Chinese New Year

It is Chinese New Year this week and it will mark the beginning of the Year of the Dragon and a time when Chinese families celebrate with a feast of traditional dishes. So here is a quick guide to some amazing dishes, you can make yourself this week. 

The Chinese dragon is a symbol of China, and it is an important part of Chinese culture. The dragon symbolises wisdom, power, and wealth, and they are believed to bring good luck. Given that this is the Year of the Dragon – the symbolism is even more important. Dragon dances are performed as a means to chase away evil spirits and welcome in prosperous times.

So here are some traditional dishes, you can make at home:

Braised Pork Belly with Arrowhead Root is a must-have dish in our house for Chinese New Year.

 Lion’s Head Meatballs are less well known but are a firm family favourite in many Chinese homes. They large pork meatballs that are steamed/braised and served with vegetables

Sour Plum Duck, is a classic dish of the Hakka people of southern China and has become a big symbol of Chinese cooking, the world over.

Steamed Garlic Ribs With Taro, combines three great ingredients: juicy pork ribs, sweet garlic, and buttery taro. 

Happy New Year In Chinese

In Cantonese, the usual way to say 'Happy Lunar New Year' is "Gong hei fat choy" which means 'Wishing you happiness and prosperity.' In Mandarin, the most common way to wish your family and close friends a happy Chinese New Year is "Xīnnián hǎo" literally meaning 'New Year Goodness' or 'Good New Year'. Another way to say "Happy Chinese New Year" is "Xīnnián kuàilè" literally meaning 'New Year happiness'. It is a formal greeting typically used for strangers.