Chinese New Year’s Yums

Chinese New Year is the biggest celebrated festival in Penang. You can’t miss the festive mood which is expressed on the artistic red decorations on the buildings, blaring songs at almost any public areas and the happy expression on the faces of children when receiving red packets.

Food plays an important part during the festival. Not only do they taste good but they also have their own meaning:

Yusheng (or Lo Hei)

It is the all-important VIP dish that only appears during Chinese New Year. It literally means “raw fish” in Mandarin, but sounds like the word “increased abundance” in Mandarin. The dish contains fried crackers, shredded radish and carrots, sliced raw fish, pomelo and more. People then gather round with their chopsticks and toss the ingredients high into the air while proclaiming goodness and blessings into their lives.

Mandarin Oranges

Mandarin oranges are considered to symbolise good fortune because of their name sounds like “gold” and “luck” in Mandarin. Visitors usually bring a basket full of them during house visitation as a symbol of goodwill to the family.

Bak Gua

A delicious delicacy that looks like toasted bacon, but is tender and sweeter. It is grilled on a stove or some may prefer to use charcoal to grill it for a smokier aroma. Goes well with bread or a light snack.

Nian Gao

Known as the “sticky cake”, it tastes savoury or sweet and is made from glutinous rice. It sounds like the phrase “higher each year” in Mandarin. People eat this during the festival because it symbolises raising oneself higher each year and good luck.

Steamed Fish

Eating fish is thought to usher in luck and wealth because fish sounds like the word “abundance” in Mandarin. Besides that, who wouldn’t want a big tasty fish to complete the meal?

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