It’s good to know the basics about Lunar New Year celebration to enjoy the event whether as a host or as a guest whether you are preparing food for a family celebration or going to a friend’s house to celebrate, it is good to have prior knowledge of the treats to be served and what they symbolize for the new year. In this article, we’ve prepared a top of some of the most essential Lunar New Year’s treats to help you spice up your celebration. 

1. Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake)

It is a popular birthday cake that is prepared during the dual festival which covers the first month of the lunar year Nian Gao is a sweet sticky rice cake. It is called ‘year cake’ because people wished to have a colossally good year while making and eating it. In texture, it is soft and the color is in different categories from white to deep brown color which represents growth. Some parts of the cake are rolled in sesame seeds or shredded coconuts to give a different texture as well as taste.

Nian Gao is commonly made from glue rice flour , sugar and at times with pandan flavoring. This soft and tasty food is probably best all on its own; although, you can also grill or pan-fry it for a crispy surface. To maximise on the celebrations, Nian Gao is also added into other termsweet delicacies such as moon cakes among other joys.

2. Fa Gao (Barley Cake)

Another is Fa Gao, also referred to as the “blessing cake”, which is another important part of the LNY food; it signifies growth as well as wealth. This cake is fluffy, soft, slightly sweet and made from barley powder, sugar and baking powder. The cake is traditionally fluffy, somewhat similar to cotton, and its color is golden-brown; it is believed to help bring luck and success.

Because Fa Gao is usually consumed alone, it may be added to the Lunar New Year dessert table without any problem. Another Taiwanese pearl sandwich can be garnished before it is served with a spoon of sweetened red bean paste or sesame paste.

3. Tang Yuan

The third delicacy of choice particularly for the lunar New Year is known as Tang Yuan, or also known as sweet rice balls. These small dumplings are prepared with the glutinous rice flour and generally they are filled with sweet black sesame paste and red bean paste. This round dumpling portrays reunion hence considered a delicacy during festive season.

Sticky rice balls are generally accompanied by a sugar syrup or ginger based soup thus enhancing the taste of Tang Yuan. For something more exotic, one may fry the dumplings till they are a deep golden colour, and sprinkle it with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.

4. Pineapple Tarts

Pineapple tarts, particularly recognized in many Asians’ households, are not unusual to be gifted during the Lunar New Year. These crisp, buttery layers of dough wrapped around a sharp, fruity pineapple jam will pose a perfect taste sensation.

Pineapple Tarts were traditionally baked with flour, butter, sugar, and the pineapple filling was prepared from fresh pineapples, sugar, and at times a pinch of cinnamon. The brown color of the tarts symbolizes money, whereas the taste of sweet with a hint of something sour represents happiness. 

At the course of the celebration, Pineapple Tarts are consumed when having tea during occasions and parties and also given as wonderful gifts to loved ones.

5. Letter Writing Instructions (Easter Cookies)

Love Letters or Easter Biscuits have a unique history associated with the Lunar New Year. The name, however, has its roots in the Chinese name for the company, Lian, which translates to “linked” the connection people have with their beloved. 

These thin, crumbly, rich biscuits are made into long, thin sheets, or narrow rectangles, or wavy strips, to resemble love letters. They are usually served with icing sugar on top and alternatively embellished with sliced almonds. This treat is crunchy and has a dense buttery flavor which goes very well when taken with tea or coffee.

6. Fortune Cookies

Lucky beans may have been transformed into the American classic Fortune Cookies but the cookies have become an integral part of the Lunar New Year. These fragile and soft, yet crispy and slightly chewy gingerbread cookies contain a little good fortune inside and will surely bring joy and surprise for any holiday.

It is a sweet baked cookie, prepared usually from all-purpose flour, sugar, butter and eggs and has a small message slip containing a message of good luck, prosperity or words of wisdom concealed within it. These cookies are best taken after dinner as a delicacy in a house filled with goodies from a sumptuous dinner.

7. Spring Rolls

Lettuce Wrap or Spring Rolls have long been one of the favored celebrations as along with the shape of a prosperity coin, these can have vegetable fillings, meat or shrimp. These crunchy, golden round-like puffs are a combination of flavours and contrasting textures, and are associated with plenty and success.

Pie wrapper is made either wheat flour or rice paper and it can either be shallow fried, boiled or steamed and the wrapper of the spring roll needs to be softened in water and curled around the assorted filling. The rolls can be fried, or steamed, whichever is preferred having a crispy or soft surface. Spring Rolls are more often than not enjoyed as appetizers or alongside other dishes as they make an excellent finger food shared in a group.

8. Bak Kwa (Barbecued Meat Jerky)

Bak Kwa is a wonderful smelling sweet and salty snack, and an indispensable snack during the Lunar New Year, especially for Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This tender, mouthwatering meat product is prepared from fresh meat of pork or beef which is cut into thin pieces and then seasoned with a sugar based sauce. The meat is seasoned and then placed on a grill for slow cooking in order to make it tender and slightly browned.

Bak Kwa is a snack food that represents reunion and as a wash over or blessing for the following year. This makes it to be consumed widely and also to be packed in red or gold foil to bring chances of wealth.

Conclusion

Lunar New Year is truly a time of celebration, marked by special snacks, traditional CNY goodies, flavorful delicacies, and sweet customs that have prevailed from one generation to another. When we take time to prepare and enjoy such meals, we honor our culture and bond with family members and friends in ways that create lasting happiness for years to come. Therefore, gather your loved ones, cook these special delicacies, share traditional CNY goodies, and ensure your Lunar New Year celebration is truly memorable. I extend my warm greetings to each and every one of you, along with your families, friends, and colleagues. Happy New Year!