Holidays are a time of celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, feasting!
With the historical and cultural ties between the Filipino and Chinese communities, Chinese New Year (CNY) is widely celebrated in the Philippines. This holiday, rich in tradition, is as much about the food as it is about entering the year with good fortune.
For Filipinos, food is more than sustenance; it’s a symbol of love, togetherness, and cultural identity. The connection between food and celebrations is a hallmark of Filipino culture, where every holiday is a chance to create cherished memories around the dining table.
With CNY just around the corner, here are eight Chinese delicacies you can enjoy during this festive occasion, from the popular rice cake to sweet tangerines.
Starting off with a crowd favorite — Tikoy, or Nian Gao in Mandarin, is a sweet rice cake made from glutinous rice flour. It is a staple in CNY household celebrations in the Philippines.
It can be enjoyed in different ways, but it is traditionally served in thin slices dipped in beaten egg and fried.
This delicacy’s round shape symbolizes success in life, reflecting a prosperous year ahead. Its sticky texture represents strong family bonds, as well as good luck "sticking" to you through the year.
Noodles are a must-have in feasts as they symbolize long life and smooth transitions. The belief that eating noodles—specifically pancit—for long life has become deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, especially during significant life milestones.
The long strands of noodles represent the passage of time and a wish for a lengthy and prosperous life. Pancit is often served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and seasonings for added flavor and significance.
Fish is another essential dish in any CNY feast. It is typically served whole, either steamed or braised.
Certain fish are believed to bring luck: catfish (whose Chinese name sounds like “year surplus") symbolizes abundance, while mud carp (the first part of the Chinese word means “gifts”) represents good fortune.
Many people who eat fish on CNY’s Eve usually leave the head and tail uneaten, saving them for the following day. This represents the belief that there will always be plenty to eat in the year ahead.
Spring Rolls, commonly known as Lumpiang Shanghai, are a staple in Filipino celebrations beyond CNY, often served during birthdays. These deep-fried rolls filled with meat and vegetables, wrapped in dough made from flour and water.
Their golden color is thought to resemble gold bars, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
The Mandarin word for greens, Qing Cai, sounds like the word for wealth.
Popular vegetables for CNY include lettuce, broccoli, and bok choy, symbolizing growing wealth, harmony, and good fortune, respectively.
While vegetable dishes may not be as indulgent as meat-based offerings, they add a healthier and potentially lucky option to the Lunar New Year table.
Is it really a feast without carbs? Stir-fried rice is a flavorful and filling dish for CNY.
Traditionally cooked with ingredients like shrimp, pork, and vegetables, stir-fried rice is often one of the final dishes served, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. It is said to bring good fortune and ensures that no one leaves the table hungry.
The dish originated from Yangzhou, a city in Jiangsu Province in eastern China, and is commonly referred to as "Yangchow fried rice."
These boat-shaped delicacies are a popular treat to indulge in during the Lunar New Year, usually made with vegetables and meat wrapped in dough.
Dumplings are said to resemble ancient Chinese gold ingots, once the most valuable and auspicious item in households, symbolizing the flow of money and wealth.
Oranges and tangerines are common sights during CNY celebrations. Their resemblance to gold coins signifies prosperity, while their round shape represents completeness, and their bright color symbolizes wealth.
The practice of giving and receiving these fruits is considered a gesture of sharing blessings with others. They are also believed to attract positive energy and success when displayed in homes.
As the Lunar year approaches, let these dishes remind you of the blessings you’ve cherished and the many more yet to come. Whether you’re celebrating with family or simply enjoying the festive spirit, indulge in these delicacies to welcome CNY with abundance.