Look, we really don’t need a reason to chow down on spring rolls - but hey, it doesn’t hurt. Spring rolls symbolise wealth because their long, golden shape makes them look like gold bars. If you want to wealthmaxx in the new year, get to chowing down on some rolls.
Pair with Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz for bold plum flavours… kinda like the yummy dipping sauce you get them with.
Symbolising riches and lots of blessings, steamed pork is common on tables in southern China. So, if you want to manifest yourself some good fortune, you’re gonna want a slice on your plate. Some even serve it with steamed taro which compliments the flavour of the pork.
Pair with Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon if you can’t find taro! The freshness of the lemon will cut through the fattiness nicely.
Eaten as a wish for longevity, long noodles are a must if you want to bring in a year of good health. Their length, and the fact that they’re uncut, are symbolic of a long life. So if you don’t cut the noodle… you’ll live forever, right?
Pair with Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz for a wine that’s rich in aroma, spice and compliments the noodles well.
In Mandarin, the word for roast chicken sounds like the word for ‘luck’. So when celebrating Lunar New Year, a lot of dinner spreads will have a whole chicken - head, feet and all - to symbolise wholeness and unity.
Pair with: Smirnoff Red Vodka + orange juice for a clean, crisp drink that pairs with a juicy chicken.
Similar to chicken, shrimp’s importance comes from its name. In Cantonese, it’s pronounced “ha”. And what does that sound like? Haha! Exactly… laughing - which is exactly why it’s linked with happiness and joy.
Pair with: Asahi Super Dry 0.0% Cans for a crisp beer that lets the shrimp’s flavour sing
You might see a whole steamed fish during a lot of Lunar New Year celebrations – and for good reason! Having the fish, head to tail, symbolises year-round prosperity. (Head to tail = start to finish). Now we know a whole fish can be kinda exxy, so we won’t rain on your parade if it’s already been sliced and diced.
Pair with Chivas Regal Extra 13 Year for a bougie end to the meal.
