Must Have CNY Dishes for a Festive Feast on Day 15

Whether you're preparing a feast for your loved ones or looking to expand your festive menu, here’s a roundup of must-have CNY dishes that will make your celebration extra special.

1. Yu Sheng (Prosperity Toss Salad)

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without Yu Sheng, a vibrant and colorful raw fish salad that's tossed high into the air to symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. The more you toss, the more luck it is believed to bring!

2. Steamed Fish (Nian Nian You Yu)

A whole steamed fish is a must-have dish at any CNY table. The word for fish in Mandarin, "yu," sounds like "surplus" or "abundance," making it a symbol of having extra or a good year ahead. The fish is usually steamed with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, and served with fresh cilantro.

3. Longevity Noodles (Chang Shou Mian)

Long noodles are eaten during Chinese New Year to represent longevity and a wish for a long and healthy life. These noodles are often stir-fried with vegetables, chicken, or pork, and served with a savory sauce. The longer the noodle, the better the fortune. The dish is typically eaten with a wish for good health and a long life.

4. Sweet Rice Cake (Nian Gao)

Nian Gao, or sweet rice cake, is a chewy, sticky treat made from glutinous rice flour and sugar. It's often served as a dessert or side dish during Chinese New Year and is sometimes flavored with red bean paste or dried fruits. The texture of the rice cake symbolizes progress and growth, as the cake rises with each year.

5. Pineapple Tarts

For dessert, pineapple tarts are a must-try! These bite-sized treats are made of a buttery pastry crust and filled with sweet, tangy pineapple jam. They’re a popular snack during Chinese New Year and are often shared among family and friends. The name "pineapple" in Hokkien sounds like "ong lai," which means "prosperity is coming."

FoodLine offers a wide variety of CNY goodies like pineapple tarts, kueh lapis, cookies and more! 

6. Chicken (Whole Roasted or Steamed)

A whole chicken, usually roasted or steamed, is an important dish for Chinese New Year because it represents family unity and completeness. The chicken should be served with the head and feet intact to symbolize a family that is whole and prosperous.

Looking for CNY buffet catering menus for CNY Day 15? FoodLine offers over 1,000 CNY buffet menus from a wide selection of trusted merchants, making it easy to find the perfect spread for your celebration!