9 Traditional Foods to Enjoy During Chinese New Year 2025

9 Traditional Foods to Enjoy During Chinese New Year 2025

Chinese New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings. It’s not only a time to reflect on the past year but also to look forward to new beginnings. A huge part of the celebration involves food, with each dish carrying its own special meaning. Here, we explore some of the most iconic foods traditionally enjoyed during Chinese New Year 2025, along with their significance.

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, and celebrations typically last for up to two weeks. It’s a time when families come together, traditions are honored, and hopes for the upcoming year are set. The festival falls between January 21st and February 20th each year, based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

When is Chinese New Year 2025?

In 2025, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Saturday, February 10th, marking the start of the Year of the Wood Dragon. The festivities last for 16 days, with key dates to keep in mind:

  • Chinese New Year’s Eve: February 9th, 2025
  • Chinese New Year’s Day: February 10th, 2025
  • Lantern Festival: February 24th, 2025

The first day of the New Year is filled with customs, from family reunions to prayers, and each of the 16 days carries its own meaning.

9 Traditional Foods for Chinese New Year

The foods you eat during Chinese New Year are rich in symbolism, each dish representing a wish or blessing for the upcoming year. Here are nine of the most popular foods served during the celebration:

  1. Dumplings (Jiaozi)
    Dumplings are a beloved Chinese food, often linked with wealth and prosperity. The more dumplings you eat, the more likely you are to find financial success. Dumplings made with cabbage and radish symbolize a prosperous future. It’s customary to say the phrase “Zhāo cái jìn bǎo” (“Bringing in wealth and treasure”) before eating. Some families even place a white thread inside one dumpling, with the person who eats it believed to gain longevity.
  2. Spring Rolls
    These golden, crispy rolls are another symbol of wealth and prosperity. The spring roll’s shape resembles gold bars, and it’s traditional to say “A ton of gold” when enjoying them.
  3. Niangao (Sticky Rice Cake)
    Niangao is made from glutinous rice, sugar, and chestnuts. Its sticky texture symbolizes a “higher year after year,” meaning continuous growth and improvement in life. It is typically enjoyed during the New Year to ensure a prosperous year ahead.
  4. Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan)
    These round rice balls symbolize unity and family togetherness. Their shape represents the idea of reunion, making them a perfect dish for the New Year’s celebrations.
  5. Longevity Noodles
    These long noodles symbolize longevity and are typically served uncut to represent long life. The longer the noodles, the better the wish for a long and healthy life.
  6. Fish (Yú)
    Fish is traditionally served to symbolize abundance and good fortune. The fish is typically steamed, and its head is placed toward the honored guests. The fish should remain on the table with leftovers, symbolizing that there will always be more than enough in the year ahead. Common fish served include crucian carp for good luck and catfish for a year filled with abundance.
  7. Steamed Chicken
    A whole chicken is an important symbol of the family and unity. It’s often offered to ancestors during the New Year, requesting blessings for the family. The chicken represents a full, happy life for everyone in the family.
  8. Fruits and Vegetables
    Fruits and vegetables also carry deep meanings. Bamboo shoots symbolize longevity, while poria mushrooms bring blessings. Melons and grapefruits represent family unity, and seaweed is linked with wealth and fortune.
  9. Fa Gao (Prosperity Cake)
    This steamed cake made from rice and sugar is a symbol of prosperity and success. Its sweet taste and soft texture are meant to ensure a sweet and successful year ahead.

Dining Etiquette for Chinese New Year

When dining during Chinese New Year, there are certain etiquette rules that should be observed:

  • Don’t stick chopsticks upright into rice: This is considered disrespectful and unlucky.
  • Never tap your bowl with chopsticks: This is considered rude.
  • Eat with your mouth closed and avoid slurping, as it’s seen as impolite in China.
  • Serve others first before serving yourself, and never start eating before the host.
  • Avoid passing food with chopsticks directly from one person’s chopsticks to another’s.

What to Avoid During Chinese New Year

While celebrating, it’s important to be mindful of certain taboos that are believed to bring bad luck:

  • No washing or cleaning: Avoid cleaning the house on New Year’s Day, as it’s thought to sweep away good luck.
  • Don’t cut your hair: Haircuts are forbidden for the first week of the New Year, as cutting is believed to sever one’s fortune.
  • Don’t break anything: Breaking things is thought to bring misfortune in the coming year.
  • Avoid negative words: Any negative language, arguing, or swearing is considered to bring bad luck.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, renewal, and honoring traditions. The foods enjoyed during the festival not only offer delicious flavors but also represent hopes for wealth, health, and family unity in the coming year. As you celebrate 2025, these traditional foods will help ensure that the new year brings prosperity and happiness to all.

