Dishes and drinks to celebrate the Lunar New Year

It’s the first day of the Lunar New Year and to help us celebrate the Year of the Tiger we welcomed beverage expert and hospitality entrepreneur Evelyn Chick, and executive chef Eva Chin.

Chick and Chin say the Year of the Tiger represents courage and strength. They showed us some dishes and drinks that all have symbolism when it comes to the Lunar New Year. 

Fried Shrimp Toast

Chin says shrimp also means “laughter” and for Lunar New Year, it is important to laugh, live and love. This signifies liveliness, as well as happiness and good fortune. 

Rice Cakes or Niángāo

Chin says this dish symbolizes more wealth, children’s height, rise in business success, better grades in study, promotions at work and more. 

Chick says she remembers having to eat Rice Cakes every year as a kid. Now, she recommends pairing Niángāo with something with tons of flavour like a VQA Ice Wine, or even barrel aged beer. 

Dumplings 

Chin says making dumplings is a very important pastime during Lunar New Year as it brings the family together to make and enjoy. He made his dumplings with pork and kale. They also can symbolize money. 

Steamed Fish

Chin says fish means “abundance” and bringing in the abundance or surplus of prosperity. It also can symbolize wealth and luck for the new year.

Chick says she came up with a cocktail to celebrate the Lunar New Year called “The King Tea Fizz”. It includes sparkling wine, ice wine, ginger and pineapple.