Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time of joyous celebration, steeped in centuries-old traditions that emphasize prosperity, health and family unity. Central to these festivities is the culinary experience, where each dish served carries profound symbolic meaning. From sweet treats to savory classics, CNY foods are crafted to bring luck, wealth, and harmony into the coming year.

Families gather to enjoy these meals, fostering bonds and honoring their ancestors through food rituals. The dishes not only tantalize the taste buds but also serve as tokens of cultural heritage passed down through generations. Beyond their meanings, these dishes are an expression of love and togetherness, as families come together to prepare and enjoy them. This act of sharing food strengthens familial ties, making Chinese New Year as much about connection as it is about celebration.

Not only are Chinese New Year foods undeniably tasty, but also have cultural significance that holds from generation to generation. Chinese New Year is celebrated with an incredible variety of delicious foods, each carrying its own unique significance. Here are 20 iconic dishes you won’t want to miss during this festive season:

1. Yee Sang (Prosperity Toss Salad)

Yee Sang is a quintessential Chinese New Year dish in Malaysia. This colorful salad, made with shredded vegetables, raw fish and an assortment of sauces and seasonings, symbolizes prosperity and abundance. The highlight is the "prosperity toss," where everyone gathers to mix the salad while shouting auspicious phrases, with the belief that the higher you toss, the greater your luck.

2. Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake)

Nian Gao, also known as Chinese New Year’s cake, a sweet and sticky rice cake, represents progress and growth. Its name sounds like “higher year,” symbolizing success in the coming year. In Malaysia, Nian Gao is often steamed or fried and enjoyed as a dessert or snack.

3. Pineapple Tarts

A must-have during Chinese New Year, pineapple tarts are buttery pastries filled with sweet-tangy pineapple jam. Pineapple in Hokkien sounds like “prosperity arrives,” making this snack a symbol of wealth and good fortune.

4. Mandarins and Oranges

Mandarins and oranges are ubiquitous during Chinese New Year, as they symbolize wealth and good luck. The golden color of these fruits represents prosperity, and they are often exchanged as gifts among family and friends.

5. Kuih Kapit (Love Letters)

Kuih Kapit or also called love letters, are crispy and delicate egg wafers rolled into cylindrical shapes. These snacks are loved for their light, sweet taste and are often shared among loved ones, making them a symbol of unity and affection.

6. Bak Kwa (Barbecued Meat Jerky)

Bak Kwa is a savory-sweet snack made from thinly sliced barbecued pork or chicken. Its rich flavor and chewy texture make it a festive favorite, and it’s believed to bring good luck, especially when given as a gift.

7. Fried Prawns

Prawns symbolize happiness and laughter due to the Cantonese word for prawn (“ha”) sounding like laughter. Fried prawns, often prepared with garlic or chili, are a flavorful addition to any Chinese New Year feast.

8. Longevity Noodles

Long noodles are served uncut to symbolize long life and good health. These noodles are often stir-fried or served in a flavorful broth, making them a comforting and auspicious dish.

9. Steamed Fish

Fish is a must-have for Chinese New Year as it symbolizes surplus and abundance. The phrase “nián nián yǔu yú” (“may you have surplus every year”) plays on the word “fish” (“yú”). Steamed fish, often garnished with ginger and soy sauce, is a simple yet meaningful dish.

10. Jelly Mooncakes or Agar-Agar Sweets

While mooncakes are traditionally associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, jelly versions made with agar-agar are popular during Chinese New Year. These colorful, translucent desserts add a playful and sweet touch to the festive menu.

11. Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings, shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, are a symbol of wealth and prosperity. In Malaysia, dumplings are often filled with minced meat, shrimp, or vegetables and are enjoyed steamed or fried.

12. Char Siew (BBQ Pork)

Char Siew is a Cantonese-style barbecued pork with a sweet and savory glaze. This dish is loved for its tender, juicy texture and is often served as part of a festive spread.

13. Crispy Roast Pork (Siu Yuk)

Siu Yuk, or crispy roast pork, is a dish prized for its crackling skin and flavorful meat. It’s a staple at Chinese New Year dinners, symbolizing celebration and indulgence.

14. Hakka Abacus Seeds

This traditional Hakka dish, made with yam and tapioca flour, resembles abacus beads. It symbolizes wealth and is stir-fried with minced meat, mushrooms, and shallots for a flavorful treat.

15. Egg Rolls (Spring Rolls)

Spring rolls, often filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood, are golden and crispy, resembling gold bars. They are a symbol of wealth and prosperity and are often served as appetizers or snacks.

16. Lotus Root Soup

Lotus root soup, a nourishing dish made with pork ribs, peanuts, and herbs, represents abundance and family unity. Its earthy flavor and health benefits make it a comforting choice during the festive season.

