8 Chinese New Year Foods to Try in Singapore

Chinese New Year in Singapore calls for the most cheerful gatherings with friends and family. People treat their guests with several Chinese New Year foods, all of which signifies fortune and good health for the coming year.

Listed below are some of the Lunar New Year foods served in Singapore families during the festive season.

‍

Classic Chinese Dumplings

Chinese dumpling is a classic dish that has the shape of ancient Chinese silver ingots. Dough skin is used to prepare dumplings; they are then stuffed with minced meat and veggies. Chinese people believe that prosperity and wealth will flourish the coming year when they eat as many dumplings as they can. Chinese dumplings also make New Year reunion meals and dinners more hearty.

‍

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is a popular Chinese dish made using assorted greens. Many Chinese families prepare it as it has great taste and significance. This dish was the fare of Buddhist monks once, but many restaurants serve this simple staple dish these days. The tradition is to consume it on the first day of Lunar New Year to surpass an ancient Buddhist practice of upholding a diet - they see it as a form of self-purification. The dish also symbolises good luck; the main ingredient used to prepare it is fat choy - a moss-like vegetable.

‍

Braised Fish Maw

Fish maw is a popular Chinese delicacy; it is also a nourishing tonic, which improves blood circulation. The main ingredient of it is the air bladder of a sturgeon. Its spongy texture is essentially similar to sea cucumber, and it allows the easy absorption of flavours from crabs, scallops, and other ingredients.

‍

Tteokguk

Tteokguk is a soup-like food that symbolises purity and prosperity. It has chewy and thinly-sliced rice cakes, oyster-based broth, and Korean beef. It is a very comforting dish, and most people serve it during reunion dinners since it satisfies the appetite. Being a gustatory delight, it makes for a great meal during family gatherings.

‍

Oyster Foo Yung Omelette

The local people alter the taste of many original dishes. Oyster Foo Yung Omelette is a culinary modification from the Asian culture, and most Chinese families make it a part of the Lunar New Year dinner. Pu Yung Hai is yet another omelette dish and is similar to Egg Foo Yung - an-easy-to-prepare dish.  People use a sweet and sour tomato sauce to prepare it instead of the usual brown gravy. The Chinese people also add shrimp and oysters to enhance its taste.

‍

Longevity Noodles

According to Chinese beliefs, serving long noodles signifies the concept of longevity for the New Year. Chinese families serve Vermicelli, which is a thin and salted white noodle. Handmade Vermicelli is peerless by nature, and it has a smooth and chewy texture. Many families serve a bowl of Vermicelli for everyone during the reunion dinners.

‍

Braised Sea Cucumber

Braised Sea Cucumber is one of the main traditional delicacies. It compliments abalone and other ginseng dishes at Chinese banquets. Ordering this dish is regarded as a sign of respect to elders. The Braised Sea Cucumber resembles the plant it is named after, and it has a soft and crunchy texture - the texture changes depending on the time of cooking.

‍

Chinese Hot Pot

Chinese Hot Pot, also popularly known as steaming broth in Singapore, is mainly a winter dish shared by the whole family. People prepare it by dipping ingredients like vegetables, fish, and meat into a broth. The broth varies from seafood soup to chicken stock to hot Sichuan mala concoctions.

Hire Home Chefs for Chinese New Year Party

Planning to host friends and family this new year? Book cooking services on the Sendhelper app to hire an experienced home chef to prepare yummy and healthy Chinese New Year foods at home.