The Quintessential Dishes of Chinese New Year

In Indonesia, some refer to the Chinese New Year holiday as "Chinese Lebaran," echoing the festivity of Eid al-Fitr, which is marked by its signature dishes like ketupat and opor. Similarly, the Chinese New Year is celebrated with its own unique array of foods that are more than just a treat to the taste buds.

These foods are not merely delicious; each dish carries a deep philosophy, serving as a gesture of gratitude for the year gone by and embodying wishes for prosperity and well-being in the year to come.

Interestingly, while not all Indonesians celebrate Chinese New Year, the holiday's traditional foods and snacks are widely available and enjoyed by many. Here’s a look at some of the iconic dishes that define the Chinese New Year celebration, each a delicious symbol of the holiday's rich philosophy.

7 Chinese New Year specialties and their philosophies

Basket Cake

One dish that truly stands out during the Chinese New Year is the Basket Cake, a staple that's become synonymous with the holiday.

Although you can find Basket Cakes throughout the year, their presence becomes especially prominent as the Chinese New Year approaches, with both demand and supply peaking.

With its chewy texture and sweet flavor, reminiscent of the traditional Indonesian treat dodol, Basket Cake is sometimes affectionately known as "Chinese dodol."

But this cake is more than just a treat; it's a symbol packed with meaning. Its sticky nature represents the bond of family, holding together through thick and thin, while its sweetness is a hopeful nod to the coming year.

Manisan (Sweets)

Manisan, or sweets, play a crucial role in the Chinese New Year's array of treats. These aren't just ordinary sweets; they're a vital part of the celebration, intended to do more than just satisfy a sweet tooth. Often presented in an octagonal container, the design and the delicacy together carry a deeper significance.

The choice of an octagonal container is deliberate and meaningful. In Chinese culture, the number eight is believed to represent infinity. Serving sweets in such a container symbolizes a wish for unending sweetness and joy in the year ahead.

It's a beautiful tradition that combines visual appeal with heartfelt blessings, hoping for a future that's as endless and sweet as the treats themselves.

In Chinese culture, the number eight symbolizes infinity. Thus, serving sweets in an octagonal container expresses a wish for enduring sweetness and prosperity in the coming year, unbroken and everlasting.

Milkfish

During Chinese New Year celebrations, it's common to serve a whole milkfish, from head to tail, at the banquet. This tradition isn't just about enjoying its soft, flavorful meat; the complete presentation of the fish symbolizes a wish for prosperity to flow throughout the entire year, from start to finish.

The preference for serving larger fish stems from the belief that it will bring greater fortune. In Mandarin, the word for fish sounds similar to the word for abundance or gift, making not only milkfish but also other types of fish, popular choices for the feast.

Milkfish, in particular, is a favorite for its tender meat, though it's known for being full of bones. This characteristic serves as a reminder that, just like navigating through life's challenges with care leads to rewarding outcomes, enjoying milkfish requires careful eating to avoid its spines.

Jiaozi

Jiaozi might not be a familiar name to everyone, but one glance at its shape, and it's likely to strike a chord of recognition. Falling into the category of dumplings, Jiaozi shares similarities with gyoza, kuo tie, or mandu, especially in terms of its meat filling.

What sets Jiaozi apart is its crescent moon shape, reminiscent of ancient Chinese currency, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The tradition of serving Jiaozi during Chinese New Year is more than just about enjoying delicious food; it's believed to attract financial prosperity.

Moreover, Jiaozi embodies the spirit of togetherness, as families often come together to prepare this dish before the celebrations begin, making it a symbol of unity and collective prosperity.

Yusheng

Yusheng, also known as yee sang or yuu sahng, may be a relatively new addition to the Chinese New Year celebrations in Indonesia, but it's a tradition with deep roots in overseas Chinese communities.

This dish, resembling a vibrant, well-arranged salad, is made up of 12 different ingredients, including fresh fish and various vegetables, each carrying its own symbolic meaning.

The ritual of eating Yusheng is as significant as the dish itself. It's a communal activity where family members gather around the dish, reciting wishes for prosperity and good fortune as they mix the Yusheng together with chopsticks.

The key is to lift the ingredients as high as possible while mixing, symbolizing the growth of good luck and wealth. Once thoroughly mixed, the Yusheng is shared among everyone, embodying unity and collective hopes for a prosperous year ahead.

Cupcakes and Traditional Treats

Cupcakes, often artfully decorated and placed atop the basket cake arrangement, play a charming role in Chinese New Year festivities.

A blooming cupcake isn't just a feast for the eyes; it carries a significant meaning. Its blossoming design represents a flourishing fortune, with a belief that the more petals it has, the more luck it will bring.

Another cherished treat during the celebration is Kue Ku, a traditional snack with a shape reminiscent of a turtle.

This isn't just a whimsical choice; in Chinese culture, turtles symbolize longevity, making Kue Ku a symbolic wish for a long and healthy life. Both cupcakes and Kue Ku are typically adorned in vibrant red, a color deeply entwined with Chinese New Year celebrations.

Oranges: A fresh slice of fortune

Oranges, ever-present and timeless, hold a special place in the celebration of Chinese New Year. In Cantonese, the word for orange is phonetically similar to 'gold,' while its Mandarin pronunciation echoes the word for 'luck.'

This linguistic coincidence elevates oranges to a symbol of wealth and good fortune. As the New Year draws near, fruit vendors and supermarkets showcase their finest selections, from mandarins to shantang and ponkan varieties.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with Family with TRAC Services

Chinese New Year is all about family gatherings, shared prayers, and, of course, enjoying festive meals together. It's a time when visiting the homes of extended family members or elders becomes a cherished activity, amplifying the holiday's joy when spent with loved ones.

For those moments when you're looking to venture out of town or plan a holiday getaway with the family, consider the convenience of renting a vehicle.

TRAC offers hassle-free rental services that cater to families large and small. Instead of splitting up into multiple cars, why not rent a spacious Jakarta Elf minibus? Capable of accommodating up to a dozen people, it's an ideal choice for keeping everyone together.

For those seeking a touch of luxury, TRAC's premium Hiace Jakarta or even its luxury fleet options ensure a comfortable and stylish journey.

Accessing TRAC's rental services is easy with the TRACtoGo app, available for download on the Play Store or Apple App Store. You can also easily book car and bus rentals directly through the TRAC website, making the process seamless and straightforward.

And there's more good news! This February, TRAC is offering an enticing luxury bus rental promotion. Enjoy a "sultan"-style travel experience starting from just IDR 1.5 million. Click the banner below.

For updates on other great deals, don't forget to follow TRAC on social media: Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook at TRAC-Astra Rent a Car, or Twitter @TRACastra. Make your Chinese New Year celebration with family even more memorable by hitting the road with TRAC's reliable and comfortable vehicle options.

Whatever the track, just use TRAC!