Vancouver is known for its large population of Chinese immigrants and Chinese-born Canadians, and the Chinese restaurants here are highly regarded across North America.
However, the menus dont give many descriptions and ingredients are often lost in translation, so authentic Chinese dining can be intimidating. Often the menus are made for 10 people, too, with 10 to 12 lavish courses served family style.
The most important meal during Chinese New Year is actually the one that happens the night before, on Chinese New Year Eve. Here are three dishes that every traditional Chinese New Year Eve dinner usually has.
Fish It is an everyday Chinese dish but its important to have it to welcome the New Year. The type of fish does not really matter, but it should be served whole and near the end of the meal. Budget-friendly Chinese New Year Eve menus will serve deep-fried frozen fillets, but the nicer menus will feature fresh fish (typically rock cod) steamed upon order. Fish is symbolic of wealth and abundance, so it is eaten at the end to bring luck in the new year. Remember not to eat the entire fish and to save the leftovers for the following day. Having leftover fish the next day enhances the abundance factor.
Recommendation: Dynasty, Grand Dynasty, Sea Harbour, Red Star Seafood, Fishermans Terrace
Chicken Much like the fish, it is also an everyday Chinese dish thats part of a Chinese New Years Eve meal. Again, it has to be served whole with the head and tail. It is disrespectful to serve parts of a chicken, and because Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings and reunions, a whole chicken represents togetherness.
Recommendation: Jade Smoked Grandpa Chicken at Jade Restaurant in Richmond
Dried Oysters, Black Moss, Conpoy, Chinese Shiitake Mushroom, Abalone, Lettuce and Pork Tongue/Hock Its not the actual name of the dish, but it has some if not all the ingredients listed. It comes in many variations, but the dried oyster, black moss, pork and lettuce are quite standard. It does not look appetizing to many Westerners, but it is the most symbolic dish to have during Chinese New Year and is made specifically for the holiday. The oysters are called ho see in Chinese, and by changing the tone it means good things to come. The black moss in Chinese is called fat choy (Gong Hay Fat Choy) which also means prosperity, and the pig represents strength, fertility and honesty. The lettuce in Chinese is sang choy, and again by changing the tone it also means growing wealth. Its actually a very special and luxurious dish because half the ingredients are considered Chinese delicacies.
Recommendation: In Metro Vancouver:Red Star Seafood,Kirin Seafood,Empire Seafood Restaurant,Top Gun J&C,Rainflower Restaurant,The Jade Seafood Restaurant,Fishermans Terrace,Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant, VivaCity Seafood,Dragons View Chinese Cuisine,Dynasty, Grand Dynasty, Sea Harbour, Shiang Garden and many others.
See Mijune on Breakfast Television on Feb. 13 and find her at the Sonoma Country Winery Dinner: Rodney Strong Vineyards at Brix Restaurant on Feb. 4. She will also be at Vancouver Magazines Big Night on Feb. 7. Tickets to both events online. Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.com or @followmefoodie.
