Though predominantly celebrated by Chinese descendants living in the country, the Lunar New Year or Imlek is also enjoyed by non-Chinese as well. Chinatowns across the archipelago celebrate this special occasion with greater vibrancy. Fantastic performances by the acrobatic Barongsai, red-gold lanterns and good -luck cuisines mark the Imlek fanfare.

Siu Mie

This noodle dish is found on the table of almost every Chinese household on the eve of the New Year. It is made of rice noodles that are sauteed in soy sauce with seafood and vegetables. The long strands of noodles represent longevity in life. Families will say a prayer and ask for blessings before consuming this traditional Chinese meal.

Tea Leaf Egg

The Tea Leaf Egg is considered a light snack, but it can accompany meals as well. It is a hardboiled egg, infused with black tea and spices that cause a marbling effect as well as a rather herbal flavor. It is said that eating this egg during the New Year will bring fertility to those trying to conceive.

Yusheng

This dish is referred to as a prosperity salad. It is made with shredded vegetables -such as shredded radish, carrots, ginger and onion slices, and crushed peanuts-, raw fish, and to top it off, sweet vinegar is used to tie the flavor. The meal is good for your health and it is believed to bring good luck for the coming year, and therefore is a must-have on the New Year.

Nian Gao or Basket Cake

Made from glutinous rice, this sweet cake is also referred to as the Chinese New Year cake. The story goes that the texture of it is made to be sticky as it was once used to throw at the mouth of the Kitchen God to prevent him from opening his mouth and saying terrible things. The cake is sold all year round, but on Chinese New Year it is said to bring families together and strengthen their bond as well as stopping them from saying something terrible at the table.

Red Mangkok Cake

The Red Mangkok Cake is unique to Indonesian Chinese. It is made to celebrate the Chinese New Year traditions. The steamed cake resembles a cupcake, has a sweet taste, and a bright red color. The top of the cake opens like a blooming flower. In Indonesia, it is a must-have on Chinese New Year as it is supposed to bring good fortune towards the coming year.

Lapis Legit

Another Indonesian classic dessert-inspired by the Dutch is the very beautiful layered cake called Lapis Legit. On Chinese New Year, the cake represents layers of wealth and prosperity. However, it is also used commonly for any occasion, and for those looking to present this cake as a gift, it is socially acceptable during an Indonesian holiday as it is the nation's favorite!

Octagonal Prosperity Box

The number eight in the Chinese tradition is said to represent luck as it has a similar sound ("ba") to the word fortune ("fa"). That is why the Prosperity Box is always divided into eight sections. Each section has sweet treats that hold various significance, but in all, it is meant to bring happiness and fortune to the family that acquires it.

According to indonesia.travel