2. Sesame Seed Balls . Sesame seed balls, or jian dui, are a popular dessert in China and Taiwan. Sold both in streets and dim sum restaurants, these ubiquitous treats are beloved by everyone. Lucky food is served during the 16-day festival season, especially on Chinese New Year dinner on New Year's Eve, which is believed to bring good luck for the coming year. The auspicious symbolism of these traditional Chinese New Year foods is based on their pronunciations or appearance. Not only do the dishes themselves matter, but also the Get the full recipe from Red House Spice. The Lantern Festival concludes the 15-day Chinese New Year celebrations, with a delicious dessert known as Tang Yuan (Chinese glutinous rice balls) served as part of the family reunion supper on the last day. Glutinous rice cake – Niangao is also a common New Year food, as its name sounds like “getting higher year-on-year,” a wish for prosperity. 2. Chow Mein Noodles. Longevity noodles (Chang Shou Mian / chung-show mien) are another unsurprising addition to the Chinese New Year table. Green-colored treats, like buns, sweets, and other snacks with Chinese sesame, are fun and delectable ways to spend the new year with your loved ones. You will also get to be invited to a lot of potluck dinners and family getaways during this time of the year. The act of sharing and enjoying these delectable pockets during the New Year celebrations becomes a communal tradition that extends beyond culinary delight, fostering a sense of togetherness and the belief in the prosperous journey that lies ahead. 20. Niangao (Chinese New Year Cake) 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. The best sweet treats, from traditional Chinese New Year desserts, such as osmanthus jelly and tang yuan, to modern ones, such as koi fish jelly for the Year of the Snake 2025 to bring you good luck in the new year. Chinese Fried Sesame Dessert Balls (Jian Dui) is a traditional Chinese dessert which is one of the most popular Chinese desserts. Chinese Fried Sesame Dessert Balls (Jian Dui) are a yummy, crispy treat that you can enjoy any time of the year. For a Chinese twist, try it with some sweetened red bean paste. Try this out for yourself! Eight treasure rice pudding is a unique Chinese dessert and a must-have in Lunar New Year. 17 Traditional Chinese New Year Desserts. Go to the kitchen, read my recipes, and make your new favorite holiday desserts. Chinese neighbors might have introduced them to you a long time ago every Lunar New Year. Cake Recipes. Sweet Rice Cakes (Nian Gao) Sweet treats symbolize a sweet life in China. Gifting and eating desserts is an integral part of the Chinese New Year's celebration. The following are several traditional Chinese New Year desserts, each with an auspicious symbolism. Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, also called the Spring Festival, with these traditional sweet treats. Sharing sweet things, like cookies, candy, and fruits symbolizes wishes for blessings and good fortune in the coming year. Chinese New Year Treats. Chinese New Year treats, also known as "goodies," are a big part of the festive celebrations in many Asian countries. During the Lunar New Year, people enjoy a variety of delicious foods that hold special meanings. The number 8 is considered super lucky in Chinese culture, so you'll often see it popping up in these treats. Try this Jujube Date Sticky Rice Cake to taste traditional Chinese New Year sweets. It has a sticky, taffy-like consistency and a sweet roasted fragrance and flavor from the jujube date jam (made with dried jujube dates). 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.) Nian gao, also known as “rice cake” or “New Year cake” in English, are a must for Chinese New Year. In ancient times, nian gao were used only as offerings to the ancestors and gods. Gradually, they became a traditional dish during the Spring Festival. Now they are available every day of the year, but are still a special treat for the Chinese New Year Side Dishes. Even some vegetable dishes are iconic Chinese New Year foods. Buddha’s Delight, consisting of at least 8 ingredients, is often eaten the morning of Chinese New Year after a ceremonial offering of food to honor family ancestors. Green is a color associated with wealth and currency, so leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and bok choy are often served as a Chinese New Year food. During Chinese New Year, these foods are often included in stir fry, soups, spring rolls and salads. The hope is some of that promised prosperity will manifest in your new year. 6. Dumplings Eight treasure rice pudding is a unique Chinese dessert and a must-have in Lunar New Year. 17 Traditional Chinese New Year Desserts. Go to the kitchen, read my recipes, and make your new favorite holiday desserts. Chinese neighbors might have introduced them to you a long time ago every Lunar New Year. Cake Recipes. Sweet Rice Cakes (Nian Gao) The word nian literally means higher/taller year-on-year, so eating these treats is meant to bring growth in general: height for children, wealth for business, health and knowledge, etc. Served at the Lantern Festival at the end of the Chinese New Year, these sweet treats are considered the perfect way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome
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