13 February,2010 09:02 AM IST | | Antoine Lewis
Rich in symbolism, the Chinese New Year menu is a tasty collection of the auspicious foods. Here's what you should dig in to, and why
February 14 is a special day this year in China. Like the rest of the world, some Chinese couples will celebrate Valentine's Day, but for almost all of China, it's the first day of the New Year. Dishes for the New Year feast are carefully chosen not just because they taste good but because they have symbolic value.
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Fish: One of the most important dishes on the New Year menu is fish because it represents abundance, as the Chinese word for fish could also mean, "having enough to spare". The fish is served whole, uncut from head to tail.
Fruits: Oranges are symbolic of wealth because the pronunciation of the word is similar to the Chinese word for wealth.
Noodles: They represent a long life, and shouldn't be cut into pieces; it brings bad luck.
A full chicken: Usually steamed, it's a classic Chinese New Year item as it symbolises family togetherness.
Dumplings: Legend has it that the more dumplings you eat during New Year celebration, the more money you can make in the New Year. Spring rolls are included since their shape resembles bars of gold.
Mixed vegetables: Symbolise harmony in the family.
Fresh bean curd or tofu: It isn't included since white signifies death and misfortune.u00a0
DIY New Year's meal that you can order at any Chinese restaurant even if they're not offering a special New Year menu
>>Spring Rolls or Pot stickers
>>Sweet and Sour Prawns/Pork
>>Whole steamed pomfret (if in a big group then chicken is an option)
>>Stir Fried Broccoli, Buddha's Delight or Stir Fried Chinese Greens
>>Lo Mein, Pan Fried Noodles or Stir Fried Noodles
>>Fresh Fruits
Restaurants where you can order this menu
>>Ling's Pavilion, Colaba
>>Royal China, VT and Bandra
>>Aromas of China, Andheri and Goregaon
>>Vong Wong, Nariman Point
>>China Gate, Worli and Bandra
>>Mainland China branches
