Chinese New Year: The Year of the Horse

The Chinese New Year 2026 falls Tuesday, February 17 and starts the’Year of the Horse.

Let's discover together some of the typical dishes that will accompany this important holiday.

Spring rolls – 春卷 (chūn juǎn)

Spring rolls are probably the most famous in Chinese cuisine. They are eaten during the Spring Festival in southern China to celebrate the arrival of spring. More specifically, they are eaten on the first day of spring (立春 / lì chūn). They can be served as a main course, an appetizer, or a snack.

Ravioli – 饺子 (jiǎo zi)

Another well-known dish, ravioli are the Northern equivalent of spring rolls. They're eaten on every special occasion, but the most significant time remains Chinese New Year, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.

Baked seeds – 瓜子 (guā zǐ)

Eating baked seeds is a favorite pastime for most Chinese people.
The most popular are sunflower seeds: not only are they a great snack, but they are also often added to cakes and desserts.

Candied figures – 捏糖人 (niē táng rén)

They have more than 600 years of history and are made using malt syrup.

In winter, they can be found along busy streets and in small neighborhoods. Through blowing, stretching, squeezing, and the use of tools (such as toothpicks and chopsticks), the malt is shaped into various shapes.

During Chinese New Year, they are commonly shaped according to the’zodiac animal of the year, such as the Horse in 2026, or auspicious symbols. They are not only a fun snack, but also important cultural artifacts.

Ginger candy – 糖姜片 (táng jiāng piàn)

Originating in Changsha, ginger candy has been around since the Ming Dynasty.
They're made with fresh ginger, white sugar, salt, and natural seasonings. After preparation, they're left in the sun until completely dry.

In the past, almost all ginger growers dried or pickled ginger pieces, making these candies a symbol of tradition and folk ingenuity.