Editor's note: This post was originally published in 2015.
Food is such an important part of Chinese culture that it not only acts as a kind of sustenance, but also extends beyond that to symbolism. Different dishes and meals can represent one's station in life, as well as privilege.
For example, wealthy individuals might devote much of their income to their daily meals and celebratory feasts, because what they put on their plates (and the plates of their loved ones) can help cement their status as individuals.
Food, not surprisingly, is heavily symbolic in China. During Chinese New Year — perhaps the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar — specific dishes and food items are consumed as a way to usher in a prosperous coming year. Take a look at the slideshow below for what to eat this Lunar New Year!

Lobsters are popular during Chinese New Year, because of their resemblance to the majestic dragon, an auspicious, powerful, and legendary beast in the culture. Lobster in black bean sauce, a favourite in my family, calls for fancy stir-frying, but the effort is well worth it.
Be warned though, while traditional Chinese woks with round bottoms are recommended for stir-fries in China, most North American heat sources are flat. Consequently, you will want to use a modified Western-style wok that has a flat bottom — unless you like living on the (sky’s) edge! This All-Clad flat-bottomed wok is quite heavy, but works well with my gas stove. It’s big enough so that no stray pieces of food will fly out of the vessel, and its sturdy three-ply construction ensures equal heat distribution for a perfect stir-fry.
A wine master suggests pairing this lobster dish with a New World wine from New Zealand, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (2014). It has a tropical melon and pineapple-passion fruit nose, which fills the mouth with fruity notes and a hint of acid -- ideal for cutting the salty tang of the black bean sauce.






Here are our favourites:
White Tea: Bai Hao Yin Zhen
Green tea: Butterfly Jasmine
Oolong: Milk Oolong
Black tea: Golden Monkey







ALSO ON HUFFPOST