The Lunar New Year is about to begin, marking the year of the dragon. This important celebration will be observed by millions around the world, including in China, North and South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and Vietnam, as well as among diaspora communities in other countries. Families will come together for days of festivities and food is a central part of the experience, with special dishes prepared for the occasion.
Yusheng is a popular raw fish salad in Malaysia and Singapore, where it is believed to bring abundance. It is a colorful dish with fresh vegetables, and the preparation involves chanting auspicious phrases as each ingredient is added. The dish is then tossed together in a ritual known as the prosperity toss.
In Vietnam, banh chung is a signature Lunar New Year dish made of aromatic glutinous rice, beans, and pork, symbolizing harmony between humans and nature. The dish is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed for up to 10 hours, and tradition dictates that families gather around to watch it cook on New Year’s Eve.
In Korea, tteokguk, a savory rice cake and meat stock soup, is a staple dish during the Lunar New Year. The chewy rice cakes symbolize wealth and prosperity, while the white color represents purity and cleanliness. The dish is offered to ancestors during traditional rituals.
Pineapple tarts, popular in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore, are significant for their association with incoming luck, making them a must-have for the celebrations. This sweet treat has also become a symbol of Taiwanese identity in the midst of political tensions with China.
Zhai choy is a vegetarian dish traditionally prepared for Lunar New Year in Cantonese households, symbolizing wealth and longevity. It helps to balance out the heavier, meat-based dishes consumed during the celebrations.
The Lunar New Year holds special significance for many, including 24-year-old Poh in Singapore, who values the occasion as an opportunity to connect with her family and hopes to learn traditional recipes to preserve them for future generations.