Hot pot doesn’t quite have the traditional significance of the other foods on this list, but it is nonetheless an incredibly popular option for the New Year. This is because of the relative simplicity of preparing a hot pot meal. You may not be able to dump a whole chicken in there, but it is a great meal for the cold weather of Chinese New Year. Chinese new year is the biggest holiday for most families in Taiwan, it is also my favorite. Visiting families, eating, going to temples, eat some more, play with firecrackers, and eat again. It’s fair to say that Chinese new year is all about eating- especially now, most people don’t have time to follow all the traditions, the traditions These noodles are known as longevity noodles — "changshou mian" (長壽麵) — and represent long life. They are traditionally eaten on Lunar New Year’s Day but can be consumed throughout the festive period. 3. Rice. I know, I know, rice is eaten just about every day in Taiwan, and of course, the Lunar New Year is no exception. Pork: The symbolism behind pigs and pork lasts year-round, but are especially celebrated during the New Year. Long ago, having pigs in one’s household is indicative of one’s wealth or status; the left radical of the character for pig (豬) is also in the character house/home (家). The tradition of eating dumplings on New Year's Eve signifies ushering in wealth and becoming rich in the coming year. Hence, famous dumpling shops in Taiwan often see long lines in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year. Eating dumplings on Lunar New Year's Eve means ushering in wealth and becoming rich in the coming year, as the shape of Pork symbolizes good fortune and wealth throughout the year. But at Lunar New Year it becomes especially prominent. Having pigs in the home used to symbolize wealth, and the left radical of the Chinese character for pig (豬) can also be found in the character for house/home (家). Pork is also believed to make you stronger too. Culinary Delights: A Taste of Taiwan. No visit to Taiwan during Chinese New Year is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. From traditional dishes like dumplings and niangao (sticky rice cake) to street food favorites such as stinky tofu and beef noodle soup, Taiwan offers a culinary adventure for any food lover. The chicken served at the table during Chinese New Year should be consumed completely. Chicken represents the gathering or union of the family. New Year celebrations revolve around family reunions. Pineapple via 54613 on Shutterstock. Served fresh or as a cake, pineapple is a hit during Chinese New Year. The fruit symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Culinary Delights: Traditional New Year Foods. Chinese New Year in Taiwan is a feast for the senses, especially when it comes to food. Traditional dishes are laden with symbolism, each representing prosperity, happiness, or longevity. 1. Dumplings. Dumplings are a must-have during the New Year celebrations. Chinese New year is almost upon us, and while here in Taiwan it’s a holiday steeped in both culture and tradition, for many locals, the most exciting aspect about this time of the year is the food on the table. Most Americans consider January 1 the start of the new year, but many Asians and Asian-Americans don’t. Instead, they follow Lunar New Year, also referred to as Chinese New Year in the U.S., which begins on January 29, 2025. (That’s the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, BTW.) When is Chinese New Year in Taiwan? Since the Chinese lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the dates of Lunar New Year vary by year. Chinese New Year occurs on the new moon that appears anytime between January 21 and February 20. The 2025 date for Chinese New Year in Taiwan is Wednesday, January 29. Wednesday, January 29th, will kick off the start of the Year of the Snake with celebrations of fireworks, family, and feasts all across the world. In Chinese, "fish" (鱼 Yú /yoo/) sounds like 'surplus'. Fish is a traditional Chinese New Year dish on the Chinese New Year dinner menu. Chinese people always like to have a surplus at the end of the year, because they think if they have managed to save something at the end of the year, then they can make more in the next year. 2025 Taiwan Lunar New Year dates / Taipei Lunar. Lunar New Year in 2025 in Taiwan and Taipei falls on the 29 January 2025. Most Taiwanese and local people will be off the whole week from 25 January to 2 February 2025 and many escape the cities or leave home to celebrate with their families. My brother came to stay with us last Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year, but most Taiwanese people I’ve met call it Chinese New Year). I was a little apprehensive about finding things to do during the trip as CNY presents a unique challenge for visitors in that the first few days everything tends to be closed, and then the last few days everything tends to be overwhelmingly busy. Chinese New Year Recipes. The Lunar New Year, known in China as chūnjié (春节) or Spring Festival, is a festive time for many all over the world. The holiday features fireworks, new clothes, money-filled red envelopes (or hóngbāo – 红包) for kids, lots of red, and most importantly, tons of good food. Chinese New Year food traditions The Lunar New Year is Taiwan's most important and longest holiday. You may have also heard of it referred to as the “Chinese New Year” but the reality is that many cultures around the world celebrate it, including Taiwan. One of the many hallmarks of this 16-day celebration is the feasting involved. The Year of the Snake 🐍 (蛇年) is fast approaching!In 2025, the Chinese Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, and the celebration lasts at least 15 days.To help you prepare for celebratory meals, I’ve curated 30 popular recipes for this most important occasion. Honestly speaking, the Gregorian calendar New Year is more of a commercial season for domestic and international tourists, and, loosely speaking, the Lunar New Year, aka Chinese New Year, which is especially noted among the communities of ethnic Chinese, is an important time for family members to get together and to indulge themselves in good food.
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