Happy Lunar New Year! This festive 15-day celebration marks the beginning of the lunisolar Chinese calendar and is observed across many Asian cultures. During this time, communities gather to sing and dance, light lanterns and fireworks, and eat symbolic foods together. Whether you’re cooking at home with family or celebrating potluck-style with friends, here are some traditional food—and local Seattle restaurants—to bring good fortune to your table.
Mee Sum Pastry
This family-run establishment in the U District and Pike Place Market is famous for their savory meat buns, mooncakes, and assortment of authentic Chinese baked goods. For Lunar New Year, they bake extra batches of red bean pastries and nian gao, a customary sweet, sticky rice cake eaten during the holiday to symbolize prosperity and growth. Nian gao makes an excellent gift or addition to family dinner—just be sure to place your order in advance. Mee Sum Pastry’s Lunar New Year offerings are so popular they often sell out.