Dumplings, Traditions & Your Chinese New Year Horoscope

It’s that time of year for our family and friends to get together to celebrate Chinese New Year (aka the Lunar New Year) It’s also time for me and my little ones to make dumplings just like I did with my grandmother when I was a child. I remember pressing out the homemade dough and pinching in the different savoury fillings. With my little guy, we save some time by using fresh wonton wrappers bought at the grocery store. We’ll have them in savoury soups, or pan fried and enjoy them on their own. And they are sooooo good!!! Comfort food at it’s best!

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Food plays a major role in our culture. We talk about eating ALL THE TIME! In fact, we greet each other with “have you eaten yet?” (sik jaw fan mey?) on the streets, or on the phone, immediately after “how are you?” (nei ho mah?). And we’ve always been quite superstitious about what foods we eat and when – especially during special holidays. Each dish has a meaning.

Dumplings are symbolic during Chinese New Year’s mostly because they resemble gold and silver inglots that were used as currency years ago. Dumplings represent riches, so we enjoy them to wish for a prosperous year ahead and they are everywhere!

Like many other Chinese families we will visit either Chinatown or the malls uptown to witness the traditional lion dances. I grew up with my father having a business in Chinatown and I can still feel the loud drums pounding through my soul as the lion performers approached the doorway of dad’s office giving the yearly blessing of health and prosperity. I still remember my dad securing the red packet filled with money (lei see) at his door tied to a piece of leafy lettuce to receive the blessings. Today, we bring our kids, dressed in something red, to witness the all the excitement and to keep the traditions going. According to legends, we wear red to ward off the evil spirits and to bring us good luck…I think there’s something about wearing brand new shoes too on the first day of the new year.

My friends in the neighbourhood are curious about our celebrations. Some have expressed interest in getting a taste of the Chinese culture and this is one of the best times of the year to explore some specialties.

I visited the website for the MANDARIN RESTAURANT, I knew that this award-winning all-you-can-eat buffet was the place to go with our friends especially if they have kids like mine that can eat the plate and your wallet clean! You know you can always depend on the MANDARIN for a great selection of fresh food that caters to a variety of tastes (even picky eaters!). As some of my friends kids aren’t adventurous eaters this gives a perfect opportunity to get a sampling of the food & culture for everyone – heck, who doesn’t love Chinese food? But they don’t just serve Chinese food! At my recent visit I was delighted to also see a great range of freshly made sushi, a terrific salad bar, and a roast carving station complete with all the sides. So, there really is something for everyone in a family-friendly environment that both kids and adults will enjoy anytime (helloooo…..even after hockey practice and celebrating birthdays!)

During the Chinese New Year season, the MANDARIN RESTAURANT brings a few more traditional chinese delicacies including the Dumpling Festival serving little parcels of delicious goodness and wishing you good luck for the year to come – and eat up! They are delicious! It’s the perfect place to enjoy a fun meal with friends and family.

If you’re curious about what YOUR Chinese horoscope has to say about you in 2013, check out the full listing here at

www.mandarinrestaurant.com (check under the Happy Chinese New Year – I am born in the year of the RAM and it my horoscope was pretty accurate and definitely worth paying attention to!) Remember that it is based on the YEAR that you were born in.

If were born in the YEAR OF THE SNAKE, this is your year! And here’s yours…

MANDARIN RESTAURANTS are located throughout southern Ontario. For your nearest location please visit www.mandarinrestaurant.com

This post is sponsored by Mandarin Restaurant but all experiences are my own.