Must-Try Foods for Lunar New Year in Hong Kong 2025! A Deep Dive into 8 Symbolic Dishes

When it comes to celebrating the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong, food plays a starring role. It’s not just about eating; it’s about gathering with loved ones and sharing dishes that bring good luck and prosperity. Join us as we explore eight must-try festive foods that will make your New Year feast both delicious and meaningful. Let’s dive into these culinary delights that promise to bring you good fortune in 2025!

Nian Gao, often called "Nian Gao Zai" in Hong Kong, is a must-have treat during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Made from glutinous rice flour, this traditional delight boasts a soft, chewy texture and a light sweetness. The name "Nian Gao" sounds like "year high," symbolizing the hope for growth and progress in the coming year.

There are two popular ways to prepare Nian Gao: steaming and baking. Steamed Nian Gao is known for its smooth texture, while baked Nian Gao gets a slightly crispy exterior. In Hong Kong, many people love to slice the Nian Gao, dip it in an egg wash, and pan-fry it until it turns golden brown. This method of enjoying Nian Gao is a local favorite and adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

If you're in Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year, you can't miss out on the turnip cake, a staple in the city's tea houses. This beloved dish, made with shredded white radish, Chinese sausage, and cured meat, is a symbol of "good fortune" and a must-have for the celebrations. The process of making turnip cake is quite detailed, involving fresh radish that is grated, mixed with the other ingredients, and then steamed to perfection.

When the New Year festivities are in full swing, locals love to slice up the turnip cake and pan-fry it until it's golden brown. This gives it a wonderful contrast - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These days, you might find modern twists on the traditional recipe, with additions like dried scallops and shrimp, which bring new textures and flavors to this classic dish.

In Hong Kong, the Quan He, also known as "Cuan He," is a delightful candy box that’s divided into sections, each brimming with a variety of snacks. You’ll often find sunflower seeds, candies, and pistachios nestled inside. The name "Quan He" sounds like "quán bù," which translates to "all together," symbolizing the gathering of family. Sunflower seeds, in particular, are a symbol of having many descendants.

Traditional Quan He boxes usually feature six or eight compartments, each packed with different festive goodies. Nowadays, these boxes have taken on a more modern and stylish look, with many being crafted from eco-friendly materials, making them both practical and visually appealing.

Laughing Dates are a charming deep-fried treat that look like miniature doughnuts. These little delights get their name from the cracks on their surface, which make them appear as if they're smiling. This whimsical appearance symbolizes "constant smiles," making Laughing Dates a perfect way to usher in a joyful new year.

Creating Laughing Dates starts with selecting top-quality flour, which is then kneaded into a dough. This dough goes through a special process before being fried to a golden brown, causing the surface to naturally crack. Once they're perfectly cooked, they're coated with granulated sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to their already delightful look and taste.

When it comes to New Year festivities in Hong Kong, you simply can't miss out on the array of candied fruits. Favorites like preserved plums, olives, and tangerine peels take center stage. These sugary delights aren't just tasty; they symbolize "sweetness and happiness," promising a year filled with joy and delight.

If you're celebrating the Hong Kong New Year, you can’t miss out on Poon Choi. This unique and traditional dish hails from the walled villages of the New Territories. Picture a big, communal basin filled with layers of delicious ingredients, each stacked on top of the other, symbolizing the idea of "rising step by step."

What makes traditional Poon Choi so special is its abundance of ingredients. You'll find oysters, black moss (which symbolizes wealth), shrimp, chicken, and roasted meat, each chosen for their auspicious meanings. It's a feast that not only fills the belly but also brings good fortune!

If you're in Hong Kong for the New Year, you simply must try the crispy dumplings! These delightful deep-fried treats boast a wonderfully flaky exterior that encases a rich and flavorful filling. Traditionally, they're stuffed with a savory mix of pork and shrimp, and their ingot-like shape is said to bring wealth and good fortune. Nowadays, you can also find sweet versions filled with coconut and peanuts, offering a delicious twist on this classic snack.

No New Year celebration in Hong Kong is complete without an assortment of candies. These sweet delights are more than just treats; they represent the sweetness and joy of the festive season. You'll find traditional favorites like fruit candies and milk candies, alongside contemporary choices with exciting flavors such as chocolate and jelly.

Hong Kong comes alive during the Lunar New Year, its most important traditional festival. Indulging in these special seasonal treats is a wonderful way to soak up the festive spirit and keep the rich culinary traditions alive. At Kinnso, we hope the new year brings you countless chances to enjoy delicious meals with your loved ones, creating warm and happy memories throughout the celebrations!