Regina Troy Barrios

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<p>There is a particular kind of panic reserved for the day before a holiday. You meant to plan a feast: dumplings, roast meats, towers of round fruit. Instead, you had work deadlines, traffic fatigue, and now you hardly have any time left.</p><p>Take a breath. Lunar New Year doesn’t have to be perfect, just sincere. If you’ve been very busy—and who isn’t?—here is your practical, last-minute, completely salvageable plan.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><p><strong>1. Buy the oranges and other round fruit, more than you think you need.</strong> Mandarin oranges and grapes are popular. Add lansones, pomelo, chico and melons. They  symbolize wealth and good fortune, and they will also make your table look abundant. Pile them in a bowl. Scatter a few near the entrance. Suddenly, your home appears festive.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>2. Make sure you have tikoy. </strong>If there is one non-negotiable, it is tikoy. Also known as nian gao, this sticky rice cake is traditionally associated with prosperity. For ideas of how to cook and serve it, <a href="https://metro.style/food/2026/2/12/stop-frying-your-tikoy-the-same-way-10-brilliant-ways-to-reinvent-nian-gao-0950" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">see our guide here</a>.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>3. Dumplings are a lifesaver. </strong>Fresh, frozen, handmade, store-bought — it truly does not matter. Dumplings resemble ancient Chinese silver ingots, which is why they symbolize wealth. Steam or pan-fry them, arrange them neatly on a plate, and serve with soy sauce and vinegar. No one needs to know they came out of the freezer.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>4. Cook a dish of long noodles. Do not cut them. </strong>Longevity noodles are meant to be long and unbroken. That is the point. Boil them, toss them with sesame oil, scallions, or whatever vegetables you have left in the crisper.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>5. If time is tight, order strategically. </strong>A whole roast chicken or roast pork from your favorite Chinese restaurant can stand in beautifully for a labor-intensive main dish. Transfer it to your own serving platter. Garnish with scallions and serve to the family.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>6. Let go of the non-essentials. </strong>Yes, you wanted to serve the perfect feast, but you can let go of what’s too stressful. You do not need twelve dishes or overly elaborate table settings. Tell yourself that being able to gather together as family and serve something meaningful is already a blessing. </p><div><br/></div><p><strong>7. Add one golden, crispy dish. </strong>Spring rolls are ideal. Their golden color evokes wealth.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>8. . Make a simple fruit plate. </strong>Oranges are essential. Pineapple is excellent (it symbolizes prosperity in several Chinese dialects). Slice, arrange, and serve. You created a symbol for abundance in just under ten minutes.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>9. Observe at least one small lucky ritual. </strong>Open the windows briefly to “let the old year out.” Clean the house before New Year’s Day and put the broom away once the day begins. Avoid cutting noodles. Say something hopeful out loud. Traditions are small acts that make the holiday  feel meaningful.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>10. Take a photo before everyone starts eating.  </strong>Resolve to make good memories with loved ones. </p>

<p>A warm, witty, and practical guide for last-minute Chinese New Year food preparation, featuring essential dishes, Tikoy stories, and smart tips for cooking, ordering, or gifting in Metro Manila.</p>

A warm, witty, and practical guide for last-minute Chinese New Year food preparation, featuring essential dishes, Tikoy stories, and smart tips for cooking, ordering, or gifting in Metro Manila.

Lunar New Year Is Almost Here. Did You Forget Anything?

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Lunar New Year Is Almost Here. Did You Forget Anything?

Metro.Style

Published Feb 16, 2026 04:27 PM PHT

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lunar new year

chinese new year

tikoy

nian gao

survival guide

dumplings

long noodles

prosperity food

fruit platter

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