Kung Hey Fat Choi or Happy New Year and Welcome to the Year of The Fire Horse..
Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations across Asia and for many families around the world. It marks a fresh beginning — a time to farewell the old year, welcome the new, and gather with family and friends to share food, stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
It is a time of wondrous celebration, with origins which go back to a time of myths and legends. There are paper-dragon dances, parades and red clothing to commemorate the legend of Nian, a mythical beast who terrorized villagers once every year. The colour red and the din that is created is meant to drive away any lingering devils or spirits. Now the word Nian, in modern Chinese means “year”.
Food is central to Lunar New Year celebrations, not just for enjoyment but for what it represents. Many traditional dishes are chosen for their symbolism rather than their complexity. Some foods are linked to prosperity because their names sound like words for wealth or success. Others symbolise longevity, abundance, happiness or unity through their shape, colour or the way they are served.
The New Year is marked by animal, for according to legend, Buddha invited all the creatures in his kingdom to appear before him. The 12 animals which completed the journey – the rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, serpent, horse, goat, monkey, cock, dog and pig – were then honoured with rotating names of the year. The exact date in the Western calendar changes because it is fixed using a Chinese lunar calendar in which each month begins with the new moon. People born in a particular year are believed to share some of the personalities of that particular animal.
In 2026, Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Horse, and more specifically, the Year of the Fire Horse. In the Chinese zodiac, each year is defined not only by one of the twelve animals, but also by one of the five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. These elements rotate alongside the animal cycle, meaning each animal is influenced by a different element every sixty years.
The Horse is associated with energy, freedom, confidence, forward movement, independence and generosity. When combined with the Fire element — which represents warmth, passion and vitality — the year encourages bold action, lively gatherings and meaningful connection. It’s a wonderful time to cook generously and share food freely.
It is a time of feasting, with particular foods for different good wishes.
Delicacies include prawns, for liveliness and happiness, dried oysters (ho xi), for all things good, raw fish salad (yu sheng) to bring good luck and prosperity, Fai-hai (Angel Hair), an edible hair-like seaweed to bring prosperity, and meat-filled dumplings boiled in water (Jiaozi). “Jiaozi” in Chinese literally mean “sleep together and have sons”, a long-lost good wish for a family.
This is my version of angel hair – Glass noodle salad – and add me prawns to it.
Try the following recipes chosen for their symbolism, flavour and suitability for relaxed, generous entertaining.
Dumplings are traditionally eaten at Lunar New Year because their shape resembles ancient gold ingots, symbolising wealth.
No New Year Eve’s meal would be complete without fish. The Chinese character for “abundance” sounds the same as “fish”. There is also a vegetarian dish with a special seaweed called fatchoi, which sounds the same as the word meaning prosperity.
Whatever the food, the quantity prepared at this time is to symbolize abundance and wealth for the household.
Lunar New Year is ultimately about intention. In the Year of the Fire Horse, those intentions lean towards warmth, energy and generosity. Whether you cook a full feast or a few symbolic dishes, what matters most is sharing food freely, cooking generously and enjoying time together around the table.
May the Year of the Fire Horse bring energy, abundance and good fortune to you and those you share your table with!
