Lucky Foods to Eat for the Lunar New Year

Luck is an important theme during Lunar New Year–celebration and food traditions are geared towards not just welcoming in a new year but hoping for one that brings good fortune. Local chef, author and Chinatown advocate Grace Young shares some “lucky” Lunar New Year dishes with us –and where you can get them in NYC's Chinatown.   The dishes we discuss: Crispy Fried Chicken with Garlic Saucechicken symbolizes wholeness of life on earthHop Lee16 Mott St Pan-fried oyster omlette (oh chien)  oysters is a homonym for good thingsKopitiam -Malaysian151 East Broadway Roast porkrepresents purification, peace and bountyWu’s Wonton King165 East Broadwayor Great NY Noodletown28 Bowery House Special Buddha’s DelightMust eat a vegetarian dish the first day of the year.Vegetarian Buddha Bodhai5 Mott Street Sweet and Sour Pork or Sweet and Sour Rib Endspork represents bountysour sounds like the word for grandchildrenPing’s—22 Mott Lobster Fried Rice This is a dish only locals know to order —not on the menulobster is symbol of the dragon popular for new yearsXO Taste41 Elizabeth st Clams with black bean saucerepresents wealth and prosperity. Wo Hop —2nd oldest restaurant from 193817 Mott Street Red Snapper Fried/Steamed with Lemongrass—whole fish represents your wishes coming truePasteur Grill & Noodles -Vietnamese Shanghai rice cake with shrimpshrimp represents happiness; rice cakes growth and prosperityShanghai 2121 Mott St