13 Delicious Recipes to Celebrate the Year of the Snake This Lunar New Year!

Fried Spring Rolls

“Fried spring rolls are a favorite during the Chinese Lunar New Year as their golden color and cylindrical shape resemble gold bars, bringing hopes of wealth and prosperity in the coming year.” —Vivian Jao, Simply Recipes Contributor

Whole Steamed Fish

“In Chinese culture, dishes often carry deeper meanings beyond their flavor and presentation. The word for fish in Chinese sounds like ‘surplus,’ suggesting a wish for excess in the new year. It’s customary to leave some of the fish uneaten to symbolize carrying forward this surplus.” —Vivian

Wonton Soup

“The wonton wrappers available at most supermarkets are often too thick for my taste. I prefer purchasing them from Asian markets, where they are sold in the refrigerated section and are ideally thin and square. Hong Kong-style wrappers by Twin Marquis are my favorite; they’re less bulky than their Shanghai counterparts.” —Vivian

Nian Gao (Baked Sticky Rice Cake with Red Bean Paste)

“Nian Gao is enjoyed during the Lunar New Year for its hopeful meanings. Its name, which translates to ‘sticky cake,’ also suggests ‘rising high’ annually. Another tradition involves giving the Kitchen God a taste of this sticky treat to seal his lips, ensuring he reports nothing but positive news to the heavens.” —Vivian

Sticky Rice with Lạp Xưởng, Dried Shrimp, and Shiitake Mushrooms

“During Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, it’s all about community meals with relatives, friends, and colleagues. Sticky rice is a staple, whether served as part of a lavish spread or as a simple snack for visitors.” —Uyen Luu, Simply Recipes Contributor

Lotus, Purple Sweet Potato, and Coconut Rice Pudding

“In Vietnamese tradition, food is deeply intertwined with health. This dish, rich in ingredients prized for their nutritional and medicinal properties, reflects our belief that you truly are what you eat.” —Uyen

Thịt Kho Trứng (Braised Pork Belly and Eggs)

“Patience is key when it comes to braising pork belly and eggs. Let them simmer gently on the lowest heat setting, keeping the pot covered.” —Uyen

Mandu (Korean Dumplings)

“Each person’s Mandu is distinct, reflecting their individual touch. Don’t worry if you’re new to making dumplings; the process becomes more natural with practice.” —Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee, Simply Recipes Contributor

Mandu Guk (Korean Dumpling Soup)

“While Mandu Guk is a year-round favorite, it becomes special during the Lunar New Year when tteokguk tteok, or ‘rice cakes for rice cake soup,’ are added, symbolizing a step into another year of life.” —Cecilia

Tteokguk (Korean Rice Cake Soup)

“Served during Seollal, the Korean New Year, Tteokguk is filled with symbolism. The elongated shape of the rice cakes represents longevity, while their roundness symbolizes coins for prosperity. The soup’s white color stands for purity and new beginnings.” —Cecilia

Galbi Jjim 갈비찜 (Korean Braised Short Ribs)

“For galbi jjim, the ribs should be shorter than the typical English-cut variety, roughly 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide and 2 1/2 to 3 inches tall. If you can’t find them at a Korean market, ask your butcher to cut English-cut ribs into smaller sections. Flanken-style ribs should be cut so each piece contains one bone.” —Vivian

Hot and Sour Soup