Chinese New Year and food allergies 

Chinese New Year and food allergies 

  • 23 January 2025
  • News

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

Common Chinese New Year dishes and potential allergens 

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.  

Tips for staying safe 

  • Always communicate your allergies to the eatery or host in advance and again when ordering and being served. 
  • Avoid shared buffet-style dishes that might be at risk of cross-contamination. 
  • Bring your own allergen-safe food to enjoy. 
  • If you’re unsure about a dish’s ingredients, it is safer to avoid. 

More tips on eating out can be found here. 

Have a happy and safe Chinese New Year! 

Learn more 

Find out more about specific allergens by checking out our many Allergy Factsheets