The Lunar New Year is a time to gather with loved ones, honor traditions, and welcome prosperity and good fortune into the year ahead.

To celebrate the Year of the Snake, I visited Lunasia Dim Sum House, a place I’ve always loved for its exquisite dim sum and seasonal offerings. In this post, I’m excited to share the dishes I chose and the meaningful symbolism behind each one—perfect for starting the new year on a lucky note.

Cordyceps Flower Chicken Soup: Health and Longevity

I started my meal with the Cordyceps Flower Chicken Soup, a dish I was open to trying for the first time. Cordyceps flower is highly regarded in Chinese cuisine for its medicinal properties, believed to boost energy, improve immunity, and promote longevity—qualities I hope to embrace this year. Paired with tender chicken, this soup was both comforting and restorative, making it a fitting way to set the tone for a year of vitality and health.

Pan-Fried Vermicelli with Curry: Long Life and Bold New Adventures

Noodles are a Lunar New Year staple, symbolizing long life because of their length and unbroken strands. Lunasia’s pan-fried vermicelli, infused with fragrant curry spices, offered a bold twist on this tradition. This dish felt like a reflection of the Year of the Snake itself, which symbolizes transformation. For me, it was a reminder to embrace new opportunities and take on bold adventures in the year ahead, all while wishing for a long and fulfilling life.

Shanghai Pork Soup Dumplings: Prosperity and Unity

Next on my list were Shanghai Pork Soup Dumplings, or xiao long bao, one of my absolute favorites. These plump, round dumplings represent fullness and prosperity, making them a must-have for the Lunar New Year. I loved how Lunasia’s delicate wrapper held the savory broth and tender pork filling. Breaking into the dumpling felt almost symbolic—like discovering hidden treasures waiting for me in the months to come.

Jumbo Chicken Siu Mai: Abundance and Rising Fortunes

Chicken is a symbol of family togetherness and abundance in Chinese culture, which is why I knew I had to get Lunasia’s Jumbo Chicken Siu Mai for this Lunar New Year celebration. This elevated version of the classic dim sum favorite felt celebratory in every bite. The generous portion of chicken filling made me think of plentiful opportunities and rising fortunes—something I’m definitely hoping for in the Year of the Snake.

Deep Fried Seaweed Roll: Wealth and Good Fortune

Seaweed is traditionally associated with wealth in Chinese culture, as its shiny, dark-green hue resembles precious treasure. Lunasia’s deep-fried seaweed rolls were delightfully crispy and indulgent, reminding me of the importance of attracting and cherishing good fortune. Each bite felt like a celebration of abundance and the prosperity to come.

Lunasia New Year Rice Cake: Sweet Success

To end the meal on a sweet note, I chose Lunasia’s New Year Rice Cake, infused with coconut for a tropical twist. Rice cake, or nian gao, is an essential part of Lunar New Year celebrations, as the name sounds like “higher year” in Chinese, symbolizing growth and progress. This dessert was not only delicious but also uplifting, leaving me with a sense of optimism for the year ahead.

Dining at Lunasia Dim Sum House for the Lunar New Year was such a meaningful experience for me. Every dish I chose reminded me of the blessings I hope to bring into my life: health, longevity, wealth, and success. The combination of delicious food, rich traditions, and the excitement of the Year of the Snake made this celebration truly unforgettable.

Here’s to a prosperous and flavorful year ahead! Happy Lunar New Year 🧧!