Food for Thought: Celebrating Culture

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

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!