Lunar New Year Dim Sum Traditions You Should Know

As the red lanterns go up and families prepare to welcome a new zodiac year, one tradition stands out among the firecrackers and lion dances: food. And not just any food—auspicious, symbolic, lovingly prepared dishes that carry meaning far beyond flavor. While dumplings and noodles often get the spotlight during Chinese New Year, there’s a quieter, equally important player on the festive table: dim sum. Celebratory and communal by nature, Lunar New Year dim sum is a way for families to gather, share, and reflect on both legacy and luck.

Why Dim Sum for Chinese New Year?

Traditionally, dim sum is a daytime affair, enjoyed over tea with friends and family. But during Lunar New Year, it takes on a heightened role—becoming a canvas for symbolic dishes, new beginnings, and a deep sense of togetherness. In many Cantonese families, going out for a festive dim sum brunch is as important as the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. It’s a moment to reconnect, pass around plates of tradition, and savor dishes that speak to prosperity, health, and good fortune.

Lunar New Year dim sum is not about extravagance—it’s about meaning. Each item on the table is chosen with care, tied to a specific wish for the year ahead. And whether you’re feasting at a banquet hall or making dumplings at home, understanding these symbols adds richness to every bite.

Lucky Dishes to Look For

Certain dim sum classics carry special meaning during Chinese New Year and are often featured more prominently or prepared with added flair:

• Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): Shrimp (蝦, pronounced “ha”) sounds like laughter in Cantonese, making these dumplings a symbol of happiness. Their translucent wrappers also represent purity and good luck.

• Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings): Their open tops and golden appearance often evoke wealth and abundance—perfect for welcoming prosperity into the new year.

• Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns): The fluffy, round shape of steamed buns resembles the full moon, symbolizing family unity and completeness.

• Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf (Lo Mai Gai): Sticky rice represents cohesion—holding family together—and lotus leaves are tied to purity and growth.

• Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go): “Lo bak” sounds like “good fortune” in Cantonese, making this savory, crispy cake an auspicious staple for Chinese New Year food spreads.

• Sweet Sesame Balls (Jian Dui): Round and golden, these fried treats are thought to represent wealth and rising prosperity, thanks to their puffed shape during cooking.

Tea and Togetherness

Yum cha, or “drinking tea,” is central to the dim sum experience and even more so during Lunar New Year. Offering tea to elders is a respectful tradition that symbolizes gratitude and longevity. It’s customary during the holiday to serve tea to parents, grandparents, and other senior family members, often in exchange for red envelopes filled with money (lai see).

The act of pouring tea, receiving it with both hands, and the subtle tap of fingers on the table in thanks—all these small gestures take on deeper significance during New Year gatherings. They’re reminders of hierarchy, respect, and continuity within the family.

Modern Touches to Traditional Tables

While traditional festive dim sum holds strong, modern interpretations are beginning to appear on Lunar New Year menus across cities. Think truffle-infused siu mai, gold leaf-topped dumplings, or vegetarian spins on classic dishes for plant-based diners. These updates don’t detract from the symbolism—they enhance the experience with new textures and creativity.

At home, families might prepare DIY dim sum as part of their celebration—wrapping dumplings together, steaming buns, or experimenting with festive shapes like fish or ingots. These homemade versions often become cherished rituals, especially for younger generations learning the language of tradition through food.

More Than a Meal

Lunar New Year dim sum is more than brunch—it’s a ritual of renewal. It’s a chance to reset the table for a new year, to feed your family not just with food but with intention. Every dish carries a wish, every pour of tea a blessing, and every bite a thread connecting past and future.

So when the new year approaches, consider making dim sum part of your celebration. Whether you’re feasting in a grand restaurant or folding dumplings with your kids at home, the meaning is the same: joy, luck, and the deep, enduring comfort of food shared with the people who matter most.