Food plays very important role in Chinese culture. There are many foods associated with special occasions.

Here are a few examples:

Noodles: Noodles are a symbol of longevity in Chinese culture. They are as much a part of a Chinese birthday celebration as a birthday cake with lit candles is in many countries. Since noodles do symbolize long life, it is considered very unlucky to cut up a strand.

Eggs: Eggs hold a special symbolic significance in many cultures, and China is no exception. The Chinese believe eggs symbolize fertility. After a baby is born, parents may hold a "red egg and ginger party," where they pass out hard-boiled eggs to announce the birth. (In some regions of China the number of eggs presented depends on the sex of the child: an even number for a girl, and an odd number if a boy has been born). Egg rolls or spring rolls resemble the shape of a gold bar, and thus are often served on New Years as a symbol of wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

Fish: Although westerners sometimes balk at the sight of a entire fish lying on a plate, in China a fish served whole is a symbol of prosperity. In fact, at a banquet it is customary to serve the whole fish last, pointed toward the guest of honor. Part of the symbolism of fish comes from the fact that the Cantonese phrase for having fish sounds like wish, and it is believed that eating fish will help your wishes come true in the year to come.

Duck: If you are ever invited to a Chinese wedding banquet, don't be surprised to spot a mouthwatering platter of Peking duck on the banquet table. Ducks represent fidelity in Chinese culture. Also, red dishes are featured at weddings as red is the color of happiness. (You'll find them served at New Year's banquets for the same reason.)

Chicken: In Chinese culture, chicken forms part of the symbolism of the dragon and phoenix. At a Chinese wedding, chicken's feet (sometimes referred to as phoenix feet) are often served with dragon foods such as lobster. Chicken is also popular at Chinese New Year, symbolizing a good marriage and the coming together of families (serving the bird whole emphasizes family unity).

Seeds (lotus seeds, watermelon seeds, etc): Visit an Asian bakery during the Chinese New Year, and you're likely to find a wide assortment of snacks with different types of seeds in them. The seed-filled treats represent bearing many children in Chinese culture.

Below are a few dishes featuring these symbolic foods for you to enjoy:

Braised Whole Fish in Shrimp Sauce, Kung Pao Chicken,Longevity Noodles, Peking Duck, Red-Cooked Chicken, Sesame Seed Fried Custard & Tea Eggs.