In Asian communities around the world, Lunar New Year is one of the biggest events of the year. Marked by the first new moon of the lunar calendar, this year on January 29, which begins the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. Lunar New Year is a 15-day-long extravaganza of family, fireworks, and delicious food. In China, where the Lunar New Year is known as Spring Festival, the holiday culminates with the Lantern Festival, an opulent display of paper lanterns that dates back more than 2,000 years. Other cultural traditions vary by region and family, but all include special activities and meals representing prosperity, abundance, and togetherness to honor ancestors and heavenly deities.
Traditionally, gearing up for the Lunar New Year begins with a thorough house cleaning. This is to eliminate any bad spirits that have collected during the year and to usher in goodwill and good luck. Making an offering to ancestors, such as food or intricate paper cutouts, and posting wishes for good health and fortune around the house are also part of the pre-holiday preparations. The color red, another symbol of wealth and prosperity, is used abundantly, including gifting red envelopes that contain money and hanging red lanterns to invite good fortune.
Food plays a big role in the Lunar New Year, both symbolically and practically. Large get-togethers with elaborate meals are a centerpiece of the festivities, drawing family members who come from all over to eat together. To cook up your own family-style spread of auspicious, delicious eats, check out these Lunar New Year-inspired recipes.
Longevity Noodles
Plain spaghetti becomes celebration-worthy in this Lunar New Year favorite made with shiitake mushrooms and fresh spinach. Chinese lore says long noodles equate to a long life, so be sure to slurp, not chew, this traditional Spring Festival dish.
Get the recipe: Longevity Noodles
Chicken Potstickers
Everyone will feel lucky once they taste these tempting (and easy) homemade potstickers. Dumplings of all varieties are a popular snack during Lunar New Year, in part because their pouch-like shape is thought to be an omen of wealth and good fortune in the coming year.
Get the recipe: Chicken Potstickers
Easy Steamed Pork Buns
Worlds collide in these TikTok-trendy steamed pork buns that are a snap to make with refrigerated pizza dough. In China, the folded pleats of steamed buns signify both the skill of the cook and prosperity: The tighter the folds, the more good luck will come your way.
Get the recipe: Easy Steamed Pork Buns
Noodles with Spicy Chicken and Bok Choy
Spicy sambal oelek (look for it in the international aisle) and sesame oil give these lo mein noodles layers of flavor. This dish is equally delicious served cold the next day, so keep the noodles long and make a double batch.
Get the recipe: Noodles with Spicy Chicken and Bok Choy
Filipino Pork Spring Rolls
Filipino Lunar New Year festivities are heavily influenced by Southern Chinese tradition, including these spring rolls (called lumpia), which get their name from the Spring Festival. The crispy, golden rolls symbolize bars of gold and financial prosperity in the Philippines, where they’re also a popular, year-round street food.
Get the recipe: Filipino Pork Spring Rolls
Vegetarian Moo Shu Wraps
This plant-powered take on moo shu pork is hearty and satisfying, thanks to a combination of shiitake mushrooms, jicama, eggs, and cabbage. The name moo shu refers to the sweet osmanthus tree, a Chinese symbol of nobility and peace, as the tree’s flowers resemble the small, yellow flecks of egg in the dish.
Get the recipe: Vegetarian Moo Shu Wraps
Instant Pot® Chicken and Rice Porridge
Our Instant Pot® easy version of Chinese congee or jūk is a simple comfort food loaded with protein and the filling fiber of brown rice. In some regions of China, congee is eaten on the seventh day of Lunar New Year (known as Human Day) in the hopes of getting an abundance of food and clothing in the following year.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Porridge
Chinese Pork Meatballs (Lion’s Head Meatballs)
These delicious supersized Chinese pork meatballs, known as Lion’s Head Meatballs, symbolize strength and family unity, adding cultural significance to each bite. Simmered in a rich, savory broth, these tender meatballs offer comfort and flavor.
Get the recipe: Chinese Pork Meatballs (Lion’s Head Meatballs)
Two-Ingredient Scallion Pancakes 
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these two-ingredient scallion pancakes embody the spirit of tradition and togetherness. Paired with a flavorful dipping sauce, they make a delightful appetizer or snack for family gatherings.
Get the recipe: Two Ingredient Scallion Pancakes
Orange Beef Stir-Fry
The roundness and golden color of oranges symbolize wealth and fullness. Tender beef is coated in a zesty orange sauce, adding a meaningful touch to your festivities. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is a great crowd-pleaser for last-minute get-togethers.
Get the recipe: Orange Beef Stir-Fry