2026 CNY Home Food Show
It’s funny, you know — the high-speed rail I took home for Chinese New Year traced almost the same route I cycled last summer. Watching the landscape blur past, I couldn’t help but think of that ride.
My first meal home was, of course, hotpot. Why? Because my wonderful parents met me at the train station, and by the time we got back, it was too late for the kind of dinner that needs an afternoon in the kitchen — stir-fries, steamed dishes, the works. Hotpot is instant togetherness.
Every day at home, something “new” appeared on the table. Let me walk you through the flavors of my CNY table.
3. & 4. Hotpot with Guizhou’s signature 蘸水 (Zhàn Shuǐ) — a dipping sauce made of chili (oil or roasted), soy sauce, green onions, and cilantro. It’s simple, fiery, and unforgettable.
5. It wouldn’t be a proper Guizhou meal without 折耳根 (Fish Mint) — served here as a salad with chili, soy sauce, vinegar, and green onions. Love it or hate it, it’s essential.
6. Not everything is Guizhou — this bottle of 绍兴黄酒 (Shaoxing Yellow Wine) is a family favorite. Sweet, layered, and full of character — just like me. It pairs perfectly with the bold, spicy dishes.
7. 甜肠 (Cured Sweet Sausage) — I’m a sausage lover through and through, and CNY just wouldn’t feel right without these sweet, tender links.
8. 老妈黑芝麻烙饼 (Mom’s Black Sesame Pancakes) — crispy on the outside, soft within. She made batches of these, some stuffed with pork. Absolute gold.
9. 素酸粉 (Sour Rice Noodles) — thicker and softer than your average noodle, these are soaked in fermented rice liquid for a gentle tang. Delicate, yet full of character.
10. 青岩小豆腐 (Qingyan Mini Tofu) — tiny fermented tofu squares that burst with texture when pan-fried. Paired with red chili powder, they’re irresistible.
11. 老妈馄饨 (Mom’s Wontons) — If I had to choose between jiaozi and wonton, I’d pick wonton every time. Mom prepped and froze these so we could enjoy them anytime.
12. 老妈水饺 (Mom’s Jiaozi) — boiled and drained, ready to dip into 蘸水. These are stuffed with celery and pork — simple, honest, perfect.
13. 年夜饭 (CNY Eve Extravaganza) — Where do I even begin? From the top: braised eggs and tofu, lotus roots, purple Chinese broccoli, cured pork belly and sausage, red-braised fish, spicy chicken, bamboo shoots with pork tendon, braised chicken feet. Every bite tells a story.
14. 老妈黑芝麻汤圆 (Mom’s Black Sesame Tangyuan) — made in advance, these chewy rice balls hide a sweet black sesame heart. Six of them make a perfect breakfast.
15. 老妈红糖红枣馒头 (Mom’s Brown Sugar Date Mantou) — fluffy, lightly sweet, and made the night before I left. The perfect travel companion — or snack, anytime.
Mom’s kitchen is my anchor. Every dish is a memory wrapped in flavor.
