Chinese New Year Dinner - In the Clouds Events

The most important part of the Chinese New Year is the family reunion dinner (年夜飯), no, wait. it should be a family reunion feast! There are some must-have dishes that symbolize prosperity and brings good luck! But, every family has its own tradition and favorite dishes, so the menu varies.

This spread here is some of my family’s favorites. It’s not as elaborative as other people’s, but each one brings back childhood memories. My dad, before he passed away, was a seafood fanatic. He would always order the lobster, crab, sea cucumber, geoduck clam, and other delicacies. But my brother is allergic to seafood, so we tend to go with dishes that everyone can enjoy.

Chinese New Year Feast Reunion Dinner — LA Momma Photography

Chinese New Year Dinner Menu

Here’s our Chinese New Year Dinner menu:

Peking Duck 北京烤鴨 – Crispy duck skin and meat wrapped in a thin flour tortilla 荷葉餅, along with scallions, cucumbers, and sweet sauce.
Duck Bone Soup 白菜豆腐鴨架湯 – The bones of the duck is cooked into soup with added napa cabbage and tofu.
Whole Steamed Fish 蒸魚 – The whole fish (yes, with head and tail intact) are steamed with rice wine, and drizzled with piping hot oil over soy sauce.
Braised Pork Belly 紅燒肉 – The pork belly is cooked until the fat and skin are gelatinous, soft, and melt easily in the mouth.
Sautéed Pea Shoots with Garlic 蒜蓉炒豆苗 – Simple stir fry of pea shoots with minced garlic.
Xiao Long Bao (Juicy Dumplings) 小籠包 – Steamed dumplings with pork filling that oozes savory soup.
Steamed Shrimps with Diced Garlic 蒜蓉粉絲開邊蝦 – Butterfly shrimp steamed with garlic and rice noodle.

Obviously, I didn’t cook these. Living in San Gabriel Valley, I’m surrounded by amazing authentic Asian restaurants. If you’re planning to order a spread for lunar new year, you better call ahead to place your order!