What to know about Chinese New Year food traditions
Share and Follow

SAN FRANCISCO — As San Francisco celebrates Chinese New Year, China Live is playing a major role in the festivities by serving up dishes packed with traditional and modern flavors.

ABC7 News anchor Kristen Sze sat down with Cindy and George Chen, founders of China Live to talk about the symbolism behind the food served at New Year celebrations.

Rice cakes represent family togetherness, noodles represent longevity, and crab represents abundance.

“Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are known for our Dungeness crab. This is one of our best sellers,” said George Chen.

Steamed fish is also very important in Chinese cuisine, which represents never going hungry. The mouth-watering Sichuan whole-fried braised fish is a perfect addition to your holiday meal.

The importance of family is a major theme during Chinese New Year and in addition to rice cakes symbolizing togetherness, dumplings do too.

The Chens said, “Families that make dumplings together, stay together.”

While China Live serves Shui Jiao seafood dumplings with shrimp and scallops, you can make dumplings at home using pork or even spinach. Eating dumplings is said to bring prosperity in the new year.

The Chens said, “Chinese New Year is the best excuse to grab something to eat with those who are important to you,”

You can learn more about by visiting China Lives’ website.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Kourtney Kardashian leaves family group chat over 'negative' Khloé 'talking s--t'

Kourtney Kardashian Exits Family Group Chat Amid Allegations of Khloé’s Negative Remarks

Kourtney Kardashian has opted out of the family group chat. On the…
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau make subtle Instagram debut amid romance

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Spark Romance Buzz with Subtle Instagram Debut

Katy Perry has taken to Instagram to subtly introduce her new beau,…
KC Neufeld, right, shops with her family in Englewood, Colo., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.

SNAP Cuts Shift Halloween Tradition: Ramen Replaces Candy in Trick-or-Treat Bags

When KC Neufeld shared a post on her Denver neighborhood’s Facebook page…
Megyn Kelly blasts Sydney Sweeney over controversial dress

Megyn Kelly Takes Aim at Sydney Sweeney’s Dress Choice: A Controversy Unveiled

Megyn Kelly recently expressed her disapproval of a daring outfit worn by…
LA fire crews told to abandon smoldering blaze that reignited as Palisades Fire: Report

Breaking: LA Fire Crews Withdrawn as Persistent Palisades Blaze Reignites – Latest Updates

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times reveals that firefighters were…
'We don’t have time': Parents of 4-year-old with rare disorder urge FDA to reconsider drug denial

Desperate Plea: Parents of Child with Rare Disorder Urge FDA to Reevaluate Drug Rejection

The FDA has recently declined to approve dichloroacetate (DCA) as a treatment…
Andrew's downfall opens door for POLICE probe, biographer says

Biographer Reveals Prince Andrew’s Downfall Sparks New Police Investigation Opportunity

In a dramatic turn of events, King Charles has removed Prince Andrew’s…
Democrat lawmaker secretly filmed two of her critics, prosecutors say

Prosecutors Allege Democrat Lawmaker Illegally Recorded Critics

Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar faces an indictment for reportedly recording two…