Dumplings and crucian carp: an irreplaceable dish of Lunar New Year in China

Braised crucian carp

Braised crucian carp and dumplings formed the best Lunar New Year dinner.

Like many other countries, China celebrated the Lunar New Year as a festive start to 2023 — and as a relatively recent immigrant, I was not there.

While sitting in a local restaurant and finishing dinner, I remembered what this was like in China: the lively firecrackers, exciting TV shows and, most importantly, the iconic, must-have dishes on our table. For my family, dumplings are the most important dish.

On the day before Lunar New Year, my grandma would put the dumplings that were freshly prepared early in the pot to preserve the flavor. At the same time, even relatives who were living far away would come to our house for a gathering and sit together at one table waiting for the hot, juicy dumplings.

The dumplings are made in an ingot shape, representing wealth in Chinese culture. There is also a tradition where we hide a coin in one of the dumplings. When the lucky person eats the dumpling with the coin, it means that they will have the greatest fortune.

Then there is also the firewood-cooked braised crucian carp. Typically, my father makes this meal by himself. While my mother’s cooking style is gentle and cautious, my father lets the fire run wild and swallow the iron pot. When the crucian carp’s skin turns to a golden color, you know it is ready to move on to the next and final stage of this meal’s preparation. With a spoon of elaborate braised sauce, a classic Braised crucian carp is served!

The color red represents the beloved and wealth. A mix of spicy skin and sweet meat grants people a feeling of accomplishment after an eventful year. No matter how delicious the braised carp is, there will always be leftovers, symbolizing the surplus of wealth and knowledge people will have that year.

With families all gathered around the dinner table, these holiday specials taste more warming as ever and bring joy to the rest of the year. The lesson: Dishes always taste better when families are together.