Happy Lunar New Year 2025 – 7 Menu Ideas

A Guide to Pairing Boba Drinks with Lunar New Year Dishes

The Lunar New Year is a time of joy, tradition, and indulgence in flavorful dishes that symbolize prosperity, health, and happiness.

In Taiwan, this festive occasion is celebrated with unique customs and culinary delights. It’s also a perfect opportunity to elevate your celebrations with boba drinks that complement these iconic foods.

Whether you’re enjoying a feast with family or serving customers in your boba shop, this guide will help you pair popular boba flavors with traditional Taiwanese Lunar New Year dishes for a harmonious taste experience.

1. Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Symbolism

Dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity, as their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots. While dumplings are more common in northern Chinese culture, they are enjoyed in some Taiwanese households during Lunar New Year.

Recommended Pairing

Classic Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls

  • The creamy and slightly sweet flavor of a classic milk tea balances the savory and sometimes garlicky taste of dumplings. The chewy tapioca pearls add a fun textural contrast to the soft dumpling wrappers.

Bonus Tip

For pan-fried dumplings, try pairing with a roasted oolong milk tea for a smoky, toasty complement.

2. Sweet Rice Cakes (Nian Gao)

Symbolism

Nian Gao represents rising success and growth each year. In Taiwan, it’s often steamed or pan-fried and sometimes flavored with taro or sesame.

Recommended Pairing

Taro Milk Tea

  • The earthy and creamy notes of taro milk tea pair beautifully with the sticky sweetness of rice cakes, creating a balanced dessert duo that’s satisfying but not overly sugary.

Bonus Tip

Add taro chunks or purple yam pearls to enhance the pairing’s visual and flavor appeal.

3. Spring Rolls

Symbolism

Spring rolls signify wealth and a fresh start, as they resemble gold bars. They are particularly popular in southern Taiwan during Lunar New Year.

Recommended Pairing

Jasmine Green Tea with Lychee Jelly

  • The light, floral notes of jasmine green tea cut through the crisp, fried exterior of spring rolls. Lychee jelly adds a fruity twist that pairs well with the fresh vegetable or savory meat fillings.

4. Whole Fish (Yú)

Symbolism

A whole fish symbolizes abundance and surplus for the year ahead. This dish is a staple on Taiwanese Lunar New Year tables.

Recommended Pairing

 Honey Lemon Green Tea

  • The citrusy brightness of honey lemon green tea complements the light and delicate flavors of steamed or baked fish. This pairing enhances the dish without overpowering it.

Bonus Tip 

Add aloe vera or basil seeds for a refreshing textural component.

5. Longevity Noodles

Symbolism

Long noodles represent a wish for long life and happiness. They are often served stir-fried or in soup in Taiwan.

Recommended Pairing

Thai Milk Tea

  • The rich, spiced flavor of Thai milk tea pairs perfectly with the umami notes of noodle dishes, especially when paired with soy-based sauces or stir-fried vegetables.

Bonus Tip

Offer it with boba or grass jelly for added texture and a hint of sweetness to contrast the savory noodles.

6. Pineapple Cakes (Fènglí Sū)

Symbolism

Pineapple cakes are a Taiwanese specialty that symbolizes prosperity and good fortune due to the phonetic similarity of the Hokkien word for pineapple (“ōng lái”) to “prosperity comes.”

Recommended Pairing 

Matcha Latte with Red Bean Topping

  • The earthy bitterness of matcha contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy pineapple filling. Adding red bean topping enhances the pairing with a nod to traditional Taiwanese flavors.

Bonus Tip

Offer this pairing as a special Lunar New Year treat in your boba shop.

7. Mandarin Oranges

Symbolism

Mandarins represent good luck and prosperity due to their golden color and round shape. They are often exchanged as gifts in Taiwan.

Recommended Pairing

Orange Black Tea with Crystal Pearls

  • The bright citrus notes of orange black tea mirror the flavor of mandarin oranges, creating a seamless flavor pairing. Crystal pearls provide a subtle crunch that complements the lightness of this combination.

Bonus Tip

A splash of honey or mint for a refreshing twist.

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