Every Lunar New Year, families across Asia gather around kitchen tables dusted with flour, hands busy folding little parcels of dough. Inside each dumpling lies more than a filling — there’s hope, tradition, and a wish for the year ahead.
At Dumplings & Co, we believe food is a way to tell stories that never fade. And few dishes tell a richer story than the dumpling — a humble pocket of flavor that has traveled through time and across cultures. In our feature, Lunar New Year Traditions and the Symbolism of Dumplings, we explored how these small shapes became emblems of prosperity.
Now, as 2026 approaches, we’re unwrapping that tradition once again — this time with nine recipes designed to bring good fortune, health, and happiness to your New Year’s table.
Gold-Pocket Pork Dumplings: The Taste of Wealth
It begins, as it always has, with flour and water. You knead the dough until it’s smooth and pliable, imagining gold coins turning between your palms. The shape of these pork dumplings mirrors the ancient Chinese gold ingot — their folded edges sealing in minced pork, garlic chives, and ginger.
When pan-fried to a crisp golden hue, they glisten like treasure. In northern China, these dumplings are eaten at midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve, a tradition meant to usher in wealth and fortune. The first bite, hot and savory, tastes like optimism itself.
For extra guidance on achieving that perfect golden crust, see our detailed tutorial: The Secret to Perfect Pan-Fried Dumplings.
Green Jade Dumplings: A Symbol of Renewal
Every year deserves a fresh beginning, and nothing captures renewal better than the soft green sheen of a jade dumpling. The color comes naturally — spinach or chive juice kneaded into the dough — and when steamed, it glows faintly under the light.
The filling is light: tofu, mushrooms, and water chestnuts, symbolizing growth and health. In our piece The Rise of Plant-Based Dumplings: Delicious, Sustainable, and Healthy, we explored how vegetarian dumplings aren’t just a lifestyle choice but a reflection of balance and mindfulness. These jade dumplings carry that same spirit, wrapping vitality into every bite.
Sweet Red Bean Dumplings: Love and Joy
Red is the color of celebration — of happiness shared and moments remembered. In these sweet dumplings, red bean paste becomes the heart of the dish. Each one is delicate, slightly chewy, and best served warm, when the filling softens and the sweetness deepens.
They are often made as gifts — small tokens of affection exchanged between friends or family. The act of offering something handmade, warm, and symbolic reminds us that love is the most lasting form of prosperity.
Shrimp and Leek Dumplings: Luck in Every Fold
In Cantonese, the word for shrimp sounds like laughter, which is why shrimp dumplings are said to bring joy and good fortune. Folded with leeks — whose name echoes the phrase for “everlasting” — they become a wish for happiness that endures.
As they sizzle in the pan, the aroma of garlic and soy fills the air. These dumplings are served at family dinners as a symbol of progress and career luck, the kind of meal that inspires laughter between generations.
Learn more about the cultural meanings behind these dishes from China Highlights’ guide to Lunar New Year foods.
Mushroom and Tofu Dumplings: Harmony on the Plate
The quiet balance of tofu and mushroom mirrors the calm of a year well-lived. Soft tofu, fragrant shiitakes, and sesame oil come together in a recipe that feels both humble and grounding.
When you steam them, the air fills with the earthy scent of soy and spice — a reminder that balance is found not in extravagance but in simplicity. These dumplings are perfect for evenings when the celebration winds down and reflection begins.
For a more health-conscious take, explore The Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Dumplings — Yes, Really.
Golden Corn and Cheese Dumplings: The New Fortune
Some traditions evolve with time. Creativity, after all, has always been a part of cooking. The golden corn and cheese dumpling is a product of that evolution — a recipe that bridges comfort food with cultural symbolism.
The filling melts into a rich, creamy center, its golden color representing abundance. Pan-fried to a crisp edge, they’re irresistible and family-friendly — a modern twist on an ancient wish for prosperity.
For more inventive takes on global dumpling recipes, check out 10 Unique Dumpling Fillings from Around the World to Inspire Your Next Meal.
Kimchi Dumplings: Fire for the Year Ahead
A nod to Korea’s fiery spirit, kimchi dumplings bring heat and excitement to the celebration. The red hue of fermented cabbage and chili stands for vitality and courage — two qualities worth carrying into any new year.
Each dumpling crackles with energy, a small spark of enthusiasm wrapped in soft dough. Served with sesame oil and vinegar, they represent both tradition and evolution — a reflection of how Asian cuisines continually inspire one another.
Chocolate and Strawberry Dumplings: Sweet Luck for Modern Times
Not all luck comes wrapped in tradition. These dessert dumplings, filled with chocolate and fresh strawberries, are a nod to sweetness in all its forms — love, laughter, and the small joys that carry us through the year.
Steam them gently or air-fry until the chocolate begins to melt. When you bite into one, it’s hard not to smile. Sweetness, after all, is the most universal form of good fortune.
The Family Platter: Unity in a Circle
The final recipe isn’t a single dish but an arrangement — a circle of dumplings in every color and shape, steaming on a shared platter. It’s said that circles symbolize wholeness, eternity, and family unity.
Gathering everyone around that platter — young and old, traditional and modern, sweet and savory — is the true essence of the holiday. As described in How to Make Perfect Dumplings: Common Mistakes and Expert Tips, dumpling-making is as much about conversation and connection as it is about craft. Each fold carries a story. Each bite, a shared memory.
A Table of Meaning
As you set your table for Lunar New Year 2026, think of every dumpling as a message — a hope, a prayer, a promise of what’s to come. Whether you choose to fold prosperity into pork, health into jade, or love into red bean, what matters most is the gathering itself.
Each recipe here draws from centuries of tradition yet leaves room for creativity and individuality. You can explore more global interpretations in The Ultimate Guide to Dumpling Styles Around the World, and discover how every culture shapes its own version of comfort and celebration.
The magic of dumplings lies not in their form, but in the hands that make them. As you fold, steam, and serve, you’re not just cooking — you’re participating in a timeless story of family, fortune, and flavor.
