🧧🍶 Celebrate Chinese New Year with Perfect Snack & Drink Pairings!

The Lunar New Year is a time to gather, indulge, and toast to health, happiness, and prosperity. This year, why not take your celebration up a notch with xiā jiǔ cài (下酒菜) - savory snacks paired perfectly with festive drinks? From crispy bites to tender wraps, these pairings will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Classic Chinese New Year Snacks & Their Perfect Pairings

🥢 Spring Rolls (春卷)

• What It Is: Crispy golden rolls stuffed with veggies, pork, or prawns—symbolizing prosperity thanks to their resemblance to gold bars.

• Perfect Pairing: Sparkling wine or Prosecco.

• Why It Works: The light, bubbly fizz cuts through the fried richness, making each bite feel crisp and refreshing.

• What It Feels Like: A golden crunch paired with fizzy elegance.

🥜 Salted Peanuts (花生)

• What It Is: A simple yet essential snack, symbolizing longevity and wealth.

• Perfect Pairing: Beer or a crisp lager.

• Why It Works: The salty crunch balances perfectly with the beer’s malty sweetness, creating a universally loved combo.

• What It Feels Like: Crunchy comfort, best enjoyed with cheerful chatter.

🦆 Peking Duck Pancakes (北京烤鸭卷)

• What It Is: Succulent, crispy duck wrapped in soft pancakes with hoisin sauce, cucumber, and scallions.

• Perfect Pairing: Fruity Pinot Noir or bold Syrah.

• Why It Works: The wine’s fruitiness and soft tannins complement the duck’s savory richness.

• What It Feels Like: A luxurious and indulgent harmony of flavors.

🥟 Dumplings (饺子)

• What It Is: A Lunar New Year essential! Dumplings are shaped like gold ingots and represent wealth.

• Perfect Pairing: Baijiu or dry Riesling.

• Why It Works: The subtle sweetness of sake or the crisp acidity of Riesling enhances the dumplings’ delicate flavors, whether pork, shrimp, or veggie-filled.

• What It Feels Like: Steamy bites paired with a smooth, aromatic sip.

🌶️ Spicy Dried Beef Strips (牛肉干)

• What It Is: Chewy, spiced beef jerky seasoned with chili, soy sauce, and bold spices.

• Perfect Pairing: Smoky Scotch whisky or dark beer.

• Why It Works: The drink’s smoky or malty notes amplify the beef’s intense flavors, making for a robust pairing.

• What It Feels Like: Warm, fiery, and deeply satisfying.

 For a Sweet Finish

🍬 Candied Fruits (糖葫蘆)

• What It Is: A colorful stick of candied kumquats, lotus seeds, and winter melon, symbolizing sweetness and happiness.

• Perfect Pairing: Moscato or dessert wine.

• Why It Works: The wine’s sweetness mirrors the candied fruits, creating a delightful harmony.

• What It Feels Like: Sweet, celebratory, and the perfect finale to your feast.

🥂 The Joy of Pairing Food & Drinks

Chinese New Year is all about celebrating togetherness, and these pairings elevate the festive experience by combining bold flavors with the perfect sip. From crispy spring rolls with bubbly Prosecco to sweet candied fruits with Moscato, every combination promises to bring happiness to your table.

Ready to Celebrate?

Try these pairings at your Lunar New Year gathering, and don’t forget to share your favorites in the comments. Here’s to a year filled with amazing food, great drinks, and cherished moments. 🧧

Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái! 🍶✨ Cheers to a Happy and Prosperous New Year!