CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — Ring in the Chinese New Year and prepare foods traditionally eaten during this celebration that double as symbols meant to bring good fortune. From sticky rice balls for togetherness to a whole steamed fish for abundance, find all your lucky food and more at SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan.
Dumplings
Dumplings are still at the top of the list. Usually associated with wealth, it has been a Chinese tradition that the more dumplings you eat during the New Year celebrations, the more money you can make.
Now, ready-made dumplings that you can conveniently enjoy anytime, anywhere are available at DECS, Hen Lin, and Pao Tsin, located at SM Markets in SM Bulacan malls.
Spring Rolls
In the Philippines, any gathering would not be complete without spring rolls—specifically, Lumpiang Shanghai. At any celebration, Filipinos love to have these on their tables because of their simple recipe.
For extra meaty goodness, Lumpiang Shanghai at Max’s Restaurant and Goldilocks at SM City Marilao are a must-try. This dish is a carrier of prosperity and is also associated with wealth because of its resemblance to gold bars.
Whole Fish
A serving of steamed whole fish is considered a good omen to having more money in the upcoming year. The Chinese character for fish is “yu,” which, when pronounced in modern Chinese, means abundance.
For a tasty platter of sweet and sour fish or steamed fish in light soy sauce, head on to SM Bulacan malls’ Kuya J, Gerry’s Grill, and Giligan’s Restaurant for a satisfying fix that you can enjoy for dine-in or to-go.
Noodles
The so-called longevity noodles are served not only at Chinese New Year celebrations but even on birthdays. These noodles are particularly auspicious as they represent health and long life.
Chowking at SM Bulacan malls offers aromatic noodle dishes like the long-life Pancit Canton. Experience with Chowking the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that define Chinese cuisine without breaking the bank.
Rice cakes
Nian gao, better known as tikoy in the Philippines, is one of the most popular dishes during Chinese New Year. Tikoy brings prosperity to those who give and receive it, so you can expect to be gifted a few boxes of this rice cake throughout the season. Tikoy comes in different flavors and may come in different shapes. Available at SM City Marilao’s Eng Bee Tin and SM Bulacan malls’ Classic Savory and SM Markets.
Fruit and vegetables
Vegetables and fruits play a vital role at a Chinese dinner table, each symbolizing specific prosperity. For instance, grapefruit represents family, while mushrooms represent blessings and fortune. All these are freshly available at SM Markets in SM Bulacan malls.
Now that you have these lucky food guides, you are surely ready to celebrate and welcome the affluence of the Lunar New Year. These simple, everyday dishes are made more meaningful when shared with loved ones. Visit your favorite SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan for an exciting and memorable celebration of the Chinese New Year. (UnliNews Online)