Why You Should Visit Trivandrum in 2025

Why You Should Visit Trivandrum in 2025

Nestled in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Trivandrum (or Thiruvananthapuram) is a city that beautifully combines rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and serene beaches. Whether you’re drawn to its colonial architecture, lush greenery, or vibrant local traditions, Trivandrum offers an unforgettable travel experience. If you’re planning your travels for 2025, here’s why you should make this captivating city a must-visit destination.

Immerse Yourself in Trivandrum’s Cultural Heritage

Trivandrum is renowned for its cultural depth, offering travelers the chance to explore both traditional and modern influences. One of the best places to experience this blend is the Kerala Arts & Craft Village, located in Vellar. Spanning 8.5 acres, this village is home to over 100 skilled artisans creating beautiful Kerala crafts. From intricate woodwork to folk and ethnic art, visitors can watch these craftspeople at work, offering a hands-on experience of Kerala’s artistic legacy. The village also boasts an amphitheater, art galleries, museums, and even a food court, making it an ideal place to spend a few hours soaking in the local culture.

Another cultural gem in Trivandrum is the Kuthiramalika Palace, built in the 1840s. Also known as the Puthenmalika Palace, it’s famous for its unique 122 hand-carved wooden horses that adorn its roof brackets. Inside the palace, each room features intricate carvings, and the floors are made with a special mix of egg whites, charcoal, and limestone to keep them cool during hot days. As a museum and cultural center, the palace is a perfect spot for history buffs. The annual concert held in honor of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma adds a musical touch to the visit.

Shop Till You Drop in Trivandrum

After exploring the cultural sights, indulge in some retail therapy at the city’s largest mall, LuLu Mall Thiruvananthapuram. One of the biggest malls in India, it offers over 2 million square feet of retail space, featuring global brands, entertainment options, and a fun-filled amusement zone named Funtura. This family-friendly area includes a roller glider, bowling alley, trampoline park, and various gaming zones to entertain visitors of all ages.

For those who prefer a more traditional shopping experience, the Chalai Bazaar, located near the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, is a bustling market offering local Kerala goods such as spices, handicrafts, and fresh produce. Another great shopping destination is the RamachandraN Shopping Emporium, known for its beautiful Kerala sarees, including the famous Kasavu sarees, made with intricate gold and silver threads.

Relax on Trivandrum’s Scenic Beaches

While Trivandrum is a bustling city, it’s also home to some of Kerala’s most tranquil beaches, offering the perfect escape for those seeking relaxation. Poovar Island, located just an hour away from the city, is a favorite for visitors. Accessible by boat, Poovar offers stunning views where the Poovar Lake, Neyyar River, and the Arabian Sea meet. You can also enjoy a serene backwater cruise through Poovar Island to get up close to the local wildlife and lush flora.

If you’re looking for a more popular beach experience, Kovalam Beach is just 16 kilometers from the city center. Famous for its crescent-shaped beaches and calm waters, Kovalam is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also a hub for Ayurvedic treatments, catamaran rides, and live performances, making it a lively yet peaceful destination.

Savor the Flavors of Trivandrum

Trivandrum’s food scene is a delight for anyone with a love for bold and aromatic flavors. Local street food stalls, known as tattukadas, serve up Kerala’s signature dishes. Don’t miss the spiced biryani, fresh seafood, and vegetarian delicacies like Erissery (pumpkin and lentil curry). For breakfast, try the traditional puttu and Kadala curry—a combination of steamed rice cakes and black chickpea curry, widely available from street vendors and restaurants.

For an authentic Kerala feast, indulge in a Sadhya, a traditional meal served on a banana leaf. This meal includes a variety of dishes such as Avial (mixed vegetable curry), Mango Pickle, and Parippu Payasam (coconut milk dessert), offering a perfect balance of spices and flavors. For something lighter, try a Thatthu dosa, a soft rice and lentil pancake often paired with sambar and chutney.

Discover Trivandrum’s Vibrant Nightlife

Though Trivandrum may not be widely known for its nightlife, the city offers some exciting spots to unwind in the evening. The Sky Bar at The Leela Raviz offers stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, making it a popular venue for both locals and visitors. Enjoy a drink while watching the sunset and the city lights come alive. On weekends, live music and DJ events add to the vibrant atmosphere, making it a great place to socialize.

For a more laid-back nightlife experience, head to the Manaveeyam Veedhi corridor. Open from 7:30 PM to 5 AM, this cultural hotspot features live performances, art exhibitions, and events that capture the city’s artistic spirit. Whether you’re interested in music, dance, or cultural shows, this area offers a refreshing slice of Trivandrum’s growing nightlife scene.

Conclusion

Trivandrum is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring its cultural heritage, shopping in its bustling markets, relaxing on its pristine beaches, or indulging in its rich culinary delights, Trivandrum promises an unforgettable experience. In 2025, make this captivating city a part of your travel itinerary and discover the beauty and charm of Kerala’s capital.