Looking to start your year with an extra dash of luck? Chef LeePijika Rojsatapong from FoodHunter Show reveals how ancient wisdom meets modern gastronomy in these ten auspicious dishes that promise to bring good fortune to your table.
In many Asian cultures, the foods we eat during New Year celebrations carry deep symbolic meaning, bringing promises of prosperity, longevity, and happiness. From the length of noodles representing long life to the golden hue of mangoes symbolizing wealth, these traditional beliefs have transformed everyday dishes into vessels of good fortune.
10 Fortune-Filled Dishes to Savor
1. Pad Thai: The Noodles of Longevity
There’s more to this beloved street food than its irresistible taste. The long, unbroken noodles in Pad Thai symbolize longevity and continuous good fortune. Just remember – don’t cut those noodles, or you might be cutting your luck short!
2. Larb: A Feast of Fortune
This herb-laden dish carries a beautiful double meaning. Not only does its name sound like the word for “fortune” in Thai, but it also connects to the ancient wisdom that “health is the greatest fortune.” Packed with fresh herbs and vibrant flavors, it’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul.
3. Fried Tofu: Happiness in Every Bite
Known as “Dòufu” in Chinese cuisine, tofu represents happiness and prosperity. Whether crispy fried or silky smooth, this versatile ingredient is believed to enhance both physical and spiritual well-being.
4. Clear Soup (Gaeng Jued): Clearing the Path to Success
Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. This crystal-clear soup symbolizes a life free from obstacles. Add glass noodles or seaweed for an extra boost of prosperity, or tofu for a touch of happiness.
5. Stir-Fried Bean Sprouts: Growing Success
Like tiny arrows pointing skyward, bean sprouts represent growth and progress. This humble yet meaningful dish suggests career advancement and flourishing business ventures.
6. Steamed Fish: Swimming in Abundance
In Chinese tradition, fish (“Yú”) sounds identical to the word for abundance. Served whole with head and tail intact, it represents a complete cycle of good fortune from beginning to end.
7. Roast Duck: Harmony on a Plate
Part of the traditional “three meats” offering, duck symbolizes peace and harmony. Whether honey-glazed or prepared Beijing-style, it’s said to bring career success and prosperity.
8. Chicken Rice: The Power of Diligence
This comfort food classic represents more than just satisfaction – it symbolizes hard work, wisdom, and integrity. Pair it with shrimp, and it’s said to strengthen partnerships and relationships.
9. Crab with Curry Powder: Swift Success
The quick movements of crabs inspire efficiency and diligence, while their red color when cooked symbolizes good fortune. This aromatic curry dish promises a year of swift accomplishments.
10. Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet Bonds of Fortune
This beloved dessert’s sticky rice represents strong, lasting relationships, while the golden mangoes symbolize wealth and prosperity. It’s the perfect sweet ending to your fortune-filled feast.
A Recipe for Luck: Chef Lee’s Special Pad Thai Egg Wrap
Want to bring some of this luck into your own kitchen? Chef Lee shares her innovative take on the classic Pad Thai, transformed into an elegant egg wrap that’s perfect for modern home cooking. This three-step recipe combines traditional flavors with contemporary presentation, making it an ideal dish for both everyday meals and special celebrations.
3 Easy Steps RECIPE for Pad Thai Egg Wrap
Step 1:
Mixing tamarind sauce, coconut sugar, fish sauce and chili powder brings up to boil make sure the coconut sugar dissolves completely before adding fresh noodle.
(Leave out the noodles it could become Pad Thai Dressing for long storage.
Step 2:
Pour in enough oil to cover the garlic and shallots and cook until it turns golden brown. Adding tofu, preserved radish and cook well. Stir in chives and beansprout. Mixed in eggs before adding the noodle back to the pan.
Step3:
Pour in egg mixture roll around the pan to cover base of the pan making a thin sheet. Add noodle mixture and fold in the egg sheet. Serve with roasted peanuts, dried crushed chili, chives, fresh beansprouts and lime.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Palm sugar
- 2 tbsp Tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Dried crushed chili (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 200 grams Thin rice noodles soaked until soft (can be replaced with stringed vegetables or pasta)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp Garlic(minced )
- 1 tbsp Shallots(minced )
- 2 tbsp Pickled radish (finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp Yellow tofu (diced)
- 200 grams Beansprouts (half on the side fresh)
- 4 stocks Chinese Chives(cut 2 into 2-inch pieces and 2 on the side fresh)
- 4 Eggs (2 for mixed in 2 for wrapping)
- 1 Lime (half on the side fresh)
- 1/2 cup Roasted crushed peanuts
- Dried crush chili on the side
Edible Tales:
Thai food has its origin in the fertile paddy fields of Thailand, where fresh herbs and vegetables combine with coconut milk and chillies to create a flavorful cuisine known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavors.
Siam was renamed Thailand in 1939 and soon after a competition was run to create a “national dish”. Pad Thai was the dish picked by Prime Minister Phibun, partly because the noodles made thriftly from rice which is a local produce (and filling) choice during those tough World War II years.
Pad Thai is one of the healthiest Thai food that can be an addition to one’s diet as it is a good source of carbs, protein, and vegetables. This stir-fry dish is warm, sweet and grounding to be fallen in the category of one of the simplest comfort food.
With a twist of making a simply delicious dish that anyone can cook, I today have created for you a 3-step recipe suitable for any home cooked street food dish.
Whether you’re a firm believer in culinary fortune or simply appreciate the rich cultural traditions behind these dishes, there’s something magical about starting the new year with food that carries centuries of hopes and well-wishes. After all, who couldn’t use an extra portion of luck served alongside their dinner?
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About Chef LeePijika
“Chef LeePijika” Rojsatapong is a prominent figure in Thailand’s culinary and food innovation landscape with over 20 years of experience.
As the CEO of Concept Case Co., Ltd. and President of the Food Communication Association, she leverages her background from years spent in the United States to specialize in future food and sensory food design.
Her work spans multiple domains: she operates Beyond Wellness by LeePijika, a cloud kitchen brand; hosts “FoodHunter Show” on 96FM Zaab News Radio; serves on the Committee of Processed Food and Future Food at the Thai Chamber of Commerce; and collaborates extensively with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote gastronomy tourism.
Chef Lee’s contributions extend to education as a guest lecturer at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, while also leading community development initiatives that support sustainable tourism across Thai provinces through innovative food projects and global partnerships.
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