Chinese New Year has always been one of those celebrations that feels quietly powerful. Even if you’re not Chinese, chances are you’ve grown up hearing things like “kumain ka ng pansit para long life” or “dapat may bilog na prutas sa mesa para swerte.”
As a mom, I’ve learned that food traditions aren’t just pamahiin — they’re stories we pass on, little reminders of hope, abundance, and better days ahead. That’s why every Chinese New Year, I make it a point to serve dishes that symbolize luck, wealth, good health, and longevity, even if we’re celebrating simply at home.
If you’re wondering what foods to serve this Chinese New Year, here’s a complete, easy-to-follow Chinese New Year food guide you can bookmark and come back to every year.
🧧 Lucky Foods to Eat for Wealth and Prosperity
🍊 Oranges and Mandarins
Oranges symbolize wealth, success, and good fortune. Their bright color represents gold, which is why they’re commonly exchanged during Chinese New Year visits.
Mom tip:
I always place a bowl of oranges on the dining table and keep some in the fridge — pang-abot kapag may bisita.
🥟 Dumplings (or Any Meat-Filled Pastry)
Dumplings resemble ancient Chinese gold ingots, making them a strong symbol of financial prosperity.
Filipino alternative:
- Siopao
- Meat empanadas
- Lumpiang shanghai
The symbolism still works—and kids love them.
🧧 Noodles for Long Life and Good Health
🍜 Long Noodles (Pancit, Misua, or Canton)
Noodles symbolize longevity—the longer, the better! Traditionally, noodles should not be cut to avoid “cutting” one’s lifespan.
Common choices in Filipino homes:
- Pancit Canton
- Pancit Bihon
- Misua with Patola
This is why pancit is almost always present during birthdays and New Year celebrations.
🧧 Foods That Symbolize Family Unity and Happiness
🐟 Fish (Whole, If Possible)
Fish represents abundance and surplus, because the Chinese word for fish sounds like “extra.”
Belief:
Serving fish means you’ll have more than enough for the year ahead.
Mom note:
Even a simple fried fish or baked salmon works—as long as it’s served with intention.
🍚 Tikoy (Nian Gao)
Tikoy symbolizes higher achievements and stronger family bonds. Its sticky texture represents closeness and unity.
Filipino-style serving ideas:
- Fried tikoy with egg
- Tikoy lumpia
- Tikoy with cheese (yes, it works!)
🧧 Fruits for Luck, Health, and New Beginnings
🍎 Apples
Symbolize peace and harmony.
🍇 Grapes
Represent abundance and prosperity—more grapes, more blessings!
🍍 Pineapple
A favorite in Filipino homes because it represents luck and good fortune.
🚫 Foods Traditionally Avoided During Chinese New Year
While not everyone strictly follows this, some traditions suggest avoiding:
- Chicken – associated with arguments
- Porridge (Lugaw) – linked to poverty
- Broken noodles – symbol of shortened life
As moms, we know balance matters — don’t stress too much. What’s important is the positive intention behind the food you serve.
🧧 Simple Chinese New Year Menu for Filipino Families
Here’s a realistic menu you can prepare without stress:
- Pancit Canton
- Fried or Steamed Fish
- Lumpiang Shanghai
- Stir-fried Vegetables
- Bowl of Oranges and Grapes
- Tikoy for dessert
Perfect for sharing, simple enough for busy days, and rich in meaning.
I’ve always believed that food carries stories. Whether or not you fully believe in every tradition, serving these dishes is a way of telling your family, “I’m hoping for better days for us.”
Chinese New Year food traditions remind us to slow down, eat together, and start again with hope — and honestly, that’s something every family needs.
Here’s to a year filled with abundance, health, and meals shared with love 🧧✨
