Chinese New Year 2026 Food Guide

Eat your way to good fortune with these traditional Thai-Chinese delicacies.

Eating for Good Luck and Prosperity

In Thai-Chinese culture, food is the most important part of the New Year celebration. Each dish served during the "Sacrifice Day" and the "New Year's Day" carries a specific symbolic meaning, intended to bring wealth, health, and happiness for the coming year.

Whole Fish (Pla)

The word for fish in Chinese sounds like 'surplus'. Serving a whole fish symbolizes having a surplus of wealth and food every year.

Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Resembling ancient Chinese silver ingots, dumplings are eaten to bring wealth and prosperity into the household.

Kanom Kheng (Nian Gao)

A sticky rice cake that symbolizes progress and "reaching new heights" in your career or personal life.

Where to Feast in 2026

For the most authentic experience, head to **Yaowarat (Chinatown)** in Bangkok. From legendary street stalls serving bird's nest soup to high-end Cantonese restaurants, the options are endless.

Top CNY Food Spots:

T&K Seafood: Famous for grilled prawns and green shirts in the heart of Yaowarat.
Nai Ek Roll Noodles: A must-visit for their peppery pork broth.
Jok Prince: Famous congee that's perfect for a lucky morning meal.