10 Best Lucky Foods for Chinese New Year: Our Top Picks for 2026

Food for the Chinese New Year is already on our minds because the Year of the Horse 2026 is just around the corner.

Chinese New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in Malaysia. And like every Malaysian festival, the heartbeat of Chinese New Year is the food. Our gatherings feel richer because of it.

And not only is the food delicious, but the dishes we share carry meaning. Every bite is believed to bring luck, health or prosperity. There is a story behind almost everything on the table.

We wanted to pull together our 10 favourite foods for Chinese New Year. This list blends snacks, mains and desserts. These items are delicious and packed with symbolism in Chinese culture.

You can enjoy them at home or explore them across KL. We’re also sharing our 3 favourite places to get Chinese New Year Dinner. Either way, you get to start the new year with good vibes and good food.

Here are our 10 favourite foods for Chinese New Year 2026!

Photo from Flickr by Citrus and Candy, licensed by CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

1. Bak Kwa

We always start our stash of food for Chinese New Year with bak kwa. It feels like the season has truly arrived when the shops start firing up their grills.

Bak kwa is thin slices of pork or chicken marinated in sugar, soy sauce and spices. The flavour is sweet and savoury at the same time.

The meat is grilled until smoky and slightly sticky. We love how the edges get a little charred.

People believe bak kwa symbolises good luck and wealth. Its deep red colour represents fortune. No wonder families queue for hours every year.

Most of us also buy extra because bak kwa is one of the most popular gifts exchanged when visiting relatives.

2. Dumplings

Dumplings are a classic in any spread of traditional Chinese food for the Lunar New Year. They are small pockets of minced meat and vegetables wrapped in soft dough. You can steam them or pan-fry them.

Making dumplings together is a whole activity. Everyone sits around the table, filling and folding. It feels cosy and warm.

Our family boils huge batches before the reunion dinner because everyone loves them and not just because of how good they taste!

Dumplings resemble ancient gold ingots in Chinese culture. This is why many believe they bring wealth in the coming year. The more dumplings we eat, the better the luck.

3. Chinese New Year Cookies

No festive table is complete without Chinese New Year cookies. Every home we visit has at least a few jars on the coffee table.

Pineapple tarts are the crowd favourite in Malaysia. The filling is sweet with a tangy bite. The pastry is soft and buttery. We also love peanut cookies and almond cookies.

The symbolism of the cookies depends on the ingredient. Pineapple, for example, is linked to prosperity because in Hokkien the word for pineapple sounds like “incoming fortune”. Almonds are associated with wealth and good energy.

Many people bake them at home. Others prefer buying them fresh from bakeries. Either way, these cookies do not last long in the jar and are one of our favourite Chinese New Year snacks.

4. Vegetable Dishes for New Year Blessings

Vegetable dishes often balance a table filled with rich items. They are considered meaningful Chinese New Year dishes. Spring is the season for planting new seeds. Families also use this time to finish vegetables preserved over winter.

One popular mix is tián yuán sù xiǎo chǎo. It is a countryside-style stir fry with mushrooms, cabbage, jujube and other greens.

Different vegetables also carry different blessings. Seaweed is linked to wealth. Lotus seeds represent a happy family. Bamboo shoots bring longevity. Leeks carry the meaning of something long-lasting. And poria mushrooms are tied to fortune.

These layers of symbolism are why we love having at least one big plate of greens at every festive meal. It feels wholesome and grounding, with lots of good blessings for the new year.

5. Whole Chicken

A whole chicken is a must during any Chinese New Year dinner. Many families serve it steamed or roasted. Some add herbs and a fragrant broth.

What matters is that the chicken stays whole. The head, wings and feet are kept intact.

This represents unity. It reminds us to stay connected with our loved ones. The chicken also symbolises prosperity and completeness.

For many of us, the aroma of chicken at the reunion meal brings back memories of childhood gatherings. It feels so comforting.

6. Whole Fish

Fish is another important item in the Chinese New Year menu. It is usually served whole. Steamed fish is the most common style. Some families also opt for soy sauce, ginger and scallion.

The word for fish sounds similar to the word for surplus in Chinese. Because of this, many believe that eating fish brings abundance.

There is also a common practice. Families cook two fish. One is eaten during the meal. The second is kept as leftovers. This represents carrying good fortune into the new year.

We love this tradition. It makes the celebration feel continuous.

7. Longevity Noodles

Longevity noodles appear in almost every spread of Chinese New Year food. These noodles are long strands usually served in broth or stir-fried. They have a soft bite and a comforting flavour.

The length of the noodles represents a long, healthy life, so it’s important that the noodles aren’t broken. It is believed to cut short your blessings.

Longevity noodles are another simple but comforting dish for the Chinese New Year. When we eat them, the whole meal feels more meaningful.

8. Niangao

Niangao is one of the most iconic items when people discuss food for the Chinese New Year. It is a sticky rice cake made with glutinous rice flour and sugar. Some versions are steamed. Others are fried with egg. The texture is soft and chewy.

Niangao represents progress. The word “gao” sounds like “higher”. Eating niangao is believed to help us rise in career, luck or life in general.

We like eating it fresh, but we also enjoy the fried version, which tastes warm and caramel-like.

