Introduction
The Lunar New Year, also called the Spring Festival in Chinese tradition, is a colorful celebration packed with lovely traditions. Of these traditions, role of food is quite significant and is an integral part of the celebration as well as the routine life. Chinese New Year (CNY) goodies represent China’s culinary culture, the flavours and the recipes that are dear to Chinese families. Let us proceed to taste the history of tradition as we shall now learn the inspiring history behind each of these Chinese New Year delicacies.
1. Nian Gao
Nian Gao also translated as Chinese New Year pudding, it is especially favored during festive time of the year. This is a traditional cake made from glutinous rice flour, brown sugar and any flavoring of the buyer’s choice such as red bean, sesame or pandan. In fact, the name Nian Gao literally translates to “sticky” or “tender” and “high” or ”tall” which is a wish for more prosper in the coming Chinese New Year.
This tasty sticky cake is favored among young people and grown-ups as well. Nian Gao is believed to bring growth in all areas of life and traditionally, people eat it during Chinese New Year to are commercially successful in their careers as well as bring about improved relations in interpersonal relationships. In some areas the candies are also put in red for the gift boxes which also enhance the theme of the celebrations.
2. Pineapple Tarts
Tarting into pineapple tarts have become a tradition every time CNY feast is to be prepared. Delicious tarts whose crust is rich buttery pastry and filled with yummy pineapple jam spells out prosperity, wealth and happiness. The colour gold is representative of the Lunar New Year to which the tart’s bright colour has been modelled, and the juiciness of the pineapple filling a signal of the bountiful harvest that is expected.
This delicious snack is from the southern china but they are available with some differences in different countries with chinese people. The basis for many pineapple tarts is a more traditional cookie crust made with flour and butter which yields to the the richness of the pineapple jam. Some varieties also include, golden raisins or crushed almonds for that extra texture and taste.
3. Ang Ku Kueh
The Nine-layered Cake or Ang Ku Kueh, the red tortoise shell cakes are a must have during the celebration of the CNY as they symbolically represent longevity. The pretty looking small packages are made from glutinous rice flour, stuffed with sweet lotus seed paste or savory peanut paste, then steamed or fried to a golden brown.
The name ‘Ang Ku Kueh’ is derived when the shape of the kueh is in the form of a tortoise shell. The CNY emblem reflects this aspect since the tortoise is regarded by the Chinese as having longevity affecting its selection. Ang Ku Kueh is made in bright red colour to chase away evil spirits and grace the new year with luck.
4. Bak Kwa
Bak Kwa, sometimes called rice crackers, or Barbecue Jerky, is one of the most enjoyed CNY snacks originating from Singapore and Malaysia. Ironically known as Bak Kwa, these are tastefully thin slices of lean pork or beef marinating in a pool of mouth-watering, sweet, slightly salty and savory syrup of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar and five spice powder.
Bak Kwa preparation is a delicate preparation that calls for some measure of expertise and precision. Thick cuts of meat are soaked in spices and arranged on trays before being cooked under low heat for many hours until they attain an attractive, mouth-watering, smoked taste as well as a pleasurable texture. Bak Kwa has also become an ideal food gift as families and friends wish to share the well-famed delightful taste and aroma during the celebration.
5. Lo Hei
Yu Sheng or Lo Hei is among the preferred CNY’s dishes commonly made of raw fish such as salmon, mackerel or tuna, vegetables and seasonings. This dish is usually consumed on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, the preparation of which signifies the joys of bumper harvest and prosperous business ventures.
It is not merely an exciting matter for taste buds but an amusing event for the social part of people as well. It is served in a big round dish and then using a spoon each member of the family or the guests take turns to toss the food up in the air. When the ingredients blend, a beautiful and lucky arrangement of a prosperity and abundance emerges. This way the more the toss the more the good fortune and prosperity that the family is believed to be bringing into the house.
6. Jiu Fa Bing
The so-called ‘fortune cookies’ which are enjoyed during Chinese New Year are not Chinese at all – but were created in California. Fortune cookies arrived in the United States from china at the dawn of the twentieth century but more specifically in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
However, get facts straight, fortune cookies are a staple of CNY and can be served as part of the meal or used as a snack to take home. A crispy sugary skin and the fortune in it are said to stand for happy wishes of the New Year.
Conclusion
Soon, traditional CNY goodies will grace tables everywhere, embodying the rich traditions, delightful flavors, and meaningful symbolism that define the Chinese New Year. These time-honored confections, from the sweet stickiness of Nian Gao to the celebratory abundance of Lo Hei, allow everyone to step into the warmth, joy, and festiveness of this cherished season.
As you savor each cookie, cake, or savory bite, you’re not just enjoying delicious treats—you’re experiencing the history and cultural essence of Chinese cuisine. These traditional CNY goodies symbolize values of joy, fortune, and good health, offering more than just flavor—they represent the shared prosperity and happiness of the Lunar New Year. So, let these delectable treats fill your celebrations with tradition, unity, and the spirit of the season!