Traditional Foods to Celebrate CNY 2025 in Singapore
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore with Lucky Foods and Top Restaurant Picks
Can you believe it’s almost Chinese New Year already? Time really flies! But hey, at least we’ve got all the festive goodies and lucky dishes to look forward to. From steaming hotpots that symbolize togetherness to vibrant yusheng that bring good fortune and prosperity, every bite is steeped in tradition.
And let’s not forget those juicy mandarin oranges and menus packed with dishes that bring good luck. Singapore’s top restaurants are ready to make your reunion dinners unforgettable as you gather with loved ones to celebrate the Year of the Snake!
If you want to take your Chinese New Year to the next level with the luckiest foods to try, this is your guide! Discover the traditional lucky foods for CNY and where you can enjoy them with family or friends this Chinese New Year 2025 in Singapore.
Why Certain Foods Are Considered Lucky?
Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is steeped in centuries of tradition. Foods are playing a central role in the new year celebrations. Each dish served during this festive period is more than just a treat for the taste buds.
It is a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and togetherness. This cultural significance dates back to ancient times when people believed that the foods consumed during the New Year would set the tone for the year ahead.
List of Lucky Chinese New Year Food for CNY 2025
In Chinese culture, symbolism is deeply rooted in language and tradition. Many "lucky" foods derive their auspicious and symbolic meanings from their names, appearances, or the way they are prepared. For example:
Chinese Dumplings (饺子, Jiǎozi) - Wealth
Resembling ancient gold ingots, dumplings are believed to bring wealth. Folding dumplings together as symbol of family unity during CNY also symbolizes unity and shared prosperity.
Whole Fish (鱼, Yú) - Prosperity
The word "fish" sounds like "surplus" in Mandarin, symbolizing abundance. Eating fish ensures that every year ends with savings and success. Lucky saying in other areas the head and tail of the fish shouldn't be eaten until the beginning of the year
Spring Rolls (春卷, Chūnjuǎn) - Wealth
With their golden color, cylindrical shape, and crispy filling wrapped in a thin dough wrapper, spring rolls are likened to gold bars, representing wealth and prosperity.
Longevity Noodles (长寿面, Chángshòu Miàn) - Happiness
These long, unbroken noodles symbolize long life and good health. Traditionally, they are prepared without cutting, reflecting the wish for a life free of interruptions.
Mandarin Oranges (橙, Chéng)
Associated with wealth and luck, these fruits are often exchanged during CNY. The vibrant color of mandarins is reminiscent of gold, and their round shape symbolizes completeness. Other fruits that is a must eat during CNY are tangerine and pomelos.
Sweet Rice Balls - Nian Gao (年糕, Niángāo) - Family Togetherness
This sticky rice cake name means "higher year," symbolizing success and growth. Families enjoy nian gao to wish for promotions and a better future in the year ahead.
Glutinous Rice Balls - Tangyuan (汤圆, Tāngyuán)
These glutinous rice balls, often served in sweet soup, represent unity and togetherness. They’re a staple during the Lantern Festival but are also enjoyed during Chinese New Year as a dessert that strengthens familial bonds.
Whole Chicken (整鸡, Zhěng Jī)
Chicken sounds like ji (吉), which means 'good luck' and 'prosperity.' It’s often served whole with the head and feet to symbolize 'unity' and 'wholeness.' A whole chicken is also offered to ancestors for blessings and protection for the year ahead.
Shrimp (虾, Xiā)
Shrimp represents 'liveliness' and 'happiness.' The Cantonese word for shrimp, ha, sounds like laughter, making it a symbol of good fortune and joy.
Vegetables (蔬菜, Shūcài)
Vegetables are important for symbolizing 'spring,' 'renewal,' and 'wealth.' For example, lettuce (生菜, Shēngcài) represents wealth, while Chinese broccoli (芥兰, Jièlán) symbolizes 'harmony.' Some other vegetables that are consider brings good luck are Bok Choy, cabbage, red bean.
Must-Visit Restaurant Pick For Reunion Dinner this Chinese New Year in Singapore
Bangkok Jam
As an Asian restaurant that stays true to traditions and beliefs, Bangkok Jam embodies the ideal spot for a reunion dinner this Chinese New Year. This Thai restaurant is celebrated for serving flavorful Thai dishes that capture the essence of both traditional and modern culinary styles.
The menus at Bangkok Jam are thoughtfully crafted, blending time-honored recipes with contemporary twists. Known for its warm and inviting ambiance, the restaurant fosters togetherness during this festive season.
In keeping with Chinese New Year traditions, Bangkok Jam also serves dishes that are considered symbols of luck and prosperity. Bangkok Jam ensures that your reunion dinner will be both meaningful and memorable.
8 Thai Dishes at Bangkok Jam Considered Lucky that you should try
Grilled Chicken Marinate With Spice & Thai Herbs
The whole chicken represents 'wholeness' and 'unity' in Chinese tradition, while the rich spices and herbs add a modern twist to this lucky dish.
Beef Noodles Soup
Noodles symbolize long life and prosperity. The hearty beef broth brings warmth, while the noodles wish for success in the year ahead.
Claypot Vermicelli With Tiger Prawn & Bacon
Prawns bring happiness and good fortune in Chinese tradition, and the claypot cooking method symbolizes unity and family togetherness.
Vegan Phad Thai With OnlyEg & Vegetables
Phad Thai’s golden color and savory flavors symbolize wealth, while the vegetables and tofu represent renewal and prosperity for the new year.
Glutinous Sticky Rice
Sticky rice symbolizes togetherness and family bonding, making it a perfect dish to share during reunion dinners.
Mango Sticky Rice Sliced Mango & Coconut Milk
The sweet, golden mango symbolizes wealth and success. The sticky rice ties the meal together with unity and prosperity.
Tom Yum Noodles With Seafood
The combination of seafood in Tom Yum noodles brings liveliness and good fortune, making it a flavorful dish for the festive season.
Shrimp Omelette With Sriracha Sauce
Shrimp signifies joy and good fortune, while the rich omelette with spicy sauce makes it a symbol of liveliness and prosperity in the new year.
Why Choose Bangkok Jam as Ideal Restaurant to Eat for Chinese New Year Festivity
Celebrate the Day of Chinese New Year at Bangkok Jam, where traditional Chinese New Year foods are served with auspicious symbolism. Enjoy new year dishes that usher in the new year and bring prosperity in the year to come, such as shrimp (believed to bring good luck) and spring rolls symbolizing wealth.
The reunion dinner menu is crafted to ensure a good beginning and end, aligning with the Chinese zodiac and the wish for a long and prosperous year. Don’t miss out on this chance to ring in the new year with extra lucky meals. Reserve now for an unforgettable new year dinner!
CNY Table Reservation
For table reservations, click here.
Locations
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road #03-85 Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 3125 8829
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade #02-127 Singapore 237994
Tel +65 3125 8828