How to entertain guests this Chinese New Year
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Celebrate this Chinese New Year with The Meat Club! It is that time of year, to gather around with family and friends at home, for a delicious feast and one too many steamboats.
Let The Meat Club help you get prepared, with tips on how to entertain your guests at home, plus get our recipe inspiration that is perfect for ushering in the year of the Tiger!
How to entertain guests this Chinese New Year
Get our top tips, on how to prepare for all the festive gatherings, while also giving your guests a good time!
1. Greetings & red packets
Greet your guests with 恭喜发财 ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’, which means to wish you good fortune and wealth. Or try 虎虎生威 ‘Hu Hu Sheng Wei’ which wishes the fullness of the vigor and vitality of the tiger! Ultimately, the most important aspect of these greetings and wishes is the sincerity, no matter which phrase you use.
It is also a tradition for married couples to give red packets to the younger generation, such nieces/nephews and the kids of your friends. Phrases of wishes are also conveyed while handing the red packets, as a form of blessing, usually wishing them good health, growth and encouragements in their academics.
2. Food, food, food!
Chinese New Year is all about food! Snacks such as pineapple tarts and peanut cookies are almost always the best choices to serve your guests. Also, Yusheng, a chinese salad made with fresh and preserved vegetables, raw fish and plum sauce, is traditionally tossed together with family and friends to signify abundance, prosperity and vigor!
As for the mains, there’s no fixed menu; families usually whip up a variety of their best dishes that are perfect for communal dining. Check out some of our Chinese-style recipe ideas for inspiration:
Chinese recipes for CNY
Chinese Style Steamed Fish
Chinese Style Steamed Fish is perfect for family gatherings that is simple, healthy and ...
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Stir Fried Mee Sua (Wheat Vermicelli)
Stir Fried Mee Sua (Wheat Vermicelli) can be a challenge to make if the ...
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Poached Chicken Cantonese style
This Poached chicken Cantonese style uses a whole chicken and can be shared during ...
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Ginger Pork
Words by Lace Zang: This is a perennial crowd pleasure that is incredibly easy ...
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Mee Sua Soup with Pork
This comforting dish of Mee Sua Soup with Pork is one that is perfect ...
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Steamed Szechuan Spicy Pork Spare Ribs
Words by #sgfoodie Joyce of @eatwhattonight: This dish is actually pretty simple. But ...
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Pork beehoon
Is there anything better than a Pork Beehoon? This creation by Singapore foodie ...
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Stir Fry Pork Strips in Black Bean Sauce
This Stir Fry Pork Strips in Black Bean Sauce is a True Mandarin delicacy. ...
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Soy-kissed chicken
Steph from Foodie Fit mum shows us how to prepare soy-kissed chicken, which ...
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Walnut sweetcorn carrot pork soup
Words by #sgfoodie Simone Ruth: an everyday Chinese soup brewed with a nutty scallop ...
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Hainanese Pork Chop
Our Hainanese Pork Chop recipe is crispy with an appetising sweet and tangy gravy. ...
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Braised Yee Mee
Braised Yee Mee is a traditional oriental noodle dish that is well-loved. Served ...
View Recipe3. Beverages for everyone
Soft drinks are perfect for Chinese New Year, especially orange fizz, which is the closest to the mandarin oranges that are abundant during the spring season. For adults, many like to indulge in some wines or spirits. To have an even more traditional choice, try out some China beer or rice wine for a change!
Shop now for delivery before CNY!
CNY Warehouse closure dates: Sunday 30 January to Thursday 3 February)