Food and drink pairings can elevate any meal. Whether it’s burgers with beer or wine with pasta, some combos are just classic. When it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year, the possibilities for delicious pairings are exciting and vast, making any meal during this festive time truly special.
In 2025, we welcome the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, snakes symbolize wisdom and transformation. This is a time to celebrate with traditional foods and reflect on our journey.
A big part of Chinese New Year is the feast. Dumplings, steamed fish, noodles, and rice cakes are popular choices. Each of these dishes carries meaning and symbolizes good fortune for the year ahead.
Daniel Ufland, the founder of The Whisky Masters, has some great suggestions for pairing Chinese dishes with drinks. His ideas can add flavor to your meals, not just during the festival but throughout the year.
Ufland emphasizes that pairing drinks with Chinese food is all about exploring. There are no strict rules—just fun ways to enhance your dining experience. With the right combination, each bite and sip becomes a mini celebration.
Here are some tasty food and beverage pairings for Chinese New Year:
Longevity Noodles
The long noodles symbolize a long life. Ufland suggests pairing them with a refreshing lager to keep things light. If you prefer cocktails, go for a gin and tonic to match the dish’s brightness.
Dim Sum or Dumplings
Dim sum offers a variety of flavors from different dumplings and buns. A sparkling wine pairs well here, acting as a palate cleanser and enhancing the flavors of each dish.
Kung Pao Chicken
This dish blends sweet, savory, and spicy elements. A hoppy IPA can bring out those flavors in a unique way, offering a refreshing twist compared to more common acidic drinks.
These pairings are just a glimpse into the many possibilities for the Chinese New Year. So why not gather some drinks and explore which flavors you enjoy the most?
