Guided by the cycles of the moon, the Lunar New Year marks a transition from the long, cold nights of the past year to a renewed spring: the perfect time to gather with loved ones and celebrate with a bountiful feast. Observed across East and Southeast Asia and diasporic communities worldwide, this holiday is as much about feeding people as it is seeing them. Bánh chưng steaming, dumplings sizzling, and drinks free flowing, hosts and guests alike best roll up their sleeves for the revelry.
To that end, we’ve gathered the choicest ingredients—an auspicious eight per category—so you can host a banquet with stylish ease or arrive at dinner a most appreciative (and appreciated!) guest.
From handmade steamer baskets and statement tableware to oolong chocolates and ceremonial libations, consider yourself covered. Now do like the new year’s titular Horse and ride on free!
In this article
In the kitchen
A feast always starts in the kitchen. A wok is the workhorse of mine—adept at everything from deep-frying to steaming—and Kama-Asa’s hammered carbon steel wok is a shimmering beauty to behold. Pair it with Yunhai’s handmade cypress and bamboo steamer baskets, tall enough to steam perfectly supple egg custards or giant pork buns. And for a bit of countertop cheer, try out these gourd-shaped salt and pepper grinders, which come in an array of bold colors.