9. Eight Treasure Rice Pudding

Eight Treasure Rice Pudding is a beautiful dessert. Sticky rice is steamed with sugar, then topped with eight ingredients. These often include lotus seeds, raisins, red beans, nuts and dried fruits.

When the pudding is flipped onto a plate, it looks like a shiny dome decorated with colourful pieces.

The number eight symbolises wealth. This dish is enjoyed at many reunion dinners. It feels celebratory, and the sweetness marks a good start to the year.

10. Fruits and What They Mean

Fruits also play an important role in traditional Chinese food for the Lunar New Year.

Oranges and mandarins are the most popular. The round shape represents fullness. The bright colour is linked to prosperity. Apples are linked to peace, while pomelos symbolise abundance.

Most families place bowls of fruit near the entrance. This invites luck into the home. When we visit relatives, we often bring oranges. It is a simple gesture that carries a warm message.

Chinese New Year Food Etiquette to Know

Every celebration comes with its own customs. When eating Chinese New Year food, there are a few practices people follow.

Some families save part of the fish to represent leftover luck. Many avoid sticking chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice. This resembles funeral offerings.

Passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another is also avoided because it reminds people of funeral rituals involving bones.

Another important tradition is not finishing all the food. So it’s important to cook in abundance, because again, leftovers represent carrying good fortune into the next year.

These guidelines keep the meal respectful. They also help preserve cultural traditions passed down through generations.

Where To Enjoy Chinese New Year Dinner in KL

The best place for Chinese New Year dinner is, of course, at home with people we love. Home-cooked dishes feel special. The table feels warmer, and we laugh more with our loved ones.

But KL also has fantastic restaurants that serve festive menus if you want to celebrate outside. Here are a few we enjoy.

Fifty Tales

Fifty Tales is great if you want Chinese New Year food that feels modern, relaxed, and a bit playful. Their 2026 festive menu is all about bold flavours and comfort dishes done with personality.

The Truffle Hokkien Char is a standout. Fragrant, rich, and very satisfying for sharing. The roasted corn-fed chicken leg is another favourite. Dry-aged, juicy, and packed with flavour.

If you’re coming in a group, the sweet and spicy basil pork ribs are perfect for the table.

What we love most about Fifty Tales is the vibe. It’s festive without feeling formal. Ideal for friends’ gatherings or smaller family meals where you still want something special, just without the hotel stiffness.

St Regis KL

St. Regis KL is for those who want Chinese New Year food paired with a full-on celebratory experience. Their 2026 offerings go beyond just dinner and turn the season into an event.

The reunion set menus are packed with premium ingredients like bird’s nest, abalone, lobster noodles, and handmade festive desserts.

Everything is thoughtfully paced, making it perfect for long meals where you linger and catch up. The golden fried nian gao is a lovely way to end the meal on a sweet note.

What makes St. Regis special is the atmosphere. From lion dance performances to elegant private dining rooms, it feels grand without being overwhelming.

A great choice for milestone reunions, business dinners, or when you want to celebrate the Chinese New Year in style.

Shang Palace at Shangri-La KL

Shang Palace is where you go for a proper Chinese New Year dinner that leans classic and elegant. Their 2026 Feast of Fortune menus focus on refined Cantonese cooking with strong symbolic meaning.

The steamed Sabah deep-sea grouper is a highlight. Clean flavours, beautifully cooked, and a strong symbol of abundance. The roasted duck with truffle adds a luxurious twist without overpowering the dish.

Their festive dim sum selection is also worth coming early for, especially if you’re planning a long lunch.

With multiple set menus including vegetarian options, Shang Palace works well for big family reunions and corporate gatherings. It’s polished, calm, and very traditional in the best way.

Here are a few more fun reads:

FAQs on Food for Chinese New Year

Why do we eat bak kwa during Chinese New Year?

Bak kwa is popular during the season because people often give it as a festive gift. The red colour is linked to good luck, so many families include it in their celebration.

What is the traditional Chinese New Year menu?

A typical menu includes symbolic dishes. Two whole fish are served, so one can be saved for leftovers to represent surplus. A whole chicken stands for unity and prosperity. Items like spring rolls are included because they resemble gold bars and are tied to wealth.

What foods are not eaten on the Chinese New Year?

Some families avoid dishes linked to negative meanings. Squash is avoided because its name sounds like the word for death. Squid and crab are also believed to bring bad luck to some households.

What is the most important meal eaten during Chinese New Year celebrations?

The reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve is the most meaningful meal. Families gather at home and share dishes that represent blessings for the coming year.

What are three don’ts on Chinese New Year’s Day?

People avoid talking about bad news. They also avoid cutting hair or cleaning because these actions may symbolically remove good luck.

What are the forbidden colours forthe Chinese New Year?

White and black are avoided during the festival. Red, yellow and green are preferred because they represent luck, harmony and growth.

Ride With Trevo

And if you’re planning to go all out on food for Chinese New Year, having the right ride makes a big difference. Ride with Trevo and enjoy the freedom of having a car when you need it, without the long-term commitment.

It’s perfect for hopping around KL to check out reunion dinners, stock up on Chinese New Year snacks, or do a quick bak kwa and gift run. You’ll love Trevo for the convenience, flexibility and comfort, especially when festive plans change at the last minute.

Just grab a car, go where the food takes you, and enjoy the season your way. Gong Xi Fa Cai!