This sponge cake is made with a simple mixture ... makes them an essential treat for Chinese New Year. The word "nian" means "year", while "gao" sounds like "tall" or "growth", symbolising growth ...

steamed fish is a regular dish on the Lunar New Year table. Particularly, crucian carp and mud carp are homophones for good luck and good fortune. The Chinese word for this cake—nian gao—is ...