This coming month of February is loaded with lots of events that are fancy, fabulous, festive and, most of all, FUN!
The happy welcoming of the Chinese New Year is happening on February 10, closely followed by Valentine’s Day four days later. If you’re thinking about how to celebrate both love and luck this year, then you’re in for a treat. Whether it’s a date with your significant other, or a date with the fam, in this article…
We’re giving you the low-down on WHAT and WHERE to eat at SM Supermalls, to ~manifest~ good fortune this Year of the Wooden Dragon:
Fish
Fish is considered to be the most important meal that you should have or serve during Chinese New Year. According to Reader’s Digest, a whole fish symbolizes prosperity and abundance. It should be served uncut from head to tail, as it also symbolizes togetherness. With such great meanings behind it, no wonder fish is a staple on such an auspicious day!
Photo from kingchefph
Where to eat: King Chef has been open for years but, to this day, continues to be a favorite by many. Their authentic Cantonese food is really something that you would fall in love with at first bite. While everything on their menu is a must-try, especially their dim sum, don’t forget to order either the Spicy Braised Pompano—tender meat that comes alive with the spices of peppers, ginger, and garlic. You can also try the Lapu-Lapu with Pomelo Sauce, where the fish is deep-dried to a crisp and the citrusy sauce gives it the balanced taste of sweet and sour.
King Chef is available at SM City North Edsa and SM Cherry Shaw.
Poultry and Red Meat
Peking duck is another popular dish served during Chinese New Year. With its skin the shade of red (a.k.a. THE luckiest color in Chinese traditions), it symbolizes not only good fortune but also unity and loyalty. This is why having red meat, such as roast barbecue port (char siu) for new year is considered lucky. Eating such is said to give you happiness, vitality, and beauty.
Photo from kamsroastphilippines
Where to eat: You’re in luck because Kam’s Roast Philippines serves both Peking duck and roast barbecue pork! With one Michelin Star to their name, you are assured of high-quality taste in every bite.
Kam’s Roast is available at the 3rd level of the Fashion Hall at SM Megamall.
Longevity Noodles
We’ve been seeing this since we were kids attending birthday parties. Noodles—be it pancit or spaghetti—are always served because, the elderly say, it symbolizes long life.
Photo from Fat Fook Manila
Where to eat: Since we all want to live longer and happier lives, head on over to Fat Fook! This restaurant serves delightful Taiwanese dishes that make you feel like you’re eating your way to the night markets of Taipei. Take a slurp of their Satay Stir Fried Beef Noodles this upcoming lunar new year. This tasty dish has chunky meats and veggies, and the hefty serving makes it worth every penny—and calories.
Fat Fook is available at SM City North Edsa.
Dumplings
Aside from their delicious taste, dumplings are well-loved CNY dishes because they look similar to ingots, which were used as currency back in the day. The more dumplings you have, the more money you are said to be manifesting. It also becomes even more special because making dumplings is a tradition shared by many families in China
Photo from Tim Ho Wan
Where to eat: There are many restaurants that sell good dumplings. If you’re looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves fantastic dumplings, look no further than Tim Ho Wan. Their menu boasts an array of dumplings and other dim sums that are simply feasts for the palate.
Tim Ho Wan is available at SM City North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM Seaside City Cebu.
Spring Rolls
What’s a Chinese New Year feast—or any Pinoy feast, for that matter—without spring rolls a.k.a. lumpiang shanghai? Spring rolls are also considered lucky because, like dumplings, they also are said to manifest wealth and abundance. Now that’s one more reason to love lumpiang shangai, isn’t it?
Photo from Din Tai Fung Philippines
And speaking of dumplings…
Filipinos have grown to love xiao long baos, and it would be a sin not to have them during such an auspicious season! It is said that xiao long baos are traditionally eaten for breakfast, which would be ideal! That way you are invoking good fortune just as you are starting your day.
Photo from Din Tai Fung Philippines
Where to eat: Din Tai Fung is almost synonymous with xiao long bao—and for good reason! Their xiao long baos have thin yet chewy skin that envelops the flavorful broth and filling. Din Tai Fung has about 8 xiao long bao flavors that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Din Tai Fung is available at SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, and SM Mall of Asia.
Glutinous Rice Cake
Lastly, no CNY celebration in the Philippines is complete without a serving of tikoy. Said to bring togetherness because of its sticky nature, glutinous rice cakes are also symbols for growth, elevation, and progress.
Photo from Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
Photo from Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
Where to get: Over the years, Eng Bee Tin has become a household name for all things Chinese delicacies. They are also one of THE go-to places for tikoy, which they sell in a variety of sizes and flavors (they now have 17!).
Eng Bee Tin is available at SM City North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Marilao, SM CIty Bacoor, SM Megamall, and SM City Fairview.
These are just seven of the 12 lucky foods to have, as mentioned in Reader’s Digest. Already, we are feeling blessed and lucky to know that we can get them locally, and at any time we want! Whether you’re having them for Chinese New Year or even after, these dishes promise not just deliciousness but good fortune too.
We wish everyone an awesome Year of the Wooden Dragon! Follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X to stay updated with all the latest news and happenings here at SM Supermalls. You can also check the updated entry guidelines and mall hours for 2024 here.
