Chinese New Year (also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival) is filled with many myths and customs which date back hundreds of years. Amongst its many legends and lores are symbolic foods and dishes that can be found at every dinner table, especially during the reunion dinner (Chinese New Year’s Eve), and throughout the jubilant festive period.
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Here are five must-have dishes and what they represent:
1. Wealth: Spring rolls

Traditionally eaten during the Spring Festival, this Chinese New Year dish is said to bring wealth and good fortune. Especially popular in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Fujian, these yellow, gold-bar-like deep-fried rolls are usually stuffed with a variety of shredded vegetables and meat (pork and shrimp).
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Tatler Tip: The lucky saying for eating spring rolls is hwung-jin wan-lyang, which translates into 'a ton of gold’ and means wishing for prosperity.