In Chinese culture, the Lunar New Year is a time of joy and excitement when families come together to celebrate and indulge in the festivities. Food and catering remain a big part of this custom. Beyond serving up a delectable variety that all are sure to enjoy, most of the cuisines hold important symbolisms, auspicious to the occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Chinese New Year reunion dinner, party, or mini get-together, here are a few delicious and auspicious food ideas, deeply rooted in tradition, to impress your guests with an unforgettable culinary experience.
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Yusheng
A traditional Chinese New Year dish that represents prosperity, abundance, good fortune, and unity, Yusheng typically includes an assortment of vegetables, raw fish (often salmon), and various sauces and seasonings. If you wish to take this spread up a notch, Orange Clove Catering offers a unique take with our ‘Auspicious Characters Yusheng,’ starting from 21 inches — a generous size perfect for large parties, where everyone can participate in the celebratory ‘lo hei’ tossing ritual together. For a dish that symbolises success and ambition, our ‘Royal Dragon Yusheng’ is the ideal choice. Offered in impressive 30”, 36”, and 50” platters, it’s sure to be the centrepiece of your gathering.
For those who may not prefer the vegetable-filled Yusheng, we’re pleased to introduce a delightful twist in our catering services with the Rainbow Fruits Yusheng, a colourful and vegetarian-friendly alternative, made with a myriad of fresh fruits. This option retains the symbolism of prosperity and joy, yet provides a refreshing sweetness that’s ideal for modern tastes.
Platters
Accommodating diverse tastes while fostering a shared communal dining experience, platters offer the ultimate versatility and variety. A wide assortment of flavours and textures can be enjoyed on each platter, ensuring there’s something for everybody to enhance the celebratory atmosphere and promote inclusiveness. As part of our Chinese New Year catering promotions, Orange Clove Catering presents excellent DIY platter options for the occasion, like the Prosperity Fortune Platter, featuring Asparagus with Pacific Claim, Smoked Duck with Plum Orange Dressing, Baby Octopus, Ngoh Hiang and Golden Gyoza — each item carefully selected to bring auspicious meaning to the meal.
To incorporate local flair, our Nonya Flavours Platter includes Keraby Bok Nee, Sambal Petai with Prawns, Smoked Duck, Nonya Achar, Otah Fishcake, and Deep Fried Seafood Beancurd Roll, empowering a fusion of festive and traditional flavours great for Chinese New Year gatherings.
Rice and Noodles
Rice and noodles hold a special place in Chinese New Year feasts, symbolising abundance, longevity, and prosperity. For a dish that brings both tradition and flavour to your celebration, look no further than our Fortune Cantonese Noodles. Stir-fried to perfection, these noodles represent a wish for long life and success in the coming year. Alternatively, our Fragrant Taro Rice with Chinese Sausage & Mushrooms offers a hearty and aromatic option, where the earthy flavours of taro blend seamlessly with the savoury richness of Chinese sausage and mushrooms. Either choice is a delightful way to honour the spirit of Chinese New Year and usher a prosperous year ahead.
Meaty Mains
Rich, flavourful meats are a fantastic choice for a Chinese New Year party or outdoor event catering, satisfying appetites and adding a touch of indulgence and festivity to the meal. Signifying strength and good fortune, which are central themes of the celebration, they remain a wonderful way to mark the beginning of a prosperous new year. At Orange Clove Catering, we elevate this tradition with an array of mouthwatering meaty mains, such as Truffle Duck with Truffle Hoisin Sauce — a luxurious twist on a classic dish — and Trio Lucky Drumlets, which brings a contemporary alternative to the spread.
Seafood
In Chinese culture, serving a whole fish is a sign of unity and completeness, and during the Lunar New Year, it symbolises abundance and prosperity for the year ahead. To elevate your celebration, our Chongqing Spicy Fragrant Whole Seabass in Claypot is the perfect choice. This dish features a Whole Seabass, expertly cooked with a rich blend of spices and herbs, offering a harmonious balance of bold flavours and tradition. It’s a delightful and meaningful dish to share with loved ones, embodying both the spirit of the season and the hope for a prosperous year to come.
Traditional Chinese New Year Favourites
Traditional Chinese New Year favourites bring a sense of nostalgia and celebration to every meal, each dish rich in symbolism and flavour. At Orange Clove Catering, we bring cherished offerings such as our Trio Hakka Abacus Seeds, a savoury dish made from Yam, Purple Sweet Potato and Pumpkin, representing wealth and prosperity. Another highlight is our Fortune Lotus Leaf Rice, where Fragrant Rice is wrapped in Lotus Leaves, symbolising good fortune and unity. And, of course, no festive spread is complete without Golden Siew Mai, golden dumplings filled with savoury Pork and Shrimp, symbolising wealth and good luck in the new year. Together, these dishes embody the richness and joy of the season, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Desserts and Sweets
No meal is truly complete without desserts and sweets. At a Chinese New Year party or mini buffet catering, desserts and sweets inject an extra layer of enjoyment and illustrate the sweetness and abundance everyone hopes for in the coming year. Orange Clove rounds out the dining experience with tempting accompaniments, including Yam Paste with Ginkgo Nuts, a smooth, creamy dessert beloved for its comforting texture and auspicious meaning. Another unique side is our Peach Gum Snow Fungus Soup, a vibrant combination highlighting Peach Gum, Snow Fungus, and sweet Longan. These special touches provide depth to the feast for a well-rounded, balanced menu.
Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges are a beloved symbol of good luck, wealth, and prosperity during Chinese New Year, with their bright colour representing golden riches. These sweet and juicy fruits are often exchanged between friends and family, offering well-wishes for a fruitful year ahead. To add a special touch to your food and gathering, Orange Clove Catering offers a delightful Huat Bag promo, where every order comes with a pair of mandarin oranges. This thoughtful gesture not only brings a burst of freshness to your meal but also embodies the spirit of abundance and good fortune, making your festive celebration even more memorable.
From traditional favourites to sumptuous meats, abundant platters, and indulgent desserts, the variety of Chinese New Year foods is endless. But one thing is certain, your celebration will be undoubtedly exceptional when you choose Orange Clove Catering. Whether it’s corporate lunch catering, small group catering, or even halal food catering, our dishes are thoughtfully crafted to impress, helping guests connect over a memorable and festive occasion.
Contact us today for more information.