Chinese New Year Foods for Good Luck

Monday, January 23, is the official start of the Chinese New Year.

Traditionally, the celebration begins with a feast on the eve of the New Year—not just in the Chinatowns of the world but across much of Asia, from Indonesia, Macau and Malaysia to Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and beyond.

Families gathered over the weekend to eat a hearty meal of foods to bring good luck and fortune in the Year of the Dragon. The celebration will continue through the week. Here are a few lucky dishes to bet your future on—and enjoy!

Long Noodles Mean a Long Life!

Long noodles symbolize longevity and are always a staple of Lunar New Year feasts. Stirfry the noodles with oyster sauce and vegetables, but never break them into shorter strands!

Sounds Like Grandchildren Are in the Future

Looking to make the subtle suggestion to your kids that you want grandchildren? How about making some sweet and sour pork? The Chinese like foods that sound familiar to pleasing words. The Chinese word for “sour” sounds like “grandchildren” in Cantonese.

Fish for a ‘Wish’

The Chinese word for ‘fish’ sounds like wish and abundance. Serve a steamed whole fish for an abundant new year.

Nian Go

These sweet and glutinous rice cakes are considered auspicious during the New Year. A Chinese New Year banquet is never complete without the traditional Nian Go. It has long been considered lucky because the name sounds like "higher year."

Oranges

The sweetness of oranges or tangerines symbolize luck and wealth. That is why oranges are often served at the end of a meal.

• For more tips on planning a Chinese New Year feast, click here.