On 17/02/2018 at 5:32 AM, Shelby said:For Chinese New Year I know there are lucky foods/dishes that are made. Do these change?
They don't usually change according to which zodiac sign it is this time. Chinese New Year dinners vary throughout the country in line with the regional differences, but there are some which are more or less universal.
Most of these are laden with significance and superstition. Here are a few.
Jiaozi 饺子 (jiǎo zi)
Many dumplings are considered to resemble money bags and therefore are a lucky omen for the upcoming year. Jiaozi, however are thought to resemble ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots and are by far the most common. Originally from the far north-east, they are now universal.
Fish 鱼 yú
Considered lucky as the word for fish (鱼 yú) is pronounced exactly the same as 余 yú meaning 'surplus' or almost exactly the same (only the tone differs) as 裕 yù, meaning 'abundance'. The fish is usually served whole to signify family unity.
Pork 猪肉 zhū ròu
Pork, as I'm sure people know is the default meat in most of China. It is usually served in some form as New Year meals. Again, it is symbolic of wealth and abundance. How it is served is highly variable. Cured pork and pork sausages are a common New Year food.
A popular New Year pork dish here where I am is 扣肉 kòu ròu, deep fried pork belly slices placed in a bowl with sliced taro between each slice then steamed. When ready the bowl is turned upside down to present the food like a dome. '扣 kòu means upside down bowl'.
扣肉 kòu ròu
Chicken 鸡 jī
Again, although chicken is usually served, there are huge regional variations as to exactly how. Popular here in the south is 白切鸡 bái qiē jī - white cut chicken, which is a whole chicken poached in water, then cut for presentation. This is originally a Cantonese dish. Other regions will have their own favourites.
Noodles 面条 miàn tiáo
Noodles represent longevity, something very much to be wished for in Chinese culture more than perhaps in others. Again, what type of noodle dish is is variable. Long noodles are preferred, for obvious reasons. Never cut your noodles!
New Year Cake 年糕 nián gāo
These are made from glutinous rice with various sweet flavourings, most importantly sugar. Again they vary a lot depending on location. Here is a local version.
Finally, I ought to mention 汤圆 tāng yuán, sweet balls of glutinous rice, served in a hot, thin syrup. I don't have a picture as I can't stand them. I don't like sweet food much and I hate their texture and stickiness.
Please remember, these are only the more common dishes or ingredients served. The variation across the country is huge.
