Kung may paniniwala man tayo tuwing New Year, siguradong karamihan nito ay umiikot sa pagkain—kasi sabi nga nila, kung ano ang handa mo, yun ang dadalhin mo sa buong taon.
New Year’s Eve isn’t just about fireworks and countdowns. For many Filipino families, food plays a big role in welcoming the year with hope, abundance, and good luck.
Whether you believe in pamahiin or not, here’s a friendly New Year Food Guide—what to serve, what to avoid, and why these traditions continue to live on.
🍽️ FOODS TO SERVE FOR GOOD LUCK
1. Round Fruits (Symbol of Prosperity)
Round fruits represent coins and wealth.
Common choices:
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Apples
- Pears
- Melon
Some families prepare 12 kinds of fruits to represent the 12 months of the year.
2. Grapes (Extra Lucky!)
Eating 12 grapes at midnight is believed to bring luck and abundance—one grape for each month.
Some even eat them under the table for love and good fortune. Medyo funny, but why not? 😄
3. Noodles for Long Life
Long noodles symbolize:
- Long life
- Good health
- Continuity
That’s why pancit, spaghetti, or even lo mein is a New Year staple. Just don’t cut the noodles!
4. Pork Dishes (Symbol of Progress)
Pigs move forward when they eat, kaya paniniwala na tuloy-tuloy ang asenso.
Popular New Year pork dishes:
- Lechon
- Pork Afritada
- Pork BBQ
- Crispy pata
5. Fish (Abundance & Prosperity)
Fish symbolizes abundance and blessings.
Common belief:
- The bigger the fish, the bigger the blessing
Bangus, salmon, or whole fish dishes are popular choices.
6. Sticky Rice Desserts (Closeness & Unity)
Kakanin like:
- Biko
- Puto
- Suman
These symbolize strong family bonds—magkakadikit, magkakasama.
🚫 FOODS TO AVOID (According to Beliefs)
1. Chicken – “Isang Kahig, Isang Tuka”
Many families avoid chicken because it symbolizes living day-to-day, walang ipon.
Better alternatives:
- Pork
- Fish
- Beef
2. Crabs & Lobsters
These move sideways, believed to represent:
- Lack of progress
- Going backward
3. Bitter Foods
Some avoid bitter flavors, believing they bring hardship or bitterness into the year.
FUN NEW YEAR FOOD RITUALS
- Keep food containers full
- Eat before midnight ends
- Share food with neighbors or relatives
- Wear polka dots while eating (extra luck daw!)
Whether you believe in all these or not, New Year food traditions remind us to start the year with hope, gratitude, and positivity. For me, it’s not about being superstitious—it’s about celebrating with intention.
And honestly? As long as the food is masarap and the family is together, panalo na ang New Year.
