Potstickers or dumplings (guotie or jiaozi)
Symbol: Wealth
Unlike the luckyNew Year’s foods in the West, the making of dumplings is a family bonding activity in Northern China. That’s why the dumpling-making scene in Crazy Rich Asians resonated so hard with so many Chinese Americans. But dumplings are considered a lucky Chinese New Year food because the traditional crescent shape looks similar to the Chinese gold and silver ingots historically used for currency. And the more dumplings you make, the more wealth you’re manifesting, so it’s all hands on deck to make that figurative money.
“Dumplings with many pleats are more popular during the new year,” says Hom. “The saying goes, ‘The more pleats it has, the more money you will receive,’ and I was taught that more pleats taste better too!”
Although the shape is prescribed, the fillings allow room for interpretation. As long as you avoid Chinese sauerkraut (suan cai), a “poverty” ingredient, you’re fine. Shrimp, chicken, beef, vegetables and, of course, pork are all fair game, and they can be boiled, steamed or pan- or deep-fried. FYI, although boiling them is less labor-intensive, it is no less lucky.
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