I had a chance to preview an incredible feast a few nights ago, a 16 course meal that showcased many new dishes which I hadn’t tried before. Chinese New Year this year is celebrated on February 16 and you are going to want to either make an advance reservation if you have a larger party or drop by any of the 7 Peaceful restaurant locations in the Vancouver area to enjoy your own feast.

Peaceful Restaurants has been operating for 20 years in the Vancouver area, owned by Master Chef Charlie Huang, his restaurant specializes in Northern Chinese fare.

Sichuan cucumbers

Woodear mushroom salad

X’an white lamb Soup

Sichuan broth braised fish soup

Xing jhang cumin lamb with sesame flatbread

Mu Shu stir-fried noodles

Chinese rice cakes

Sichuan string beans

Dan Dan noodles

Thousand chilli chicken

Xi’an cold steamed noodles

Chef Eugene Huang with the

Northern pork dumplings

Xiao long Bao steamed buns

Peaceful beef rolls

Pan-fried vegetable dumplings

Sweet rice ball

The wonderful chefs and staff who made this wonderful feast happen

Here are the Chinese New Year lucky foods and their symbolism:

Pan-Fried Dumplings

Chinese dumplings look like Chinese silver ingots. Legend has it that the more dumplings you eat during the New Year celebrations, the more money you can make in the New Year.

Fish

Fish dish is “nian nian you yu,” which means “may the year bring prosperity.” “Yu” sounds like ‘surplus’. Chinese people always like to have a surplus at the end of the year, because this signifies the prosperity will overflow.

Rice Cake

Rice cake symbolizes 年年高 (niánnián gāo): ‘Getting higher year-after-year by year’. It can imply children’s height, rise in business success, better grades in study or promotions at work.

Noodles

Noodles (长寿面 Chángshòu Miàn ) symbolize a wish for longevity. Chinese believe long noodles are symbolic of a long life, so try not to bite or break the noodles when eating. Slurping encouraged!

Sweet rice ball (dessert)

(汤圆 Tāngyuán, rice ball) The pronunciation and round shape of tangyuan are associated with reunion and being together. The roundness of the rice balls signifies a complete circle of harmony and unity within the family.

Peaceful Restaurants operate 7 locations in Vancouver, you can find all the locations listed here.

You can follow them on Twitter @PeacefulResto and on Instagram @thepeacefulrestaurant

By: Richard Wolak