Lunar New Year is all about new beginnings, family reunions, and, of course, food! The dishes you serve during this time aren’t just about satisfying hunger—they carry deep meanings of prosperity, health, and happiness for the year ahead. So, what to serve on CNY to ensure your celebration is both prosperous and flavorful? Whether you're hosting a family gathering or a corporate event, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take you through some essential dishes for your Lunar New Year feast, inspired by Shiok Kitchen Catering’s expertly crafted menus. These dishes are not only delicious but also carry rich symbolism, making your celebration even more meaningful.
Start the Celebration with Symbolic Appetizers
Appetizers are an important part of any Lunar New Year meal. These dishes are more than just starters—they represent the beginning of a prosperous and fortunate year.
- Smoked Duck Salad with Orange Mustard Vinaigrette: Kick off your meal with the refreshing Smoked Duck Salad with Orange Mustard Vinaigrette. The smoked duck offers a rich, savory flavor, while the orange mustard vinaigrette adds a tangy and refreshing twist. This dish symbolizes good health and abundance, making it the perfect way to start the festivities.
- Seafood Ngoh Hiang with Chili Dip: A classic appetizer, Seafood Ngoh Hiang with Chili Dip is a crispy, flavorful roll filled with ground seafood. Paired with a spicy chili dip, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also symbolizes wealth and prosperity—perfect for ushering in a prosperous year ahead.
Main Dishes That Bring Wealth and Longevity
When it comes to the main courses, you'll want dishes that are rich in flavor and symbolism. These are the star of your CNY feast, bringing abundance, health, and happiness.
- Steamed Greenland Halibut with Nonya Assam Sauce: Fish is a symbol of wealth in Chinese culture, and serving it whole is believed to bring abundance. Steamed Greenland Halibut with Nonya Assam Sauce is a delightful choice. The fish is tender, while the tangy Nonya Assam sauce adds a refreshing burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for those who love a balance of savory and sour flavors, making it a must-have for your celebration.
- Baked Empress Chicken with Pumpkin & Chestnut: Chicken represents happiness and family unity. Baked Empress Chicken with Pumpkin & Chestnut is a rich, comforting dish that combines the tender chicken with the sweetness of pumpkin and chestnuts. It’s a hearty and flavorful option that not only tastes great but also symbolizes family harmony and prosperity for the year ahead.
- Breaded Tiger Prawn with Mango Mayonnaise: For a more luxurious option, Breaded Tiger Prawn with Mango Mayonnaise is a showstopper. Prawns symbolize strength and vitality, while the crispy breading and sweet mango mayonnaise create an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. This dish is perfect for a CNY meal, symbolizing good fortune and wealth.
- Longetivity Noodle with Mushrooms & Spring Vegetable: Noodles are a must for any Lunar New Year celebration as they represent longevity. Longevity Noodle with Mushrooms & Spring Vegetable is a light yet flavorful option that brings freshness to your meal. The noodles are soft and tender, while the mushrooms and spring vegetables provide depth and texture. This dish is a perfect way to wish your guests a long, healthy life in the new year.
- Plant-Based Mushroom Meatball with Honey Sesame Sauce: For your vegetarian guests, the Plant-Based Mushroom Meatball with Honey Sesame Sauce is a great choice. The savory mushroom meatballs paired with the sweet honey sesame sauce make this dish both delicious and meaningful. It symbolizes good fortune and health—perfect for anyone looking for a plant-based option.
End the Meal with Sweetness and Good Luck
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, especially during CNY. Desserts not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also carry symbolic meanings of happiness and prosperity.
- Orange Pound Cake with Yuzu Crème: For a fresh and light dessert, consider Orange Pound Cake with Yuzu Crème. The bright citrus flavor of the orange combined with the tangy yuzu crème offers a refreshing and uplifting finish to your meal. Oranges are a symbol of wealth, and the citrusy sweetness of this cake perfectly represents the hope for a prosperous year.
- Assorted Japanese Mochi: Mochi is a traditional dessert that’s chewy and sweet, symbolizing unity and happiness. With flavors like red bean, matcha, and sesame, Assorted Japanese Mochi is a fun and delightful way to end your meal. The chewy texture and sweet filling make it a favorite among all guests, and its symbolism of good luck makes it a perfect choice for CNY.
- Refreshing Chinese Pear Cheng Teng Soup: For something light and soothing, Chinese Pear Cheng Teng Soup is a wonderful option. Made with Chinese pears, goji berries, and longan, this refreshing dessert is not only delicious but also believed to promote good health and longevity. It’s the perfect way to end your CNY feast on a healthy and sweet note.
Drinks to Complement Your Feast
The right drinks can enhance the flavors of your meal and help cleanse your palate between courses. Here are some refreshing beverages to pair with your CNY spread.
- Fruit Infused Water: Light and refreshing, Fruit Infused Water is an excellent choice for pairing with a rich meal. Infused with fruits like oranges, lemons, and berries, it provides a natural sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the savory dishes.
- Iced Grapefruit Pomelo: Iced Grapefruit Pomelo is a tangy, citrusy beverage that complements the richness of your main dishes. Pomelo is a symbol of abundance, making it an ideal drink for your CNY feast. The citrus notes refresh the palate and add a burst of flavor to your meal.
- Iced Lemon Tea: A classic beverage choice, Iced Lemon Tea is simple, refreshing, and loved by many. Its tartness helps cut through the richness of your meal, providing a balance of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Let Shiok Kitchen Catering Help You Plan the Perfect CNY Feast
Now that you know what to serve on CNY to create a prosperous and flavorful celebration, it’s time to think about bringing these dishes to your table. Shiok Kitchen Catering offers a wide range of festive menu options, including their Blessings Buffet Menu, which is packed with delicious dishes like Baked Empress Chicken with Pumpkin & Chestnut, Steamed Greenland Halibut with Nonya Assam Sauce, and Orange Pound Cake with Yuzu Crème.
Planning a CNY feast can be a lot of work, but with Shiok Kitchen Catering, you can focus on enjoying the celebration while we take care of the food. We offer a seamless catering experience, ensuring that every dish is prepared to perfection and delivered on time.
Contact us now to make your Lunar New Year celebration unforgettable. Let Shiok Kitchen Catering help you create a feast that brings prosperity, health, and happiness to your table. We’re here to make your CNY celebration as delicious and memorable as possible!