Lee Kum Kee UK | Chinese Wisdom

Chinese Food Symbolism

Chinese food is all about gathering and sharing and the most important festival in Chinese culture is Chinese New Year and is celebrated around the globe.

There will be parades and performances, ranging from dragon dancing and fireworks. And of course, the most important element of Chinese New Year is sharing festive food with families and friends.

IN THE CHINESE TRADITION, MANY FOOD ITEMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CERTAIN WISDOM OR HAS A SPECIAL SYMBOLIC MEANING.

In Chinese New Year, fish, chicken, tofu and noodles are some of the must have food items for a family gathering. Eating fish means you always have a surplus in the coming year, while eating a whole chicken with family means a united front. Tofu is associated with happiness while consuming noodles on New Year day means good health and longevity in life.

With a nod to authentic Chinese food symbolism, we have partnered with some of Lee Kum Kee’s biggest fans

– expert chefs Ken Hom, Jeremy Pang, Sandia Chang, Ping Coombes, Julius Jaspers and food author Monique van Loon to create the ultimate collection of Chinese recipes, crammed with flavour and spice to brighten up your taste bud. The recipes include a variety of both traditional and modern flavours – with something for novice cooks, everyday foodies and the epicures.

Discover which of our special recipes ingredients symbolise health, happiness, love and fortune.

Discover