Edible Traditions: 10 Dishes That Define Chinese New Year in Malaysia

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world.

A dish fit for royalty, “Poon Choi/盆菜” is a stunning centrepiece of Chinese New Year celebrations. It symbolises wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Packed with premium ingredients such as braised mushrooms, scallops, sea cucumber, abalone, and black moss (fat choy/发菜), Poon Choi is a slow-cooked treasure trove of flavours.

Each layer is carefully arranged. Starting with vegetables and tofu to soak up the rich, umami-filled broth, followed by meats and seafood, the arrangement results in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.Beyond its colourful traditions, lion dances, red lanterns, and ang paus (red envelopes), the heart of the celebration lies in food.

Malaysia is a country famed for its multicultural harmony. Here, Chinese New Year menus take on a distinctive flavour by blending traditional Chinese recipes with local influences.

For chefs and food enthusiasts alike, understanding food culture is as important as mastering the art of cooking. Whether you’re pursuing a diploma in culinary arts or simply trying your hand at culinary traditions, it allows you to connect with the roots of your craft and bring authenticity to the table.

This article explores 10 iconic dishes that define Malaysian Chinese New Year celebrations, Each item is steeped in symbolism and tradition, with simple recipes for you to try at home.

1. Yee Sang

Source: Kewpie Malaysia

Few dishes embody the spirit of Chinese New Year as vividly as Yee Sang.

Despite its literal translation as 'raw fish,' Yee Sang is a colourful salad featuring a mix of shredded vegetables, smoked salmon, jellyfish, fruits, pickled vegetables, and tangy plum sauce.

Traditionally made with carp to signify 'live,' modern variations use other fish such as jellyfish, salmon, tuna, and baits. To make it a more luxurious dish, abalone, lobster, and soft-shell crabs are also included.

Families and friends gather around the table to "Lo Hei," a fun ritual of tossing the salad passionately while shouting auspicious phrases to welcome prosperity and good fortune.

• Ingredients: Shredded carrots, radish, smoked salmon, sesame seeds, peanut crackers, jellyfish, plum sauce.

• Steps: Arrange ingredients on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and toss together with all the best wishes in your vocabulary.

2. Pineapple Tarts

Source: Ruyi Asian Recipes

These buttery, bite-sized treats are synonymous with "旺来/ong lai," which literally means "fortune comes" in Hokkien.

Their golden hue and sweet pineapple jam filling symbolise wealth and sweetness for the year ahead. They are made spicier or more buttery compared to traditional Chinese versions, so you can really feel the kick of the festivities.

Recipe Highlight

• Ingredients: Pineapple jam, butter, flour, sugar.
• Steps: Shape pastry dough around the jam, and bake until golden brown.

The dish symbolises a wholesome start to the year, nourishing both the body and the spirit. Its nutritional value adds to its appeal, as chicken is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients for good health.

• Ingredients: Whole chicken, soy sauce, garlic, Chinese five-spice powder.
• Steps: Marinate, roast or steam, and serve whole with a side of ginger scallion sauce.

In some traditions, a whole chicken is offered as part of ancestral worship. It gives respect and gratitude to past generations, reminding us of our roots and appreciating how far we’ve come.

4. Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake)

Source: Cookidoo

年糕/Nian Gao is a type of sticky glutinous rice cake traditionally made and shared during Chinese New Year.

Its name translates to "higher year," making it a sweet wish for progress and success in studies, work, and life.

5. Fish

Source: Red House Spice

The word "fish" (鱼/yú) in Chinese sounds like another character “余,” meaning “surplus."

A fish dish is a must-have on the reunion dinner table. A whole steamed fish represents abundance and prosperity, two key wishes for the new year.

Recipe Highlight

• Ingredients: Whole fish, soy sauce, ginger, scallions.
• Steps: Steam fish, pour soy-sesame sauce over it, and garnish with fresh scallions.

6. Prawns

Source: Spice N’ Pans

In Cantonese, "虾/ha" (prawns) mimics the sound of laughter “哈”, symbolising happiness and joy.

These delightful crustaceans are sautéed or grilled to a golden scarlet perfection, and packed with flavours.

Recipe Highlight

• Ingredients: Prawns, garlic, chilli, butter, cilantro.
• Steps: Sauté prawns in garlic butter with a hint of chilli for an umami-filled dish. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

7. Bak Kwa (Chinese Dried Meat Jerky)

A staple in Chinese New Year hampers, Bak Kwa is a sweet and smoky delicacy that holds a special place in festive celebrations.

Many families line up for freshly grilled Bak Kwa during the Chinese New Year rush, drawn by its enticing aroma wafting through bustling streets. While traditionally made from pork or chicken, modern plant-based alternatives are also on the rise.

Recipe Highlight

• Ingredients: Minced pork or chicken, soy sauce, honey, sugar, five-spice powder.
• Steps: Marinate meat, spread thinly on trays, bake until firm, and grill for a smoky finish.

8. Poon Choi

Source: The Hungry Excavator

A dish fit for royalty, “Poon Choi/盆菜” is a stunning centrepiece of Chinese New Year celebrations. It symbolises wealth, prosperity, and abundance.

Packed with premium ingredients such as braised mushrooms, scallops, sea cucumber, abalone, and black moss (fat choy/发菜), Poon Choi is a slow-cooked treasure trove of flavours.

Each layer is carefully arranged. Starting with vegetables and tofu to soak up the rich, umami-filled broth, followed by meats and seafood, the arrangement results in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Recipe Highlight

• Ingredients: Braised mushrooms, scallops, sea cucumber, abalone, black moss, roast meats, prawns, Chinese cabbage, tofu, dried oysters, and rich broth.
• Steps:
• Braise mushrooms, sea cucumber, and abalone in a flavourful sauce.
• Arrange ingredients in layers, with vegetables and tofu at the bottom.
• Simmer everything in a clay pot to allow the flavours to meld.
• Serve hot and enjoy (best shared with family and friends!).

9. Kuih Kapit (Love Letters)

• Ingredients: Eggs, coconut milk, sugar, flour.
• Steps: Mix batter, pour into moulds, and fold into quarters while still warm.

10. Red Bean Soup with Glutinous Rice Balls