Must-Try Foods for Lunar New Year in Taiwan: A Collection of Traditional Dishes and Unique Snacks

The Lunar New Year is Taiwan's most important traditional festival, celebrated from New Year's Eve all the way to the Lantern Festival. The entire island buzzes with a lively and festive atmosphere. By indulging in a variety of New Year delicacies, you'll not only immerse yourself in the joy of the celebration but also get a taste of Taiwan's unique culinary culture. Come along with Kinnso as we delve into the must-try specialties for the New Year in Taiwan!

“Changnian Cai” is a must-have dish at the Taiwanese New Year’s Eve feast, made from mustard greens. In Taiwanese, the word for “vegetable” sounds similar to the word for “wealth,” symbolizing a wish for “prosperity throughout the years.” Typically, dried mustard greens are soaked to rehydrate them, then cooked with shiitake mushrooms and carrots, giving the dish a sweet and crunchy texture. In Taiwan, there’s a popular saying: “Without Changnian Cai, it doesn’t feel like the New Year,” emphasizing its importance.

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When it comes to Taiwanese New Year feasts, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall stands out as a true showstopper. This luxurious dish is packed with premium ingredients like abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, and scallops. It's a labor of love, requiring hours of slow cooking to develop its deep, mouth-watering aroma. The name comes from the legend that the dish is so irresistible, even Buddha himself would hop over a wall to get a taste. In Taiwan, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is more than just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a symbol of wealth and good fortune.

(Image: Michelin Guide )

Fa Gao, which is pronounced similarly to "prosperity" in Taiwanese, is a must-have cake during the Lunar New Year celebrations. This traditional treat is typically red and is made from sweet potatoes or rice flour. After the fermentation process, Fa Gao is steamed, causing the top to split open like a blossoming flower, symbolizing "good fortune and prosperity." The taste of Fa Gao can slightly differ from one region of Taiwan to another, reflecting the unique local flavors.

When it comes to celebrating the New Year in Taiwan, rice cake is a must-have treat. One reason for its popularity is that the word "cake" sounds like "tall" in Chinese, symbolizing progress and growth. Plus, its round shape signifies "reunion," making it perfect for family gatherings. Traditional rice cakes are crafted from glutinous rice and are typically mixed with mushrooms, dried shrimp, and pork, giving them a delightful aroma and a rich, chewy texture.

When it comes to New Year celebrations in Taiwan, fish is a must-have on the dining table, with steamed fish being the go-to preparation. The reason behind this is that the word for "fish" (魚) sounds just like "surplus" (餘), representing the wish for "abundance year after year." Taiwanese people love to use grouper or red snapper for this dish, and there's a charming tradition of positioning the fish head to face inward, symbolizing "wealth flowing in."

In Taiwan, the word for rice cake, "nian gao," sounds like "yearly rise," symbolizing growth and prosperity. These sweet rice cakes, crafted from glutinous rice, boast a dense yet subtly sweet flavor. During New Year festivities, it's a tradition to slice and pan-fry these cakes until they achieve a golden brown hue, making them a delightful breakfast treat to welcome the New Year.

If you're celebrating the New Year in Taiwan, you can't miss out on radish cake, or "hao cai tou" as the locals call it. This dish is a symbol of good luck and a staple at every festive table. What makes Taiwanese radish cake so special is the premium ingredients that go into it. Fresh shredded radish forms the base, but it’s the addition of mushrooms, dried shrimp, and Chinese sausage that really brings out the flavor. When it's pan-fried to a crispy, golden brown, and served with a unique dipping sauce, it’s no wonder that radish cake is a top breakfast choice during the holiday season.

When it comes to celebrating the New Year in Taiwan, there are some must-have snacks that you’ll find in every home:

• Sunflower seeds: These little treats symbolize "a house full of descendants."
• Candies: They bring "sweetness and happiness" to your celebrations.
• Peanuts: Enjoy these for "endless prosperity."
• Oranges: Their name sounds like "great luck and great profit," making them a festive favorite.

If you're looking for a unique New Year dish in Taiwan, you can't miss Cai Tou (radish) fish balls. In Taiwanese, "Cai Tou" sounds like "good fortune," making this dish a symbol of luck and prosperity. The fish balls' round shape represents completeness and unity, which is perfect for family celebrations. Made from fresh fish paste, these fish balls are stewed with radish to create a sweet and clear broth that warms both the belly and the heart during festive gatherings.

Eight Treasures Rice is a delightful dessert that stands for "blessings and longevity." This treat is mainly made from glutinous rice and features a mix of eight different dried fruits and candied ingredients. In Chinese culture, the number "eight" is associated with prosperity and good luck. Not only is this dessert a joy to eat, but it also embodies warm wishes for the New Year.

When it comes to celebrating the New Year in Taiwan, the festive foods are more than just delicious—they're a blend of traditional wisdom and heartfelt hopes for a brighter future. Tasting these special dishes lets you dive into the vibrant spirit of Taiwanese New Year festivities. From all of us at Kinnso, we wish you a joyous New Year filled with family togetherness. As you relish the mouthwatering treats, take a moment to soak in the unique cultural essence of Taiwan's New Year celebrations!