“For the Chinese, different kinds of food have different meanings,” says Martin. “During the Lunar New Year, noodles symbolise longevity. Bok choy symbolises prosperity, and pomelos symbolize abundance, so make sure you have plenty of those.”

Get the recipe for Martin’s Fish Head Noodles, or The Weekly’s stir-fried Hokkien noodles below.

http://www.womensweekly.com.sg/recipe/stir-fried-hokkien-noodles-chicken-chilli-bean-sprouts/

Fun and simple dishes to whip up for the Lunar New Year include dumplings, spring rolls and wontons served with dipping sauces that offer sweet, tangy, spicy and tart flavors. “These dishes are great for sharing at family gatherings!” says Martin.

“When preparing popiah or spring rolls, separate the different ingredients into different bowls and plates: the wrappers, sauces, lettuce, filling, shrimp, bean sprout and egg strips. My guests love to wrap their own and customise the popiahs to their liking.”

Try our recipe for party-worthy spring rolls below.

http://www.womensweekly.com.sg/how-to/videos-and-tutorials/easy-homemade-spring-rolls-for-parties/

“If you are looking to cook up something more sophisticated yet delicious, try some stir-fried chicken or duck breasts with finely chopped vegetables served in endive leaves,” says Martin.

READ MORE:
19 Chicken Recipes To Try This Week
Tasty Recipes With Duck To Try Out

The weather will be sweltering enough during Chinese New Year, so there’s no need for warm desserts. “When making my Black Rice Pudding, as  seen on episode five of Martin Yan’s Asian Favourites,  serve the dish at room temperature instead of hot. Then serve with coconut cream on the side for guests to adjust the amount of cream to their liking,” Martin suggests.

“Try a range of fruity drinks, such as iced teas with lemon, passion fruit green teas, pomegranate juice or Thai lime juice,” says Martin.