A Contemporary Twist For Chinese New Year Dishes
Issue: Feb 2024
Many dishes served at Chinese New Year celebrations have been passed down from generation to generation, each with its own special significance. In recent years wine has been emerging as a popular tipple amongst Hong Kongers and enthusiasts are seeking imaginative ways to pair them with customary recipes for a modern take. Here are some of our favourite traditional dish-contemporary accompaniment pairings to bring in the new year!
The tradition: Whole fish
This emblematic dish is always served during Chinese New Year in Cantonese, the word for fish has the same pronunciation as the word which means ‘surplus’ or ‘extra’, signifying plenty of prosperity. Beautifully fragrant, the fish of choice is usually grouper and is steamed or fried whole with spices such as ginger, garlic, spring onion, and chilli. When ready for serving, a sizzling aromatic oil is theatrically poured over the dish.
The wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc e.g. Sancerre or Pinot Noir
With this light dish, look for an elegant, minerally Sauvignon Blanc such as Sancerre that will not overpower the fish and elevates the flavour profile of the spices. If you’re more of a red wine fan, a light Pinot Noir will also work nicely.
The tradition: Mandarins
No Chinese New Year is complete without gifting mandarins. The origin of offering mandarins hails from Southern China where they are known as ‘song gam’, which also means ‘giving gold’. It’s important to give them in even numbers as odd numbers are bad luck, while even numbers usher in good fortune. However, be sure to avoid the number four as this is a particularly unlucky number! Mandarins are sweeter and less acidic than regular oranges, and if you have many left they can be used in all sorts of baked goods or desserts.
The wine pairing: White Port
A Portuguese white port, lighter than its red counterparts, has light citrusy notes making it a perfect partner for mandarin orange desserts and pastry-based treats.
The tradition: Fat Choy Ho See
The classic “Fat choy” (black moss) and “Ho see” (dried oyster) dish is a staple during the Lunar New Year. The combination of fresh and fragrant dried oysters with soft black moss simmered in a rich sauce, creates a delightful aroma of oyster sauce.
The wine pairing: Riesling
This dish primarily offers a sweet and umami flavour profile, and it is important to avoid pairing it with red wine, especially high-tannin reds, as they can taste sour and bitter. Instead, a sweet and moderately rich white wine, such as a German Kabinett Riesling or Auslese Riesling, can enhance the flavours of the dish, while the mineral notes in the wine complement the dried oyster and hair moss.
The tradition: Poon Choi
Originating from the walled villages of the New Territories, Poon Choi (a communal dish of numerous ingredients served in a basin) has become a star on the Lunar New Year dinner table. Poon Choi consists of multiple layers of ingredients such as roast pork, braised pork, duck, chicken and rich sauce. The cuisine is best paired with a bottle of equally substantial wine.
The wine pairing: Bordeaux
Many people enjoy pairing Poon Choi with Bordeaux red wine, and indeed, Bordeaux wines with their rich and full-bodied flavours perfectly complement the ingredients found in traditional Poon Choi. The acidity and high tannins of Bordeaux wines help cut through the richness of the dish, and their grandeur adds to the festive atmosphere.
The tradition: Turnip Cake
As you’re going to stay home during the Chinese New Year holiday, what’s better than savouring some handcrafted puddings with your family members? Said to help you reach a higher level of prosperity, the popular turnip cake is mainly made with lightly flavoured and succulent shredded turnips, while its savoury and umami notes come from the addition of Chinese preserved sausage, dried scallops, dried shrimp, and XO sauce.
The wine pairing: Gewurztraminer
It is recommended to pair the turnip cake with a gentle Gewurztraminer that carries hints of lychee fragrance. This wine not only complements the subtle sweetness of the turnip but also balances the slight spiciness of the XO sauce with its delicate sweetness.
If you’re stocking up on wine ready for the festivities, contact Winebanc to see how we can help. Winebanc has private, exclusive, elegant wine cellars in various sizes, with 24/7 customer access conveniently located in the heart of Hong Kong. Visit us at www.winebanc.hk or contact us at 2809 2339 for more information!
From all of us here at Winebanc, we wish you prosperity, luck, and happiness in the Year of the Dragon. Gong Hei Fat Choy!