Discover easy, festive potluck ideas for Chinese New Year! Simple recipes to impress guests and celebrate with delicious, lucky dishes.
Planning a Chinese New Year potluck but don’t know where to start?
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with simple, crowd-pleasing dishes that are as lucky as they are delicious.
Whether you’re hosting or just bringing a dish to share, these easy ideas will make you the star of the celebration (and save you a ton of stress!).
From dumplings that symbolize prosperity to noodle dishes for long life, there’s something here for everyone.
Plus, they’re all beginner-friendly, so no need to break out fancy cooking skills.
Let’s get into some festive flavors that’ll wow your friends and family!
Easy Chinese New Year Potluck Ideas
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1. LONGEVITY NOODLES – YI MEIN
Get The Full Recipe On The Woks of Life
Long Life Noodles, also called yi mein or e-fu noodles, are a staple at Chinese celebrations.
They symbolize longevity and are a must-have on the banquet table, whether it’s for a birthday, a new baby, a wedding, or Lunar New Year.
2. STIR FRIED SHANGHAI RICE CAKES – CHAO NIAN GAO (Chinese New Year potluck ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On Drive Me Hungry
Stir-fried Shanghai rice cakes, or Chao Nian Gao, are loaded with shiitake mushrooms and cabbage, all tossed in a tasty, savory soy-based sauce.
This dish is inspired by the famous Din Tai Fung Shanghai rice cakes!
3. Spring Rolls!
Get The Full Recipe On Recipe Tin Eats
Homemade spring rolls that everyone loves!
These aren’t the greasy, mystery-filled rolls from takeout spots.
They’re perfectly golden, incredibly crispy, and packed with flavorful filling you’ll actually enjoy in every bite.
4. STICKY RICE WITH CHINESE SAUSAGE (Chinese New Year potluck ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On Woks of Life
Sticky rice with Chinese sausage is a dim sum classic that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
This authentic recipe delivers all the comforting flavors you love!
5. EASY CHAR SIU (CHINESE BBQ PORK)
Get The Full Recipe On Red House Spice
Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is a delicious roasted pork dish from Cantonese cuisine.
Traditionally, the pork is marinated, skewered on long forks, and roasted in an oven or over an open flame.
Its name, “Char Siu,” literally means “fork roast” in Chinese, reflecting its unique cooking method.
6. Buddha’s Delight (Chinese New Year potluck ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On Tiffy Cooks
This vibrant vegetable stew is a showstopper, packed with colorful veggies, tender vermicelli noodles, and fried tofu, all simmered in a rich, savory sauce.
Perfect as the star of your dinner party or Chinese New Year feast—or simply as a hearty, healthy dinner option. {Vegan, with gluten-free options available!}
7. Dad’s Sweet and Sour Pork
Get The Full Recipe On Made With Lau
Sweet and sour pork is one of the most iconic Chinese dishes enjoyed worldwide.
Believed to have Cantonese origins, it’s known locally as *gú lóuh yuhk,* which loosely translates to “ancient pork.”
8. Extra-Flaky Scallion Pancakes (Chinese New Year potluck ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On The Kitchn
Scallion pancakes, a beloved Shanghai street food and breakfast staple, are known for their crispy exterior and beautifully flaky layers inside.
Once a humble street snack, they’re now a menu favorite at Chinese restaurants and a freezer-aisle staple in Asian grocery stores.
9. TANG YUAN, CHINESE GLUTINOUS RICE BALLS
Get The Full Recipe On Red House Spice
Tang Yuan (Chinese glutinous rice balls) are a must-try dessert, with their sweet, nutty, and gooey filling wrapped in a soft, chewy shell.
Truly a treat for the senses!
10. LION’S HEAD MEATBALLS (Chinese New Year potluck ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On The Woks of Life
Lion’s Head Meatballs are a traditional Chinese dish often served during celebrations.
Our version is juicy and full of flavor, slow-braised in a savory, rich sauce.
11. Chinese Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Get The Full Recipe On The Spruce Eats
This recipe brings the flavor of store-bought frozen and restaurant dumplings right to your kitchen.
Using common ingredients from Asian cuisine, you’ll have plenty to freeze for future meals.
While it takes a bit of time to shape each dumpling, the first bite makes it all worth it.
12. EIGHT TREASURE RICE PUDDING (Chinese New Year potluck ideas)
Get The Full Recipe On Red House Spice
Eight Treasure Rice Pudding combines sticky rice, dried fruits, nuts, and red bean paste into a delightful dish.
It’s a traditional must-have for celebrating Lunar New Year.
12 Easy Chinese New Year Potluck Ideas
Ingredients
- LONGEVITY NOODLES – YI MEIN
- STIR FRIED SHANGHAI RICE CAKES - CHAO NIAN GAO
- Spring Rolls
- STICKY RICE WITH CHINESE SAUSAGE
- EASY CHAR SIU (CHINESE BBQ PORK)
- Buddha’s Delight (Jai, Chinese Vegetarian Stew)
- Dad's Sweet and Sour Pork
- Extra-Flaky Scallion Pancakes
- TANG YUAN, CHINESE GLUTINOUS RICE BALLS
- LION’S HEAD MEATBALLS
- Chinese Dumplings (Jiaozi)
- EIGHT TREASURE RICE PUDDING (BA BAO FAN)
Instructions
- Select your choice of easy Chinese New Year potluck ideas from the article.
- Click on the link to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Get ready to prep, cook, and enjoy!
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I love all of these delicious and easy Chinese New Year potluck dishes! Which ones will you try first? Please write your comments below!
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