What to know about Chinese New Year food traditions

SAN FRANCISCO — China Live is at the center of San Francisco’s Chinese New Year festivities, offering a variety of dishes that blend traditional and contemporary flavors.

During an interview with ABC7 News anchor Kristen Sze, Cindy and George Chen, the minds behind China Live, discussed the significance of the food served during New Year celebrations.

Rice cakes represent family togetherness, noodles represent longevity, and crab represents abundance.

“Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are known for our Dungeness crab. This is one of our best sellers,” said George Chen.

Steamed fish holds great importance in Chinese culinary culture as it symbolizes the concept of never experiencing hunger. For a delectable holiday feast, consider adding the tantalizing Sichuan whole-fried braised fish to your menu.

The importance of family is a major theme during Chinese New Year and in addition to rice cakes symbolizing togetherness, dumplings do too.

The Chens said, “Families that make dumplings together, stay together.”

While China Live serves Shui Jiao seafood dumplings with shrimp and scallops, you can make dumplings at home using pork or even spinach. Eating dumplings is said to bring prosperity in the new year.

The Chens said, “Chinese New Year is the best excuse to grab something to eat with those who are important to you,”

You can learn more about by visiting China Lives’ website.

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