Chinese New Year festival is indeed one of the most eagerly celebrated festivals in Chinese community. It represents change, renewal, and putting aside that which is old to make way for that which is new. An important role of food is devoted to bringing in the new year and starting the year with a kind of sweet treat. This carnival stretches for 15 days and it involved savory festive snacks and sweets-eating. Following are some of the delicious Chinese New Year goodies and snacks.

Favorable Nian Gao of Sticky Rice Cake

The Chinese New Year is incomplete without Nian Gao. The lees for Nian is year and Gao means cake, in Chinese. Also called the cake of the year it is a type of glutinous rice flour made with brown sugar and root crops. It represents good things and a higher class for the following year. If one ate Nian Gao, the higher the steamed food the higher up the social ladder one would go. You can eat it unprocessed or deep fried and eaten with egg., Though it is processed and commonly eaten when fried with egg.

This one is made from glutinous rice and has a bright red irritated appearance hence the name Red-Coloured Tang Yuanبلغ

Red-Coloured Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)

Sweet delicious Tang Yuan dumplings with glutinous rice are one of the most famous traditional Chinese desserts. Redcolour is associated with happiness and luck. Consuming them especially during the Chinese New Year brings families together because making and enjoying the dish is a family affair. These irresistible soft bite sized balls can be dropped into ginger brown syrup or sesame and peanut soup for a quick warm up.

Auspicious Snack Platter

Special arrangement of food items is another symbol of the Chinese New Year Festal longing. These are candied lotus seeds, candied coconut, candied winter melon, candied papaya, red lotus seeds, peanuts and dried candied fruits. These are the following signifying sweet life in the concern in the coming year. Its sweet nature and lengthy health benefits symbolize wealth and a long life.

Golden Roasted Peanuts

Groundnuts or peanuts occupy a special place in all Chinese meals. Their given name translates into Mandarin as ‘birth of 100 sons' which associates them to fertility and prosperity. When covered with egg yolk and honey and baked in the oven they symbolize good wishes. Take these tasty morsels with the holiday season.

Barbecued Meat (also known as Bakkwa in Chinese)

Another famous snack is Bakkwa Snack is another famous Chinese snack, considered indispensable during Chinese New Year. It is made by making thin cuts of pork, drying in the air, then scenting the meat in spices, sugar and soy sauce before barbecuing. This special sweet and salty jerky like product is served plain or inserted between two crackers or in bread. Its dense and soft moistness along with a kind of a sweet&savoury taste was highly appreciated by everyone. 

Fa Gao (Prosperity Cake)

The fa gao or prosperity cake is made for good fortune and rising abundantly like the cake itself. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors which include the lucky red color. The sweet rice flour or tapioca flour batter is then placed into round moulds which are cylindrical but have a hole in the middle. When baking these cakes, rise well to form hollow domes. Light, mildly-sweet Fa Gao for prosperity in the year ahead.

Turnip Cake

Another savory cake prepared during CNY is Turnip cake or Lo Bak Go. Shredded radish is seasoned and then blanched into soft fluffy squares and fried in batter until they are as crunchy as golden crumbs outside while very tender inside. The radish symbolizes prosperity and while some versions contain dry shrimp, Chinese sausage or mushroom for extra boost.

Eight Treasure Rice

Also referred to as Prosperity Rice, Eight Treasure Rice are sticky rice, red beans, red dates, lotus seeds, dried longans, peanuts, walnuts, and almonds. The Chinese letters used to write its name can be translated to ‘eight treasures' as in Buddha's treasure bowl. The included dried fruits, nuts, seeds symbolise abundance of wealth and prosperity. This pretty and delicious rice pudding is best served hot, but it can be equally good when served cold.

Pineapple Tarts

These primordial cookies with a tender pineapple jam that is encased symbolizes the golden nuggets for Chinese settlers here. Two aspects of this Dodinsky work meaning the crispy melt in the mouth shortcrust with the pineapple jam inside raw pastry shells, represent the sweet life in prospect. Pineapple tarts are popular for affectionate assembly red dyed for stimulating happiness regarding Chinese New Year anniversaries.

Candied Winter Melon

Winter melon also has always been used in Chinese confectionery or as preserved fruit for desserts. Because of this it is somewhat sweet, light on the pallet and has a pretty waxed finish. Winter melon unripe into cubes or strips with candied and rock sugar coating over slow cooked suggests a sweet horizon. Donate candied melon for several minutes in Chinese white tea or simply add it to your sweet and savory treats.

These festive seasonal treats, including candies, desserts, and snacks, are simply indispensable for any Chinese New Year celebration. Bursting with vibrant colors, delightful fragrances, and irresistible flavors, they not only offer a feast for the senses but also bring new possibilities and visions for the year ahead. From pineapple tarts to love letters, these CNY goodies and snacks symbolize prosperity and good fortune, making them a must-have for every family. Their bright colors and rich flavors represent the hope for happiness and success, ensuring that the entire family enjoys a prosperous and joyful start to the new year. Perfect for food lovers, these treats elevate any celebration with tradition and flavor.