On February 17, 2026, billions of people worldwide will celebrate the Lunar New Year (also known as the Spring Festival) following the lunisolar calendar. Though the holiday’s origins trace back to ancient China, it’s now celebrated across East and Southeast Asia and abroad. Friends and family trade cash-stuffed red envelopes and parade through the streets, while kitchens work overtime. Traditions vary by region and family, but one thing is universal: It’s critical to show up hungry.
Lunar New Year meals aren’t just about feeding a crowd; they’re also about ushering in a year of good luck and prosperity. Many Lunar New Year foods carry symbolic meanings: long noodles nod to longevity, dumplings represent wealth, and turnip cakes promise prosperity—every bite a wish for the year ahead.
As you plan your Lunar New Year spread, consider this lineup of fortune-boosting, region-spanning recipes. Some are rooted in tradition, while others are inspired by Asian foodways throughout the diaspora. All, however, are designed to help you welcome the Year of the Horse feeling well-fed and profoundly lucky.
-
Photograph by Isa Zapata. Food Styling by Kat Boytsova. Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca
Jessie’s Special Steamed Whole Fish
Steamed whole fish with ginger and scallions serves as a classic centerpiece on many Lunar New Year menus. The celebratory preparation symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and good fortune for all who partake.
