Chinese New Year: Celebrating with Food You Can Cook at Home

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar. 

It’s a time for fresh starts, family gatherings and, most importantly, food that symbolises luck, prosperity and togetherness.

You don’t need to book a restaurant or master professional wok skills to mark the occasion. 

With a bit of planning, it’s easy to bring the spirit of Chinese New Year into your own kitchen using dishes that are achievable, comforting and perfect for sharing.

Why Food Matters at Chinese New Year

Food during Chinese New Year isn’t just about flavour – it’s packed with meaning. Many dishes are chosen because their names, shapes or ingredients symbolise good fortune, wealth, happiness or longevity. Meals are usually shared family-style, reinforcing togetherness and generosity as the new year begins.

Classic Chinese New Year Dishes You Can Make at Home

Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings are a Chinese New Year staple, especially in northern China. Their shape resembles ancient gold ingots, making them a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

At home tip:

Use shop-bought dumpling wrappers and fill them with pork and cabbage, chicken, prawns, or a simple vegetable mix. Pan-fry for crispy bottoms or boil for a softer finish.

Spring Rolls

Golden and crisp, spring rolls represent wealth because they resemble gold bars. They’re also one of the most familiar Chinese dishes for UK home cooks.

At home tip:

Fill with shredded vegetables, beansprouts and cooked chicken or prawns. Oven-baking works well if you’d prefer less oil.

Longevity Noodles

Long noodles symbolise a long and healthy life. Traditionally, they shouldn’t be cut before cooking.

At home tip:

Stir-fry egg or wheat noodles with vegetables, soy sauce and sesame oil. Add prawns, chicken or tofu for a complete dish.

Steamed Fish

Fish symbolises abundance and surplus, as the Chinese word for fish sounds like the word for “extra” or “left over”.

At home tip:

Steam a whole sea bass or bream with ginger, spring onions and soy sauce. Serve it whole for tradition, or use fillets if that feels more approachable.

Easy Sides and Extras

Stir-fried greens such as pak choi or Chinese broccoli for balance

Mushrooms for good fortune and earthiness

Egg-fried rice to use up leftovers and stretch the meal

Simple dipping sauces made from soy sauce, rice vinegar and chilli oil

These dishes round out the table and make the meal feel generous without adding stress.

Sweet Treats for Good Luck

Tangyuan (Sweet Rice Balls)

These glutinous rice balls, often filled with sesame or peanut paste, symbolise family unity.

Shortcut idea:

Buy frozen tangyuan from an Asian supermarket and serve them in a light ginger syrup.

Sesame Balls

Crispy on the outside with a chewy centre, sesame balls represent wealth and happiness.

Mandarin Oranges

Not really a dessert, but essential. Oranges symbolise good luck and prosperity and are often given as gifts.

Hosting a Chinese New Year Meal at Home

You don’t need a huge spread. Choose one or two symbolic main dishes, add a couple of sides and finish with something sweet. Red napkins, candles or a simple centrepiece can nod to tradition without overdoing it. Most importantly, cook with the idea of sharing – Chinese New Year food is meant to be enjoyed together.

A Celebration Anyone Can Enjoy

Cooking Chinese New Year food at home is about more than following tradition perfectly. It’s about welcoming the new year with warmth, generosity and a table full of comforting, meaningful dishes. Whether you cook one dish or an entire feast, it’s a lovely excuse to slow down, eat well and celebrate fresh beginnings.