New Year.

8 of the luckiest foods to eat during the year of the rabbit