Is Lunar New Year a Thai NY?
And some must-have dishes!
Sawaddee ka 🙏🏼 🧧
It’s almost time for Lunar New Year! But first, let me clarify that Lunar New Year is not a Thai new year. Thai New Year is in April, and Lunar New Year is called “Chinese New Year” in Thailand, and it isn’t a public holiday.
But if you walk around Thailand during this time, you’d think it was a Thai new year because you’d see decorations and evidence of celebrations EVERYWHERE. People may even dress up in Chinese outfits! Sidenote: This is like Christmas, people think every Thai person celebrates because we decorate like our lives depended on it, but at home, we don’t celebrate the way Westerners do (no family gatherings, it’s not a holiday, no Xmas morning gift exchanges, etc.).
But Chinese New Year is a big deal in Thailand because millions of Thais, like myself, are of Chinese descent. In fact, Thailand has the largest Chinese population outside of China! So for many of those families, they celebrate. And most businesses, Chinese or not, will decorate to acknowledge the occasion and, hey, it’s an excuse to be festive.
If you want to deep dive into Chinese New Year in Thailand, I have an upcoming podcast episode where I describe how Thai-Chinese celebrate including my personal experience. If you haven’t subscribed to the Sabai Talk Podcast where we talk about Thai food, Thai culture, and the Thai way of living, consider subscribing!
Anyhow, if you’re cooking something for Lunar New Year and need some inspirations, these are my must haves!
PS: If you want even more ideas, check out this collection of 10 Recipes for Lunar New Year.
Turnip Cake Stir Fry - Kanom Pakkaad
One of the classics of LNY is Lo Bak Go (Turnip Cake), and my mother-in-law’s recipe is absolutely epic. But Thai people take this Chinese classic and turn it into something different. Turnip Cake Stir Fry, or Kanom Pakkaad, is a dish many Pad Thai vendors offer alongside pad thai because they share many ingredients. If you have lo bak go leftover, this takes literally 3 minutes to make and it is so immensely satisfying!
Aunty Jenny’s Braised Wings
Speaking of my mother-in-law, she is, in fact, Aunty Jenny! She makes these incredible Braised Chicken Wings all the time, and it looks like a lot of effort went into it but it’s actually very quick and easy. The wings are braised with sweet, caramelized onions, and the whole thing practically melts in your mouth!
Dim Sum Spare Ribs with Black Beans
These Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Beans is a must-order when my family goes to dim sum. One of the best things about them is that, unlike a lot of dim sum dishes, they’re so easy to make at home - even if you don’t have a steamer! All you need is the right cut of pork - but I share tips on how to get that!
Crispy Pork Belly
Crispy Pork Belly - it is amazingly melt-in-your mouth delicious but, how do you get that incredible crispy, puffed skin AND the perfectly juicy, cooked meat?? Let me show you because when you get it right, there’s nothing like it! This recipe has all the tips you’ll need for the best crispy pork belly you’ve ever made!
Black Sesame Balls in Ginger Tea - Tang Yuan
I grew up eating these Black Sesame Balls in Ginger Tea and for years, I actually thought it was a Thai dessert! And it is…but it came to Thailand with Chinese immigrants. In China, you’ll find many filling and broth variations, but in Thailand we usually stick with the black sesame filling and ginger tea combo, though these days people are getting more creative. This is a perfect party dessert because you can make them in advance and they hold up beautifully!