Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar and is one of the most important celebrations across many East and Southeast Asian cultures. It is a time for fresh starts, reflection and coming together with family and community. Food plays a central role in every celebration.
At its heart, Lunar New Year is about togetherness. Families gather around the table to share meals that have often been prepared with care over many hours. These dishes are rich in meaning as well as flavour, with many chosen for the symbolism they carry.
Traditional Lunar New Year foods often represent prosperity, happiness and long life. Dumplings are associated with wealth; noodles symbolise longevity and rice dishes reflect abundance. Sweet flavours are included to encourage a positive year ahead. Each dish tells a story that has been passed down through generations.
Preparing food together is just as important as eating it. Kitchens become busy, lively spaces where skills and traditions are shared. This sense of collaboration and care is central to the celebration and helps strengthen family bonds.
In Scotland, Lunar New Year is increasingly recognised in schools, workplaces and communities. It provides an opportunity to learn about different cultures and celebrate diversity in a meaningful way. Food is often the most approachable way to do this, allowing people to experience tradition through taste.
Celebrating Lunar New Year does not require elaborate menus. Even simple dishes inspired by traditional flavours can create a sense of occasion. Stir fried vegetables, rice bowls or noodle dishes can introduce new tastes while still feeling familiar and comforting.
At Inspire Catering, we see Lunar New Year as a chance to celebrate inclusion through food. Thoughtful menus can help people feel recognised and welcomed, while also encouraging curiosity and understanding.
Lunar New Year is also a time of optimism. It encourages letting go of the past and looking ahead with hope. Food plays a powerful role in that message, offering comfort and a sense of renewal.
Recipe: Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry
This dish is inspired by Lunar New Year traditions and is easy to adapt for shared spaces.
Ingredients
- 200g egg noodles or rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced thinly
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- A handful of spring onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Method
- Cook the noodles according to packet instructions and drain well.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large pan and gently cook the garlic.
- Add the vegetables and stir fry for a few minutes until just tender.
- Add the noodles, soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Toss everything together and cook for another minute until well combined.
Serve hot and enjoy as a symbol of long life and shared celebration.
At Inspire Catering, Lunar New Year is about recognising tradition while bringing people together through food. By honouring culture and sharing experiences, it becomes a meaningful way to welcome the year ahead with warmth and respect.