From Chinese almond cookies to whole steamed fish, dumplings, and chashu fried rice, these Lunar New Year recipes are filled with symbolic dishes to bring good luck to your table.
Quick Highlights
Lunar New Year (also called Chinese New Year or Spring Festival 春節) is one of the most important holidays across East and Southeast Asian cultures. It’s a time for family gatherings, traditions come alive, and feasting on foods that symbolize prosperity, longevity, and happiness.
In this roundup of Lunar New Year recipes, I’m sharing both timeless classics and approachable dishes that are perfect for welcoming the new year with loved ones.
May these recipes usher in luck, health, and joy for you this year!
Almond Cookies
Chinese Almond Cookies are simple, crisp, buttery, and full of rich almond flavor. A classic treat for Chinese New Year, they come together easily—just combine all the ingredients in one bowl, roll into small balls, and bake for about 15 minutes. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Black Sesame Cookies
These Black Sesame Cookies are perfect for making and gifting during the Lunar New Year. Their rich, nutty aroma and irresistible texture make them a guaranteed crowd favorite.
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Steamed Cake
For a contemporary and healthier take on sweet treats, you’ll love these soft, light, and spongy steamed cakes. They’re wonderful as a Lunar New Year breakfast or snack, and you can customize them with either savory or sweet fillings. One of our Chinese readers even tried them with red bean paste, which sounds amazing.
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Wonton Soup
No Chinese New Year is complete without the most symbolic food—jiaozi (dumplings). Shaped like gold ingots or money bags, these dumplings are eaten to bring good fortune. I like using both shrimp and pork in my filling for a sweeter flavor and better texture. Serve them in a comforting broth for a heartwarming start to the new year.
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Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry (Ebi Chili)
Inspired by Szechuan-style Kan Shao Shrimp (乾焼蝦仁), this sizzling Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry (Ebi Chili) promises lots of laughter (siu har har 笑哈哈) and a happy belly! This recipe is less spicy than the traditional version, so it’s great for families and anyone who enjoys milder heat.
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Cantonese Steamed Fish
A whole fish is a staple of Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing prosperity for the year ahead. This Cantonese-style steamed fish is delicately flavored with soy sauce and topped with shiitake mushrooms and green onions.
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Nikuman (Steamed Pork Buns)
Steamed pork buns are a classic Chinese breakfast and dim sum favorite. Filled with ground pork, shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, and scallions, this recipe has received many rave reviews. You might be surprised at how easy it is to make your own steamed buns at home!
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Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp symbolize laughter and good cheer in Cantonese. This wok-charred Shrimp Fried Rice is a joyful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to leave everyone happy and full.
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Shrimp Egg Rolls
Deep-fried to golden perfection, these Shrimp Egg Rolls make a delicious appetizer for your Lunar New Year feast. I like serving mine with a miso dipping sauce, but sweet chili or garlic soy sauce works just as well. A simple technique of straightening the shrimp makes preparation easier—no chopping needed! They’re so tasty and addictive, you’ll want to make them at home.
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Sara Udon
Noodles symbolize longevity and good fortune in the new year. This Crispy Noodles with Seafood (海鮮炒麵) combines seafood, pork, fish cakes, cabbage, bean sprouts, and colorful vegetables over a crispy bed of pan-fried egg noodles.
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Chicken Chashu
If you love chashu, you’ll adore these juicy, tender Chicken Chashu! It is lighter and beginner-friendly. Here, I roll and pan-sear chicken thighs, then braise and marinate them in a sweet-savory sauce. The smoky, succulent slices are perfect on noodle soups, in a rice bowl, or on their own.
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Fried Lotus Root with Pork
Crispy lotus root stuffed with a savory pork and shiitake filling is a family favorite! Lotus root symbolizes abundance, and its holes remind us to keep an open mind—perfect for starting the new year with joy and possibilities.
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Sushi Rolls (Maki Sushi – Hosomaki)
Sushi has become a popular choice for Chinese New Year potlucks among Southeast Asian Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore. With their multicultural communities, modern twists on traditional menus are often embraced during the celebrations. You can easily make sushi rolls for your own party using my step-by-step recipe.
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Pork Shumai (Steamed Pork Dumplings)
Another dim sum favorite, Shumai (Steamed Pork Dumplings) are easier to make than you might think. Grab a bamboo steamer or wide basket, and you’ll be enjoying tender, flavorful dumplings at home in no time.
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Beef and Green Pepper Stir Fry (Chinjao Rosu)
Beef and Green Pepper Stir-Fry (Chinjao Rosu) is an extremely popular dish in Japan—so much so that we have our own version of this traditional Chinese dish! This one-pan stir-fry is full of flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes.
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Chashu Fried Rice
Fried rice is often served toward the end of a meal, or alongside other dishes to satisfy anyone still hungry. This Chashu Fried Rice, with savory pork belly and fluffy eggs, is luxurious enough for Lunar New Year celebrations. If you make homemade char siu (BBQ pork), save some leftovers for this recipe!
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Tofu Egg Drop Soup
Tofu Egg Drop Soup is a cozy, nourishing bowl filled with tofu, egg ribbons, and fragrant ginger. It comes together in just 10 minutes.
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Gyoza (Japanese Potstickers)
Dumplings are a Lunar New Year essential, and these pan-fried dumplings are a popular choice for a modern twist on the celebration menu.
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I hope you have plenty of good eats this Chinese New Year! Gan Bei 干杯 Cheers!