17. Claypot Chicken Rice

Claypot chicken rice is a hearty dish often prepared with Chinese sausages, mushrooms, and marinated chicken. It’s a comforting meal that brings families together around the dining table.

18. Prosperity Cookies

These cookies, often shaped like gold coins or other auspicious symbols, are sweet treats that represent wealth and good luck. They’re a fun and festive addition to any Chinese New Year snack platter.

19. Fruit Basket Desserts

Festive fruit baskets are often filled with pomelos, dragon fruit, and other auspicious fruits. These symbolize abundance and harmony, making them a popular gift during the season.

20. Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)

Jian Dui are chewy, deep-fried sesame balls filled with sweet bean paste. Their round shape symbolizes unity and wholeness, making them a delightful dessert for the occasion.

Malaysia's food culture truly shines during Chinese New Year, offering culinary delights that blend tradition and taste. Here are the top destinations where you can enjoy yourself in festive food adventures and must-try menus:

It’s a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts, celebrated for its rich Chinese heritage and culinary scene. During Chinese New Year, the city's streets come alive with colorful decorations, cultural performances and an array of tantalizing food stalls. Visitors can indulge in iconic dishes like Char Koay Teow, a savory stir-fried noodle dish with prawns and Chinese sausage, or Nian Gao, a sticky rice cake often pan-fried for a crispy twist. Don't miss Penang Laksa, a tangy noodle soup featuring a bold fish-based broth.

If you want to experience a rather proper and luxurious way of celebrating Chinese New Year in George Town, consider making a reservation for buffet at recommended places like Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang for the luxurious Poon Choi and more than 30 dishes, Eastern & Oriental Hotel for the signature glass noodles with smoked duck breast and Ascott Gurney Penang for their amazing seafood.

Kuala Lumpur bursts into life during Chinese New Year, with its iconic Chinatown on Petaling Street serving as the heart of festive celebrations. The amazing atmosphere is filled with red lanterns, busy stalls and tantalizing aromas. Food lovers can savor Bak Kwa, smoky-sweet barbecued meat jerky that’s a holiday favorite, or toss Yee Sang, a colorful salad symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, in a joyous communal ritual.

For luxurious and satisfying experience of celebrating Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur, you might want to book a reservation at well-known restaurants like Madam Kwan for Nasi Lemak, Tao Chinese Cuisine for Cantonese cuisines and Halley at Mandarin Palace for the best Chinese cuisines and it’s pork free restaurant.

Ipoh, with its relaxed charm and rich culinary heritage, shines as a destination for authentic Chinese delicacies, especially during Chinese New Year. Best known for its traditional recipes passed down through generations, the city offers a feast for the senses. Must-try dishes include Hakka Abacus Seeds, stir-fried yam gnocchi symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Another highlight is Egg Tarts, creamy, flaky pastries adored by locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss the quintessential Dim Sum, where piping hot buns, dumplings, and other steamed delights are served fresh. Ipoh’s flavorful offerings ensure a festive dining experience rooted in tradition and comfort.

You can also give a try to a more luxurious experience with buffet at recommended places like Impiana Hotel Ipoh, Hotel Excelsior Ipoh for Thousand Prosperity Yee Sang and Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites.

Kuching stands out with its distinctive blend of Sarawakian Chinese and indigenous culinary influences, offering a truly unique Chinese New Year experience. The city’s must-try dishes include Kolo Mee, springy noodles tossed in a light yet savory soy sauce with minced pork, perfect for a festive treat. Local favorite Midin Belacan, a stir-fried jungle fern with shrimp paste, showcases the region’s bold flavors. Celebrate the occasion with Prosperity Cookies, golden coin-shaped treats that symbolize wealth and good fortune. Kuching’s food scene captures the essence of Chinese New Year while reflecting its rich cultural diversity.

If you’re willing to spend more time and money for the complete experience of Chinese New Year food in Kuching, consider a reservation at recommended restaurants like 56 Hotel Kuching for Yee Sang, The Waterfront Hotel Kuching if you prefer a private gathering and Hilton Kuching for Cantonese dishes.

Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends history and culture beautifully, with its Peranakan Chinese influence shining during Chinese New Year. The festive menus here feature unique dishes like Ayam Pongteh, a savory Nyonya stew of chicken simmered in fermented bean paste, delivering a heartwarming flavor. For a sweet treat, Kuih Kapit, or love letters, offers crispy, thin wafers with a touch of nostalgia. Beat the tropical heat with Cendol, a refreshing dessert made with pandan jelly, coconut milk, and rich gula Melaka. Malacca’s culinary offerings during the festive season reflect its heritage and flavorful traditions.

Or, you might want to experience having and celebrating Chinese New Year food in luxurious places with a river view like in Casa Del Rio Melaka Hotel, Hatten Hotel Melaka for the Yee Sang and Southern Court Chinese Restaurant at Bayview Hotel Melaka.

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