5 Typical Chinese New Year Foods in Various Countries, There are Dumplings and Hotpot

KOMPAS.com – Every country certainly has its own way of celebrating Chinese New Year. Even though there are differences, generally Chinese New Year is celebrated with a family reunion to build closeness.

At family gatherings, food such as snacks and heavy meals are things that must be served. More than just filling your stomach, the food served also has its own philosophy.

Here are some typical Chinese New Year foods in various countries that you can use as options for dishes at home later.

Also read: 500 Gram Almond Cookies Recipe, Fill a Jar for Chinese New Year

Typical Chinese New Year food in various countries

1. Bak Kwa

Dock. Adobe Stock Illustration of bak kwa, a typical Chinese New Year food in Singapore.

In Singapore people will usually serve bak kwanamely roast pork every Chinese New Year.

To quote the Michelin Guide page, literally bak kwa means dried meat. This grilled meat is dipped in sugar and spices before being dried and grilled over charcoal.

Bak kwa it comes in square sheets and is often served during the festive season because of its red color. According to the Chinese, the color red signifies good luck and prosperity.

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2. Hot pots

Dock. Shu Guo Yin Xiang Illustration of serving hot pot at Shu Guo Yin Xiang restaurant.

In Taiwan, people celebrate Chinese New Year by gathering with their families while sitting around hot pots.

Serving hot pot basically emphasizes the concept of gathering, and each family has its own preferences and traditions in serving it hot pots.

There’s something to fill hot pots with fresh seafood such as oysters and mussels, some also fill it with fish fillets or vegetables.

Also read: Longevity Noodle Recipe, Dish for Chinese New Year

3. Tong Yoon

Dock. IStock Illustration of tong yoon, a typical Chinese New Year food in Hong Kong.

Almost all dishes for Chinese New Year celebrations involve foods that mean good luck, one of which is Tong Yoon.

These chewy dumplings filled with black sesame paste or chopped peanuts are usually served during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.

Usually, Tong Yoon served in hot ginger soup, balancing out the sweet and delicious filling. Another variant Tong Yoon can be filled with red bean paste, chocolate, mashed taro, and pudding.

Also read: Jiaozi recipe, typical Chinese dumplings to celebrate Chinese New Year