The Foundation Bricks Legend. Nian Gao has another legend about its origin, dating back to around 2,500 years ago:. Legend has it that, after the death of Wu Zixu (伍子胥, 559–484 BC), a general and politician of the Wu kingdom in the Spring and Autumn Period (771–476 BC), the king of Yue, Goujian, attacked the capital of Wu, and the Wu army and citizens were trapped in the city and Chinese New Year Cake, also known as Nian Gao or Lunar New Year Cake, is a traditional Chinese delicacy that holds a special place in the celebrations of the Lunar New Year. It is a type of steamed rice cake with a soft and chewy texture, typically made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Nian gao (Chinese: 年糕; pinyin: niángāo; Jyutping: nin4 gou1), sometimes translated as year cake [1] [2] or New Year cake [1] [3] [4] or Chinese New Year's cake, is a food prepared from glutinous rice flour and consumed in Chinese cuisine. It is also simply known as "rice cake". [3] Nian gao, known as nin gou in Cantonese, has long been a Lunar New Year staple. The sticky rice cake is considered an auspicious food in Chinese culture because its name sounds like “higher by Rice dumplings play their most important role in Chinese Lantern Festival, which is the last day of the Chinese New Year period. Therefore, they are one of the top Chinese New Year desserts. These sweet rice balls are often infused with black sesame seeds or mashed peanuts. Eating this auspicious dessert signifies unity within the family. 3. Nian Gao (年糕 nián gāo), also called "rice cake" or "Chinese New Year cake", is a traditional food made from glutinous rice flour and eaten during Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year cake/Niao Gao is a must-eat snack for the Chinese Spring Festival. Eating Nian Gao always means a happy and lucky next year. Chinese New Year cake- Niao Gao Chinese New Year Cake, also known as Nian Gao, is a traditional food item deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It is a sweet and sticky cake made from glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and water. Nian Gao is typically steamed in a round or square mold and served during the Chinese New Year festivities. Nian Gao, also known as Chinese New Year Cake, is a traditional Chinese delicacy celebrated for its sweet, sticky texture and symbolic significance. Originating from ancient China, this rice cake is not only a staple during the Lunar New Year but also a versatile dish enjoyed throughout the year. The Chinese New Year is perhaps one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Chinese culture. It’s a 15-day-long celebration between January 21-February 20 on the Western calendar. It usually begins during the new moon and ends when the full moon comes out, hence sometimes it's referred to as the Lunar New Year. Along with this The tradition of eating Nian Gao to celebrate the Chinese new year dates back centuries in China. According to folklore, eating Nian Gao was believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year—hence why it’s become so popular during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Nian Gao Recipe Instructions. Prepare two 8-inch round baking pans by brushing the insides with vegetable oil.. Add 2 cups of water and the ginger to a medium-sized pot, bring it a boil, then let it simmer for 10 minutes over low to medium heat with the lid covered. In a small saucepan, melt 250g cane sugar, 60g brown sugar in pieces in 1½ cup of cold water slowly over medium heat. Pro Tip #1 – To Speed Up the Process: break down the sugar pieces once the water starts to warm. Every year, Mama Lin makes a nian gao (年糕, neen go in Cantonese) for Lunar New Year. The character “年” means “year” and “糕” roughly translates to “cake.” Put together, 年糕 means new year’s cake. In Chinese culture, you eat dishes that carry auspicious meanings during new year celebrations. Celebrate Lunar New Year with traditional and modern Chinese desserts, from almond cookies that promote good fortune to candied fruit that re-creates a popular street food. Anyone can use a little Nin Gou (in Cantonese or Niangau in Mandarin) is a sweet, sticky cake made during Chinese New Year. Nin Gou means higher year. It is made of glutinous rice flour, water and brown sugar. The sticky sweet glutinous rice flour was believed to be an offering to the Kitchen god with the goal of sticking his mouth shut so that he could not talk badly of the human family in front of the Jade Emperor Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations and Activities (Jan. 7–Feb. 12, 2025) Jan. 7, 2025: Laba Festival. Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for Chinese New Year as early as day 8 of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year is this Friday, January 31, 2014. One of the traditional dishes eaten during the New Year for Chinese people is a New Year Cake. It’s a very simple steamed cake, made with glutinous rice flour for a mochi-like chewy texture and sweetened with brown sugar. The array of sweet and savory treats enjoyed during the holiday is rich in tradition and cultural significance. Whether you’re planning to host a festive gathering or simply want to try your hand at creating authentic Chinese New Year desserts, this collection of “20+ Chinese New Year Treats Recipes” will guide you through the delicious options to enhance your celebration. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year according to the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. In 2025, the celebrations begin on Wednesday, January 29th. Many of the dishes enjoyed during this time are deeply symbolic, representing good luck, happiness, prosperity, and more. Let’s explore some of these foods. Nian gao, also known as rice cake or New Year cake, is a traditional Chinese dish like turnip cake, taro cake, pineapple cake, braised mushrooms and sesame balls. It is commonly consumed during the Chinese New Year celebration. The name nian gao (年糕) is a homonym for "higher year" or "advancing year" in Chinese.
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