Chinese New Year comes with a lot of superstitions that serve to usher in good fortune. For most Chinese families, these superstitions begin at the dining table.
While we’re busy preparing for our CNY meals, we should be mindful of what we put on the dining table, as some dishes carry negative implications! That said, keep on reading to find out which food you should never serve to your guests during CNY.
1. Squash = death and failure
In Mandarin, squash is pronounced as “guā” (瓜). This sounds like the word “guà” (挂), which carries the meaning of death and failure. We don’t wanna send negative wishes to our guests on CNY, do we?
2. Stir-fried squid = getting fired
Squid, or more specifically, stir-fried squid means getting fired in the Mandarin slang (chǎo yóu yú 炒鱿鱼). Unless you’re looking to quit your job, you definitely don’t wanna serve this dish during CNY, especially to your colleagues and boss!
3. Crab = depressing sigh
Now, who doesn’t love eating crab? Unfortunately, crab in Cantonese is pronounced as “haí” (蟹), sounding like a long, depressing “haih”. It is believed that kicking off the new year with crab dishes would bring bad fortune and undesired events throughout the year!
4. Pears = parting or leaving
CNY is all about having family and friends gathered around to catch up and bond with each other. This is why the pear is generally avoided, as its Mandarin pronunciation, “lí” (梨) sounds exactly like “离”, which means parting and leaving.
5. Cut noodles = shortened lifespan
Longevity Noodles, also known as “cháng shoù miàn” (长寿面), is a staple CNY dish that represents happiness and longevity. The cook should never cut the noodles, as legend has it that eating broken noodles implies a shortened lifespan!
6. Sliced fish = scarcity
The Mandarin pronunciation of fish is “yú” (鱼). The word sounds like “余” which means surplus and abundance. Hence, it is a traditional practice to serve the fish whole—including the head and tail—and save part of the fish for later consumption. It is believed that this practice ensures abundance in the new year ahead.
Now that you’re aware of the no-go CNY foods, be sure to serve your guests the right dishes that symbolize good fortune and prosperity, such as:
- Big prawns: symbolize happiness
- Chinese dumplings: symbolize wealth
- Spring rolls: symbolize wealth
- Glutinous rice cakes: symbolize higher income and promotions at work
- Mandarin oranges: symbolize good luck
Besides serving dishes with positive implications, it is also important to make sure that these dishes suit the taste buds of every guest. Not sure what else you can serve this CNY? Don’t worry, we’ve found a delicious dish that even the fussiest guests would love!
Try the KFC Golden Egg Crunch, available at all KFC outlets from 17th January onwards! While stocks last!
The KFC Golden Egg flavour has always been a Malaysian favourite. Following the launch of the KFC Golden Egg Burger, we’re now greeted by our favourite Golden Egg Crunch in conjunction with the approaching CNY, as a golden celebration calls for golden fried chicken!
The Golden Egg Crunch has a special blend of spices and premium salted egg yolk generously coating KFC’s signature Hot & Spicy chicken. Sounds so finger lickin’ good! The rich flavours and crispy texture would definitely impress guests of all ages. Not to forget that gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity, making the Golden Egg Crunch the best dish to serve!
So make sure you lay your hands on this Golden Egg Crunch ASAP, as it is available for a limited time only!
Besides dining-in at your nearest KFC outlet, you can also enjoy the Golden Egg Crunch at home by ordering KFC Delivery! Alternatively, you can pre-order your meals on KFC’s official website and Self Collect from your nearest KFC outlet. Now we have your CNY meal sorted!
This CNY, turn any moment into a golden moment with KFC’s Golden Egg Crunch! For more information about the Golden Egg Crunch, follow KFC on their social media platforms:
What’s your favourite CNY dish? Let us know in the comments section below!
