How to celebrate Chinese New Year at your next meal
The Year of the Monkey kicks off on Monday, Feb. 8. To get inspired, we chatted with Rowena Leung, Real Canadian Superstore registered dietitian, to find out how to work elements of the traditional celebrations into your next meal or family get together.
Thinkstock
Go with traditional foods
“In traditional Chinese New Year celebrations, kumquats, oranges and mandarins represent good fortune. They are often given as gifts, as a way to pass along wishes for happiness and prosperity in the coming year,” says Leung. “If you decide to give these fruits as gifts, offer them in some denomination of 8 (e.g. 8, 18, 28) because the word for “eight” in Chinese is similar to the word which means “prosper” or “wealth,” this is extra lucky!
Presentation is important
“During Chinese New Year celebrations, chicken and fish should be presented in their whole form, including the head and tail to symbolize a good year from beginning to end,” says Leung. Not your thing? Go for a noodle dish, and leave them as long as possible to represent longevity.
Food plays a huge part
“Food is a very important aspect of the Chinese culture and it plays a big role in Chinese New Year traditions. Over a two week period, there are frequent gatherings with family and friends, starting with Chinese New Year’s Eve Dinner,” Leung explains. “It is always a joyful time for children, as red pockets containing gifts of money are handed out by elders. There is typically an abundance of food and sweets at these gatherings. In fact, there are very few times during the Chinese New Year period where no food is present.”
Spinoff a traditional dish
“As families transform and evolve, so do their celebrations. Although Chinese New Year is traditionally a very large family affair, this is changing as families get smaller or it becomes more difficult to travel for the festivities,” Leung says. “In a very traditional household, we might serve a whole chicken or fish, with the head and tail to represent a long and healthy life. Serving a Phoenix and Dragon Noodle Salad (a chicken and shrimp noodle dish) instead is a great way to maintain the spirit and vibrancy of a traditional dish, while accommodating couples or smaller family groups.”
“I would also suggest trying to incorporate oysters. Not only are they delicious, they symbolize good fortune and wealth in Chinese culture,” she adds. “They are rich in iron, protein and coenzyme Q10, and I think they should be considered as a protein source more often.”
