Chinese New Year 2026: Lucky foods to eat for good fortune in the “Year of the Fire Horse”

As Chinese New Year 2026 arrives on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the traditions surrounding food take on added importance with the beginning of the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign associated with momentum, success, and forward movement. According to China’s holiday schedule, Lunar New Year celebrations typically span eight days, beginning on New Year’s Eve.


Lunar New Year represents a time of renewal, intention, and symbolism, and food has a significant role in welcoming the year ahead. In Chinese tradition, meals are carefully chosen not only for taste but for what they represent — prosperity, longevity, unity, and balance. As the Year of the Fire Horse begins, these meanings will have added importance. Connected with strong energy and momentum, this zodiac year encourages mindfulness and moderation. From warming dishes and grounding vegetables to symbolic sweets and golden snacks, these foods echo long-standing beliefs surrounding fortune, balance, and intentional living.

Root Vegetables

A food group believed to attract good fortune during the year of the Fire Horse, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is root vegetables. These are plants whose edible portions grow beneath the soil,such as carrots, potatoes, garlic, onions, and even beets. Much like grounding soups, these ground-grown foods are associated with stability. Holistic health coach Marissa Wiewall describes:

"The roots of any plant are its anchor and foundation; they are the essential parts that support and nourish the plant. Root vegetables lend these properties to us when we eat them, making us feel physically and mentally grounded and rooted, increasing our stability, stamina, and endurance."

Longevity Noodles

Longevity noodles are one of the most legendary Lunar New Year dishes. According to History.com, Changshou Mian, called “longevity noodles,” is a traditional food item, eaten during Chinese New Year celebrations, normally in stir-fries and broths, to symbolize a wish for a long and healthy life.

Emily Yuen, executive chef at Yingtao, a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Manhattan, told Martha Stewart.com, "They're meant to be eaten long and uncut, which represents continuity and a wish for a long, uninterrupted life."

Being Intentional With Spices

While minimizing spice may surprise some, moderation is highlighted in a fire-dominant year. According to CEO and metaphysicist Jing, "Spices are good, and you know I love my chile crisp, but be intentional with it."

Moderation and Everyday Eating

After a tiring workday, It’s tempting to consume whatever is convenient, but awareness matters more than perfection. Jing suggests being cautious with fried food, alcohol, sugar, and coffee. As Jing said, "This gives you quick energy, but will cost you later." Simple meals like roast chicken with rice and root vegetables can aid sustained energy and long-term balance.

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls (chūnjuǎn, 春卷) signifies wealth and are named for their connection with Spring Festival. A Cantonese dish, spring rolls are a type of dim sum made with thin wrappers filled with vegetables or meat and fried until it turns golden brown.

Recipe developer and blogger at RecipeTin Eats Nagi Maehashi writes, "There's really no definitive rules about what goes inside spring rolls, but typically, you'll find a mix of some kind of meat (usually ground pork) with finely chopped or shredded vegetables, plus seasoning. I like to add chopped mushrooms, which adds extra umami to the filling."

FAQs;

Q1. Why are certain foods considered lucky during Lunar New Year?
Many foods symbolize prosperity, longevity, or unity based on their shape, name, or preparation. These meanings have been passed down through generations.

Q2. What makes the Year of the Fire Horse unique?
The Fire Horse is associated with strong energy, movement, and transformation. This makes balance and intention especially important.