Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is more than just a single day of celebrations. It’s a full 15-day festival bursting with tradition, family reunions, and of course, incredible traditional Lunar New Year food. Across Asia and beyond, different cultures have their own unique ways of celebrating, but one thing remains constant: the belief that what you eat during this festive period can shape your fortune for the year ahead. From dumplings symbolising prosperity to whole fish representing abundance, Lunar New Year is a time when food takes centre stage.
Traditional Lunar New Year Foods
No matter where you are celebrating, there are certain dishes that always make an appearance on the Lunar New Year table. Seafood spreads, featuring crab, prawns and lobster are a luxurious choice symbolising prosperity and good fortune. Whole fish, (carp is popular) often steamed and served with light soy sauce and ginger, represents prosperity and an overflowing bounty – just be sure to leave some leftovers for the following day to ensure continuous good fortune! In many cultures, noodles play an important role too. Long, unbroken strands represent longevity, so slurping is not only allowed, it’s encouraged! Meanwhile, sweet rice cakes (nian gao) signify rising success, making them a must-have treat during the celebrations.
People in China believe dumplings bring wealth because their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots. In Korea, families gather to enjoy tteokguk, a comforting rice cake soup that symbolises purity and the passage into a new year.
The Tet Cakes of Vietnam
In Vietnam, Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) wouldn’t be complete without Banh Chung and Banh Tet, two rice cakes that hold deep cultural and historical significance. Dating back to the 6th century BC, these cakes are a tribute to the Earth and Sky, with Banh Chung taking on a square shape to represent the land, while Banh Tet is cylindrical, symbolising the heavens. Made from sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, all wrapped tightly in dong or banana leaves, these cakes are a labour of love. Families come together to prepare them, spending hours carefully assembling and boiling them to perfection. Beyond being a delicious dish, they serve as an offering to ancestors and a token of family unity. The process of making Banh Chung and Banh Tet isn’t just about cooking – it’s a communal event, filled with storytelling, laughter, and passing down traditions from generation to generation.
Celebrating at Zannier Bai San Ho Resort
For those looking to experience the true essence of Vietnamese Tet in a luxurious yet culturally immersive setting, Zannier Bai San Ho in Phu Yen offers a stunning backdrop to the festivities. This breathtaking coastal retreat spans 98 hectares and preserves Vietnam’s rich heritage. As Tet approaches, the resort will be honouring the traditions of Banh Chung and Banh Tet with special events, where guests can partake in the time-honoured practice of making these cakes, learning firsthand about their symbolism and cultural significance.
Beyond the culinary delights, the resort provides a serene escape with its three distinct restaurants- Ba Hai, which serves authentic regional Vietnamese cuisine; Lang Chai, offering fresh seafood in a picturesque setting; and Nha o, where Southeast Asian comfort food is on the menu all day. The resort’s design pays homage to traditional Vietnamese architecture, featuring hand-picked antiques and thoughtful details that transport guests into a world of refined elegance. Whether you’re taking in the views from your private villa, unwinding at the Hoa Sen spa, or kayaking along the pristine coastline, Zannier Bai San Ho is a perfect place to ring in the new year with both relaxation and cultural enrichment.
With a special programme lined up for Tet, guests will have the opportunity to experience the deep-rooted traditions of Vietnam while indulging in luxurious comfort. And, of course, no celebration would be complete without a taste of Banh Chung and Banh Tet, ensuring that the year ahead is filled with prosperity, health, and happiness!
