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. 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 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. 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. The Taiwanese dish 豬腳麵線 (zhu jiao mian xian), or pig knuckles with vermicelli noodles, is popularly eaten on the first day of the New Year. The primary symbolism behind this dish is one of longevity; the long length of the noodles are seen as the strands of one’s life. In Taiwan, Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant celebration, and families gather to enjoy special meals together. The dishes prepared during this festive time often carry symbolic meanings associated with good luck, prosperity, and family unity. Some traditional Taiwanese New Year dishes include: 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. Land God's birthday celebrated with instant noodles in central Taiwan Mar. 11, 2024 17:33 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. 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. As we all know, Taiwan is famous for its incredible cuisine, so it should come as no surprise that there are many dishes associated 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 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.) The Significance of Chinese New Year in Taiwan. Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important festival in Taiwan. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated with family reunions, traditional feasts, and various cultural activities. The festival is a time for renewal, reflection, and celebration. 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. 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. 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. The essence of the Lunar New Year lies in reunion, and the bountiful New Year's dishes call back family members who have been adventuring outside. On Lunar New Year's Eve, family members enjoy delicious food and stay up late chatting, symbolizing welcoming the new year with a fresh start and hope for a prosperous future. 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. Related: 100 Chinese New Year Wishes to Honor the Lunar New Year In addition to a traditional Chinese rice pudding recipe below, you'll also find recipes for dim sum and more classics like Dan Dan
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |