Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore are always a time with joy and togetherness. The traditions of the Lunar New Year in this country are vibrant with colourful displays, cultural performances, and, of course, special dishes believed to bring good luck. The Year of the Dragon, in particular, presents an opportunity to create CNY menu ideas rich in symbolic meaning. From dishes symbolising prosperity to lucky symbols, this article will explore 10 Chinese CNY menu ideas that are delicious and believed to bring good fortune in the Year of the Dragon.

Every Chinese New Year dish is not only delicious but also full of symbolic meanings that invite luck and abundance in the Year of the Dragon. Here are some good luck-bringing foods for your CNY menu ideas.

Fish dishes are not only delicious, but also believed to bring luck and prosperity in the following year. In Mandarin, the word "fish" sounds like "surplus," symbolising abundance. Thus, a whole steamed fish becomes a symbol of surplus each year. There are specific rules for how to eat and arrange the dish, such as positioning the fish's head towards the eldest person as a form of respect.

Place to buy: Coucou Hotpot @i12 Katong

The dumplings, shaped like ancient Chinese coins, are considered a symbol of wealth. It is said that the more dumplings you eat, the more money will come in the new year. These dumplings are typically filled with shrimp, chicken, or vegetables. Many Chinese families gather to make dumplings during the Chinese New Year.

Place to buy: Yàn Cantonese Cuisine

These oranges are purchased in preparation for the celebration, whether to be enjoyed personally or given as gifts. Apart from their golden colour, their name in Mandarin sounds like "success," making them a symbol of good fortune. Mandarin oranges and pomelos always grace the Lunar New Year table, believed to bring happiness and prosperity.

Place to buy: Fruit Steps

Noodles, representing the hope for a long and happy life, are a must-have during Chinese New Year. They can be stir-fried or served in soup, but the crucial aspect is that they must be served whole without cutting. It is believed that the longer the noodles, the greater the abundance of luck awaiting.

Place to buy: Madame Fan

Nián Gāo are sweet cakes and favourites among dessert enthusiasts. In Mandarin, Nián Gāo means "growing taller each year," symbolising progress in life, such as promotions, exam scores, or higher income. Their round shape and sticky texture also symbolise family togetherness. A yearly tradition, these cakes are shared among friends and family and offered as a tribute to ancestors, believed to bring good luck.

Place to buy: Madame Fan

Yusheng is a dish consisting of cabbage, cucumber, carrot, radish, candied citrus peel, and slices of raw fish placed in the centre of a round table. This salad, commonly enjoyed in Singapore and Malaysia during Chinese New Year, is served in a unique way—using chopsticks to toss the ingredients together while shouting "Lo Hei" (meaning to toss up good fortune).

Place to buy: Saybons

It is believed that anyone who consumes this layered cake will experience a sweet and legitimate life. This cake is not only a delicious treat but also a prayer for abundant blessings in the coming years. Each layer of the timeless cake symbolises prosperity and abundant luck in the new year.

Place to buy: Yingah

Spring rolls are likened to a gold bar symbolising wealth and prosperity. Typically served as an appetiser before the main course, traditional Chinese New Year lumpia is fried and filled with vegetables and meat. Considered a lucky food, its golden colour and elongated shape resemble a gold bar, symbolising abundant prosperity. Chun Juan or fried spring rolls are also regarded as symbols of luck due to their golden colour.

Place to buy: You Tiao Man

This assortment of sweets is presented in a round, compartmentalised tray known as the "tray of togetherness" with various numbered sections like 5, 6, or 8. The number eight is chosen for its significance in Chinese tradition, symbolising luck as it has no end.

The box contains an array of snacks, such as dried fruits, candies, or nuts, each holding special meanings. The octagonal-shaped sweets in the tray of togetherness carry symbolic significance. Melon sweets represent health, red watermelon signifies happiness, and kumquat symbolises luck and prosperity.

These eggs, known as "black tea eggs," are cooked by soaking them in a mixture of black tea, soy sauce, and spices. When the egg is half-cooked, the shell is cracked to ensure that the marinade seeps into the egg.

Beyond their appealing aesthetics, these eggs boast a unique taste with a robust spice infusion. The Chinese believe that consuming these eggs during the Chinese New Year brings fertility, especially for couples hoping to conceive. This dish serves not only to boost stamina but also as a symbol of fertility.

By serving lucky foods during the Chinese New Year celebration with the recommended CNY menu ideas above, we open the door to prosperity and happiness in the upcoming year. Don't miss this precious moment – book your accommodation on Traveloka. Discover the best deals, experience comfort, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Reserve your hotel now on Traveloka to welcome a year full of blessings!