Chinese New Year Menu

The Year of the Tiger is only 28 days away—beginning February 1st— so now is the time to think about your Chinese New Year menu. When we’re in the city, heading to Chinatown this time of year is a lot of fun with festive decorations brightly lining the streets. It’s a great time to support local businesses. I especially like to enjoy a meal, Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Dim Sum Go Go are two favorites. Of course, it’s also nice to get some premade dumplings—a symbol of happiness, wealth, and family unity—from restaurants in Manhattan’s Chinatown, and Flushing. White Bear in Flushing has the best frozen dumplings to take home and prepare for your meal.

Chinese New Year Recipe: Two Whole Pan Fried Fish Serving two whole fish—one for New Year’s eve dinner and one to serve the next day—symbolizes abundance for the New Year. In addition to its important symbolism, whole fish make a beautiful and festive presentation at dinner. The ingredients of Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and ginger really combine to create an umami flavored broth that is savory and comforting.

Chinese New Year Recipe: Scallion Pancakes. A popular side dish, scallion pancakes are both pan fried and baked giving it layers of crispy and slightly soft (in the center) texture. Scallion pancake can be served with dipping sauces such as chili ginger or soy or enjoyed as is.

Chinese New Year Recipe: Vegan Gyoza. This pan fried Japanese dumpling recipe makes a great accompaniment to your Lunar New Year menu.

Chinese New Year Menu: Shrimp stir fry lettuce wraps. Lettuce symbolizes wealth, so fill fresh, crisp leaves with this savory shrimp stir fry. To up your luck, add dried oysters which symbolize prosperity.

Chinese New Year Recipe: Singapore Noodles. Noodles symbolize longevity and my recipe for Singapore noodles is always a hit for Chinese New Year. You can serve with shrimp—which is my preference—or chicken.