Chinese New Year 2023 is Sunday, January 22, and kicks off the Year of the Rabbit.

Let’s discover together some of the typical dishes that will accompany this important holiday.

 

 

• Spring Rolls – 春卷 (chūn juǎn)

Eggrolls are probably the most well-known of Chinese cuisine. However, they’re actually “spring rolls.” They are eaten during the Spring Festival in Southern China to celebrate the coming of spring. More specifically, they are eaten on the first day of spring (立春 / lì chūn). They can appear on the table as a dinner dish, appetizer or snack.

 

• Dumplings – 饺子 (jiǎo zi)

Another well-known dish, dumplings are the northern equivalent of spring rolls. They are eaten during every special occasion, but are the most significant during Chinese New Year. That’s a lot of dumplings! But there’s good reason.

 

• Baked Seeds – 瓜子 (guā zǐ)

Eating baked seeds is a favorite pastime for most Chinese people.

The most popular are sunflower seeds. Not only are they a great snack, but they can be added to cakes and desserts.

 

• Candied figures – 捏糖人 (niē táng rén)

They have more than 600 years of history and are made through the use of malt syrup.

In winter, they can be found along busy streets and in small neighborhoods.

Through blowing, stretching, squeezing and the use of tools (e.g., toothpicks and chopsticks), the malt is shaped into various figures.

During the Chinese New Year, they are commonly shaped according to the zodiac animal of the year or auspicious symbols. Not only are they a fun snack, but they are also important cultural artifacts.

 

• Ginger Candy – 糖姜片 (táng jiāng piàn)

Originating from Changsha, ginger candy has been around since the Ming Dynasty.

They are created with fresh garlic, white sugar, salt and natural seasoning. After mixing, the candy is put under the sun until it’s entirely dry. In the past, practically every ginger famer would be drying or pickling ginger pieces.