Delicious Chinese Foods to Attract Prosperity This Lunar New Year

January 29 marks the start of the Lunar New Year, welcoming the “Year of the Wood Snake.” This celebration brings families together, especially around food that represents health and prosperity.

One popular spot is Jade Dynasty, a Cantonese restaurant located at the Ala Moana Center. Here, you can find multi-course meals filled with traditional dishes. Some standout items include abalone, lobster, jai, and sticky rice.

Timothy Ho from Jade Dynasty shared some insights into Lunar New Year traditions alongside Eddie Flores from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. They highlighted a special dish called Long Ha Gin Sui, featuring Maine lobster with ginger and onion. This name plays on the word “dragon,” an important symbol in Chinese culture.

Another dish they introduced is called Xin Nian Fat Choi Jai, which means “new year prosperity.” It features a variety of ingredients like napa cabbage, different mushrooms, baby corn, and ginkgo nuts. This vegetarian dish is enjoyed on the first day of the 150-day New Year celebration.

For the holiday, Jade Dynasty is offering a special nine-course menu available until February 12. This feast can serve ten people for $550 or five people for $320, but you must order a day in advance.

Since opening in 2010, Jade Dynasty has garnered several awards, including Best Chinese Restaurant in the Hale Aina and Hawaii’s Best Awards.

Flores explained the significance of certain foods during the Lunar New Year. Families often eat pomelo for prosperity, tangerines for luck, and rice cakes to symbolize family unity. Older relatives give red envelopes, known as Li Shi, filled with money to young, single family members to wish them good fortune and wealth.

During this festive time, it’s common for people to greet each other with phrases like Kung Hei Fat Choy or Gong Xi Fa Cai. While often translated to mean “Happy New Year,” it actually conveys a wish for prosperity in the coming year.