Chinese New Year, which falls on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, marks the start of the Year of the Snake on the lunisolar Chinese calendar.
Whether you’re hosting your own celebrations or attending a Chinese New Year parade, be aware many food dishes typically served contain common allergens such as fish, shellfish, soya, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, egg and sesame. Sauces such as satay, fish sauce, soy sauce and tahini all contain common allergens and are frequently used in Asian dishes, as well as nut and seed oils such as peanut or sesame oil.
Here’s a closer look at some popular Chinese New Year dishes and the allergens they might contain. But remember, this is just a guide—always double-check ingredients and allergen information before eating, and don’t forget to always carry your two adrenaline auto-injectors at all times.
Laba congee: A warming porridge that often contains rice, beans, dried fruit (which may contain sulphites), and peanuts.
Jiaozi dumpling: Made with dough and contains a meat filling (such as fish or shrimp), or vegetable filling (such as celery). Sometimes egg is used instead of dough to wrap the filling and sesame oil can be used in cooking.
Yusheng: A salad served with strips of raw fish, vegetables, onion and crushed peanuts. A vegetarian alternative may include soy “fish.”
Buddha’s delight: A popular vegetarian dish that sometimes contains seafood or egg cooked in a soy sauce-based liquid.
Yau Gok: a traditional savoury or sweet pastry that may contain ground peanuts, sesame seeds or coconut.
Chinese New Year is a time for joy and celebration. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy the festivities without the worry.
More tips on eating out can be found here.
Have a happy and safe Chinese New Year!
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