Food for Thought: Celebrating Culture

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Every culture has its own traditions for celebrating a new year, and more often than not, these traditions center around food. Here’s a list of popular Lunar New Year treats and the fortunes they symbolize:

  • Steamed fish bring an increase in prosperity

  • Dumplings and spring rolls lead to wealth

  • Tangyuan rice balls signify family and togetherness

  • Fruit like tangerines, oranges, and pomelos are considered good fortune

  • Round and golden fruit typically symbolize fullness and wealth

  • Niangao rice cakes will lead to a higher income or higher position at work

  • And longevity noodles signal happiness and, you guessed it, longevity

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Some of our favorite foods around this time of year come from Vietnamese kitchens. Here’s a handy guide:

  • Bánh chưng: Square shaped sticky rice cake

  • Bánh tét: Cylindrical steamed sticky rice cake

  • Thịt kho tàu: Braised pork with eggs

  • ‘Mứt: Dried candied fruits

  • Canh bóng: Vegetable soup with pork skin

  • Thịt Gà: Boiled chicken

  • Mâm Ngũ Quả: Five-fruit tray

We wish you a very Happy (and full) Lunar New Year!