Here is a list of popular chinese new year foods in Indonesia along with the good meanings contained within them:
1. Basket cake (nian gao)
Basket cake is a must-have dish during chinese new year. Its sticky and sweet texture, made from rice flour and glutinous rice, symbolizes harmony and close family relationships.
Basket cake symbolizes an increase in fortune or a higher position than the previous year. Eating it with family is a symbol of hope that life will get better and sweeter.
2. Milkfish (ikan bandeng)
Serving fish whole is an important tradition in celebrating chinese new year. In mandarin, the word for fish sounds similar to the word for surplus or abundance of fortune.
The milkfish must be served whole from head to tail as a symbol of unbroken luck. This symbolizes the hope for abundance that accompanies the family throughout the year.
3. Longevity noodles (siu mie)
Longevity noodles are one of the foods identical to the hope for long life. The uniqueness of this dish lies in the way it is eaten, which must not break while being consumed.
The long texture of the noodles symbolizes long life and happiness that keeps flowing. This dish is a symbol of prayer for all family members to be healthy and live long.
4. Mandarin oranges
The bright orange color of mandarin oranges is often considered to resemble the color of gold. That is why the presence of these oranges is believed to attract wealth and prosperity into the home.
The pronunciation of the word orange in mandarin has a sound similar to the word for luck. Giving mandarin oranges to relatives is a way of sharing prayers for luck and prosperity.
5. Dumplings (jiaozi)
Dumplings or jiaozi are popular chinese new year foods because of their unique shape. Their oval shape resembles ancient silver ingots used as currency in the past.
Eating jiaozi is believed to bring wealth and smooth fortune. The various fillings symbolize harmony and balance in life for the family who enjoys them.
6. Thousand layer cake (lapis legit)
Lapis legit is a chinese new year cake that symbolizes luck that comes in layers. Its sweet taste symbolizes a beautiful and prosperous life in the future.
The manufacturing process, which requires patience, makes it a special dish when celebrating the lunar new year. This dish is often served to entertain guests and relatives.
7. Eight treasures box
The sweets served in this octagonal container are often referred to as the tray of togetherness. Each type of sweet inside has a different special meaning.
For example, lotus seeds symbolize fertility, while kumquats symbolize prosperity. The presence of these sweets aims to spread happiness to every guest who visits.
8. Spring rolls (lumpia)
Golden fried spring rolls are a symbol of gold bars. This dish symbolizes the wealth and prosperity that will fill your home in the new year.
The delicious fillings make it a favorite family snack when gathering in the living room. Serving them on beautiful plates will add a festive touch to your celebration.
Tips for serving chinese new year food at home
Serving chinese new year food will be more memorable if supported by a neat table setting. Use functional tableware to make it easier for guests to enjoy the dishes.
You can arrange the dining table by placing the main dish in the center so it is easy to reach. Using serving bowls of different sizes can help save table space.
Don't forget to add a touch of home decoration such as bright tablecloths or flower accents. A warm atmosphere will make family members feel more comfortable.
Make sure the dining area has enough lighting so that every dish looks appetizing. The right arrangement will make the meal together a beautiful memory.
Read also: Tasty and affordable foods at the IKEA cafe and restaurant
Complete your family reunion moments this chinese new year
