By Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time for family reunions, celebrations, and of course, indulgent feasts. While traditional home-cooked meals have always been the heart of the festivities, modern-day convenience has made takeaway options a popular choice. In 2025, as the Year of the Dragon approaches, many will look to takeaway menus to bring delicious and meaningful dishes to their tables. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or treat your family to something special, here are 10 must-try dishes from CNY takeaway menus for a festive and memorable feast.
Classic Peking Duck: A Symbol of Prosperity
One of the most iconic dishes of Chinese cuisine, Peking duck is a quintessential part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Known for its crispy skin and tender meat, this dish is often served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh cucumber. Its rich flavor is symbolic of prosperity and good fortune, making it an essential dish for any CNY feast.
Many takeaway options offer whole or half ducks, ready to be served with all the traditional accompaniments. If you’re looking to impress guests or treat your family to a decadent meal, a serving of Peking duck is a must-have.
Dim Sum Platter: A Delicious Variety
Dim sum is an essential part of Chinese dining culture, and CNY is the perfect time to indulge in a variety of these bite-sized treats. A dim sum platter typically features an assortment of dumplings, buns, rolls, and savory pastries, all filled with flavorful ingredients such as shrimp, pork, or vegetables.
In 2025, takeaway dim sum platters will likely feature crowd favorites like har gow (steamed shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and char siu bao (bbq pork buns). This assortment offers something for everyone and is perfect for sharing during family gatherings.
Yu Sheng (Prosperity Salad): Toss to Good Fortune
A key component of CNY celebrations, Yu Sheng, also known as Prosperity Salad, is believed to bring good luck and fortune when tossed. Typically served with raw fish such as salmon, this dish also includes a mix of shredded vegetables, crispy crackers, and sweet and tangy sauces. The symbolic act of tossing the ingredients together with your family is thought to bring prosperity for the coming year.
Many CNY takeaway menus offer pre-packaged Yu Sheng kits, which include all the necessary ingredients for a successful toss. Some also offer the option of customizing the salad with additional items like abalone or jellyfish for a more luxurious feast.
Longevity Noodles: Long Life and Good Health
Noodles are a traditional symbol of longevity in Chinese culture, making them a must-have dish for CNY. Longevity noodles are typically long and uncut, representing a wish for a long life. They can be served stir-fried or in a rich broth, with options like chicken, pork, or vegetables.
Takeaway options often include beautifully packaged noodle dishes, either in soup or stir-fried form, making them an easy yet meaningful addition to your CNY spread. Some restaurants even offer the option to add luxurious toppings like abalone or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Braised Abalone: A Luxury of the Sea
Abalone, known for its tender texture and subtle flavor, is considered a luxury item in Chinese cuisine, especially during festive occasions like CNY. Braised abalone is a classic dish that is often served as a delicacy at CNY feasts. The braised version of this dish typically features the abalone cooked in a rich, savory sauce, usually made with soy sauce, chicken stock, and Chinese herbs.
Ordering this dish as part of your CNY takeaway menu will add an elegant and sophisticated touch to your celebration. Many high-end restaurants offer braised abalone as part of their festive takeaway menus, often paired with other luxurious ingredients like sea cucumber or mushrooms.
Sticky Rice with Lotus Leaf (Lo Mai Gai): A Symbol of Wealth
Sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, or Lo Mai Gai, is a comforting and savory dish often enjoyed during Chinese New Year. The sticky rice is filled with a savory combination of chicken, Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and sometimes dried shrimp, all wrapped tightly in a lotus leaf and steamed to perfection. The dish is thought to bring wealth and prosperity, with the sticky rice symbolizing abundance.
For a convenient and flavorful takeaway option, Lo Mai Gai is a great choice. Many takeaway menus offer individual servings or larger family-sized portions, ensuring that this dish can be easily enjoyed by everyone.
Crispy Spring Rolls: A Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity
Spring rolls are another popular dish on the CNY takeaway menu, symbolizing wealth due to their golden color, which is associated with gold bars. These crispy, golden delights are typically filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat, or seafood and are deep-fried to a perfect crisp.
A variety of spring rolls are available, with options like vegetarian, shrimp, or pork filling. They are easy to order and perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. Whether served with a tangy dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own, spring rolls are a delicious addition to your CNY feast.
Sweet Red Bean Soup (Tang Shui): A Sweet Ending to the Feast
For dessert, sweet red bean soup, or Tang Shui, is a popular choice during Chinese New Year. Made with adzuki beans and sweetened with sugar, this dessert is often served warm and sometimes includes ingredients like lotus seeds or dried tangerine peel. The sweet red bean soup is a symbol of sweetness and happiness, making it the perfect way to end a festive meal.
Many CNY takeaway menus offer pre-made servings of red bean soup, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dessert at home. Whether enjoyed after a hearty meal or as a late-night snack, it’s a traditional sweet treat that never fails to delight.
Chong You (Steamed Chicken with Mushrooms): A Dish for Harmony
Chong You, or steamed chicken with mushrooms, is a traditional CNY dish that symbolizes harmony and unity within the family. The chicken is often cooked with a mix of Chinese herbs and served with an assortment of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, in a savory broth. The combination of tender chicken and earthy mushrooms is both comforting and flavorful.
For those looking for a lighter, yet flavorful option for their CNY feast, Chong You is a great choice. It pairs well with other dishes, such as noodles or rice, and is a wonderful way to honor family togetherness.
Chinese New Year Cake (Nian Gao): A Symbol of Progress
Nian Gao, or Chinese New Year cake, is a sticky, sweet rice cake that is a symbol of progress and growth. Made from glutinous rice flour and sweetened with sugar, Nian Gao is traditionally served during CNY to signify growth and the hope for success in the new year. Some versions include fillings like red bean paste or coconut for added sweetness.
Available in various shapes and sizes, Nian Gao is a great option for takeaway. It can be enjoyed on its own or used as part of a more elaborate dessert platter.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness, and the dishes you enjoy with family and friends play an important role in setting the tone for the festivities. The takeaway menus for CNY 2025 are designed to offer a convenient yet festive experience, with dishes that carry rich cultural meanings and a variety of flavors.
From the luxurious Peking duck and braised abalone to the symbolically significant longevity noodles and Yu Sheng, these 10 must-try dishes are sure to bring prosperity, wealth, and good fortune to your celebration. So, this CNY, consider ordering from the takeaway menu to indulge in traditional flavors, while making the most of the holiday without the hassle of cooking.
FAQs
What are the traditional dishes for Chinese New Year?
Traditional dishes include Peking duck, longevity noodles, Yu Sheng (prosperity salad), and sticky rice with lotus leaf (Lo Mai Gai), each symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and unity.
Can I order a whole Peking duck for takeaway?
Yes, many CNY takeaway menus offer whole or half Peking ducks, complete with traditional accompaniments like pancakes, hoisin sauce, and cucumber.
What is Yu Sheng and why is it important for Chinese New Year?
Yu Sheng is a symbolic salad made with raw fish and various vegetables. It is tossed together during the meal to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Are there vegetarian options for CNY takeaway menus?
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian versions of traditional dishes like spring rolls and longevity noodles to accommodate dietary preferences.
How far in advance should I place my CNY takeaway order?
It is recommended to place your order at least a week in advance, as many restaurants experience high demand during the festive season.
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