Chinese Food and Symbolism

Lettuce
In Cantonese, the word for lettuce sounds just like the word for "rising fortune", so naturally, lettuce wraps with savory meat fillings are a perfect way to ring in the Chinese New Year.

Get the recipe for Rachael's Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Spring Rolls
Serving spring rolls on New Year's Eve denotes hope for wealth because the crisp, fried shell of a spring roll looks vaguely like a gold bar.

Make crispy Shrimp Spring Rolls with Cucumber-Yogurt Dip

Noodles
Because of their shape, noodles symbolize long life and it is considered bad luck to cut a noodle. Instead, diners are expected to slurp up their noodles along with the hot broth they are served in. Slurping helps to cool off the hot noodles, and it expresses appreciation to the cook.

Get the recipe for Tyler's Cold Sesame Noodles

Dumplings
Dumplings are usually formed in the shape of an ancient Chinese block of gold or silver, so this popular dim-sum treat also symbolizes prosperity.

Try Tyler's Shrimp and Ginger Siu Mai Dumplings

Fish
The Mandarin word for fish, "yue", sounds similar to the word for abundance, so fish is often served at the end of the New Year's Eve meal to symbolize hope for good fortune in the coming year.

Try Giada's Ginger Sea Bass Over Wilted Greens