10 New Year’s foods from around the world

To ensure longevity in the new year, bowls of toshikoshi soba or year-end noodles are eaten in Japan. Similar to familiar soba, these noodles are made of buckwheat but stretched much longer. A ritual dating back to the 13th century, these noodles represent the transition between old and young and are supposed to be slurped whole, not bitten, to symbolise perseverance and long life.

The American South celebrates the beginning of the year by eating a meal symbolic of prosperity and abundance. Hoppin’ John, a hearty meal of black-eyed peas, ham hock, rice, and occasionally collard greens, comprises the year’s first meal. Each ingredient represents humility, money, and heart, which, when combined, brings good fortune.

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Rooted in mythology, oliebollen or oil balls were once believed to fortify stomachs with oil as a slippery defence against the sword of an evil, vengeful goddess. Deep fried in hot oil much like donuts or churros, oliebollen are commonly dotted with currants or raisins, then rolled in powdered sugar. Oliebollen are now consumed on New Year’s Eve because of their traditional connotations with protection and warding off negative energy. 

On January 1 in Greece, Vasilopita cake—flavoured with citrus zest and brandy or more traditionally, coffee and almonds—celebrates the beginning of the year. A coin or trinket of the sort is often hidden inside to be discovered by a lucky sweet tooth. 

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Unlike other countries, Nigeria disdains a certain food when celebrating New Year’s Eve. Popular belief deems consuming poultry bad luck, condemning anyone defying this superstition to destitution and ill-fate in the new year. Those who would rather invoke wealth and prosperity eat stews of lentils due to the grain’s visual similarity to coins. Lentils’ association with abundance is so recognised that they are also eaten on New Year’s in Italy, India, and Mexico.

In ancient Welsh tradition and folklore, apples studded with chopped fruit, spices, or nuts are traditional New Year’s gifts. Calennig, the Welsh New Year’s tradition, houses an array of historical celebrations, such as these skewered apples that represent the sun, which cannot usually be seen in winter. Calennig is said to welcome and bless the forthcoming year’s seasons. Some consume Calennig Apples, while most use these as decorations or presents.

Pomegranates are typically eaten on New Year’s in some Mediterranean countries due to the fruit’s association with fertility and abundance. The pomegranate’s symbolism dates back to ancient mythology and continues to be revered for its wealth-bringing properties. Some households throw pomegranates on the floors of doorways and households, scattering the seeds so good fortune persists throughout the upcoming year. 

Tteokguk, a light, milky soup of rice cakes, meat, and vegetables, is intrinsic to New Year’s celebrations in South Korea. The beginning of the new year represents a type of birthday celebration in the region, with tteokguk granting people another year of life. Often garnished with julienned eggs and sesame oil, it is believed that without eating tteokguk on New Year’s, people will not reach other stages of life. 

During Nowruz or Persian New Year’s, Iranian omelettes or iterations of frittatas flavoured with parsley, dill, and coriander are served. Kuku sabzi is typically dredged in herbs, with the egg acting merely as a binder for aromatics. Eggs represent fertility, while fresh herbs are associated with rebirth, making kuku sabzi a beacon of growth and felicity for the new year. 

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