Chinese New Year is a time for reunion dinners, festive snacks and meaningful dishes shared with family. If you’re planning your CNY reunion dinner menu, this curated collection of traditional Malaysian Chinese recipes will help you prepare with confidence.
From auspicious seafood dishes and comforting braised mains to pineapple tarts, nian gao and festive huat kueh, these recipes are perfect for Lunar New Year celebrations, open house gatherings and visiting relatives.
Whether you are cooking for a small family reunion or hosting a larger festive table, you’ll find easy, authentic CNY dishes here.
📌 Save this page as your complete Chinese New Year menu guide for 2026. 🧧
Last updated: February 2026
🏮 Easy Chinese New Year Menu Combinations
Not sure what to cook this year? Here are practical reunion dinner combinations using recipes from this collection.
🧧 Simple Family Reunion Dinner
- Chinese Steamed Chicken With Dried Shiitake Mushroom 香菇木耳蒸鸡
- Stir Fry Chinese Long Bean With Pork Belly 长豆炒五花肉
- Lotus Root Soup With Peanuts 花生莲藕汤
- Hakka Braised Pork Belly 客家炸肉
Comforting, traditional and easy to prepare.
🦐 Prosperity Seafood Table
- Butter Prawns With Egg Floss 蛋丝奶油虾
- Imitation Shark Fin Soup 碗仔翅 / 鱼翅汤
- Braised Shiitake Mushrooms With Broccoli 焖香菇西兰花
- Yam Abacus Seeds 芋头算盘子
Seafood symbolises surplus and prosperity.
🍍 Festive Tea-Time & Open House
Prepare ahead and serve with tea.
Quick Jump (CNY Menu Ideas):
- Cookies & Snacks
- Cakes & Buns
- Reunion Dinner Dishes
- Nian Gao (New Year Cake)
- Auspicious Soups
- Traditional Desserts
Classic Chinese New Year Cookies & Snacks
Chinese New Year snacks are perfect for gifting, visiting relatives, and tea-time during the festive season. Here are classic homemade cookies and traditional snacks, including pineapple tarts and crunchy favourites.
Chinese New Year Cakes and Buns
These festive cakes and buns are soft, fluffy, and symbolic — great for celebrations and family gatherings. You’ll find steamed huat kueh, bao, and traditional kuih-style recipes.
Reunion Table Dinner Ideas
Planning reunion dinner? These family-style dishes are hearty, shareable, and perfect with steamed rice. Choose a mix of seafood, vegetables, and one “showstopper” dish for a complete table.
Nian Gao (Chinese New Year Cake 年糕)
Nian Gao is one of the most iconic Chinese New Year foods. Here are popular ways to enjoy it — steamed, fried, and festive variations that are easy to make at home.
Auspicious Soups & Prosperity Dishes (好意头汤品)
Warm, comforting soups are often served during Chinese New Year as symbols of abundance and good fortune. These classic recipes are great for reunion dinners and family meals.
Traditional Chinese New Year Desserts (甜品)
End your meal with nostalgic desserts loved across generations — sweet, comforting and perfect for festive gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese New Year Cooking
Common CNY reunion dinner dishes include braised chicken, steamed fish, prawns, mushrooms, lotus root soup, pineapple tarts and nian gao.
Cookies and pineapple tarts can be made as early as 1–2 weeks ahead. To avoid rush, ingredients for reunion dinner dishes can be prepared 1–2 days before serving.
A balanced and festive menu includes:
• One meat dish
• One seafood dish
• One vegetable dish
• One soup
• Festive dessert with auspicious meaning