Popular CNY Recipes Malaysians Must Try 

Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as the Lunar New Year, is a time for family reunions, cultural traditions, and festive foods that symbolize prosperity, luck, and abundance. In Malaysia, CNY food ideas blend traditional Chinese heritage with local flavours, resulting in a unique culinary celebration. This 2026 guide highlights the most popular Chinese New Year recipes Malaysians must try, from classic reunion dinner dishes to beloved snacks and desserts.

 

1. Prosperity Toss: Yee Sang (Yu Sheng)

One of the most iconic Chinese New Year dishes in Malaysia and Singapore is Yee Sang (also called Yu Sheng), a colourful raw fish salad. This dish is synonymous with good fortune and prosperity. Diners toss the ingredients together while chanting auspicious wishes, symbolising abundance and success for the year ahead. The higher the toss, the more luck is said to come.

 

2. Traditional Nian Gao (Sweet Rice Cake)

Nian Gao, a sticky sweet rice cake, is an essential part of Chinese New Year snacks in Malaysia. Its name sounds like “higher year,” representing progress and growth. Nian Gao often features in CNY snack platters and can be fried or steamed as part of the celebration spread. 

 

3. Pineapple Tarts

Pineapple tarts are ubiquitous in Malaysian households during Chinese New Year. The pineapple’s golden colour and sweet taste symbolise wealth, good fortune, and a prosperous year ahead. These bite‑sized pastries are often eaten by friends and family and shared in festive gift boxes. 

 

4. Braised Pork Belly

Braised pork belly is a rich and flavourful CNY lunch or dinner dish enjoyed during festive gatherings. Slow‑cooked with soy sauce, sugar, and spices until melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender, this dish symbolises prosperity and satisfaction—a perfect centerpiece for a Chinese New Year feast. 

 

5. Steamed Fish (Yu)

Steamed fish is an essential dish for the CNY reunion dinner. In Chinese tradition, the word for fish (yu) sounds like “surplus,” symbolising abundance in the coming year. A whole steamed fish, seasoned with ginger and scallions, represents unity and wealth in the household. thokohmakan.com

 

6. Eight Treasures Rice

Eight Treasures Rice is a sweet and sticky festive dessert made from glutinous rice with mixed dried fruits, lotus seeds, and red dates. The eight ingredients represent good fortune and are believed to bring blessings of wealth and happiness. 

 

7. Chap Chye (Braised Mixed Vegetables)

Chap Chye, a braised mixed vegetable dish, is a must‑try Chinese New Year recipe that combines nutritious ingredients representing a bountiful harvest. Often prepared before Reunion Dinner, this dish brings depth and flavour to the festive meal. 

 

8. Traditional Kuih and Pastries

During CNY, traditional snacks like kueh pie tee and Hee Pan are also beloved treats. Kueh pie tee features crispy pastry cups filled with savoury vegetables, while Hee Pan is a steamed rice cake often dyed red for good luck. These festive treats are enjoyed as appetizers or shared during visits with family.

 

9. Poon Choi (Layered Treasure Pot)

Poon Choi, or the Layered Treasure Pot, is a luxurious communal dish that includes an assortment of ingredients like prawns, mushrooms, pork, and chicken. Its layered flavours signify abundance, unity, and collective prosperity—perfect for sharing during family gatherings. 

Conclusion

From lucky Salmon Yee Sang to the sweet stickiness of Nian Gao and the rich flavours of braised pork belly, these Chinese New Year recipes in Malaysia offer a blend of cultural significance and delicious taste. Whether it’s main courses, festive desserts, or celebratory snacks, each recipe reflects community, tradition, and hopes for prosperity in the new year.

Try these popular CNY dishes with family and friends this festive season and bring abundant luck, happiness, and delicious memories to your celebration!

 

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Reference

• Wikipedia – Yusheng (prosperity raw fish salad)

• Sinar Daily – 7 lucky dishes to celebrate Chinese New Year

• The Star: 5 popular sweet treats to welcome Lunar New Year

• Traveloka – Iconic Chinese New Year foods

• Toxigon – Traditional Chinese New Year dishes in Malaysia

• MICHELIN Guide – Iconic Lunar New Year dishes