Welcoming the year of energy and freedom
And just like that, the start of the Lunar New Year is upon us. Widely considered as one of the most important events on the calendar in China and among Chinese communities, this auspicious day marks the beginning of a new moon, also symbolising the start of the 15-day Spring Festival.
Decoding the Fire Horse
It’s in the name – this is a time for new beginnings, and represents an incredibly complex, ancient and storied system of the Chinese zodiac calendar. Essentially, this calendar is a 12-year cycle represented by 12 animals, in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Every person has a personal zodiac, determined according to the year of their birth.
While the animal is one side of the coin, the other refers to the heavenly stems, five different elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – which fall into the yin or yang category. Every year, one of these heavenly stems is paired with an earthly branch, or the animal – This year, the heavenly stem is ‘Bing’ (big sun) and the earthly branch is ‘Wu’ (the Horse), making it the Year of the Fire Horse.
As such, these elements exist in a 60-year cycle when combined with the 12 zodiac animals, ensuring each animal appears in all five elemental forms.
Why Red?
The significance of the colour red for Chinese New Year is largely rooted in the legend of the Nian monster, a ferocious underwater beast with horns and sharp teeth that emerged from the water every new year’s eve and terrorised a nearby village. The story goes that one year, a mysterious man showed up and managed to stand his ground in the face of such danger, while the villagers hid for their life.
He said that by hanging red banners on his door, lighting firecrackers and donning red clothing, he managed to scare the Nian away, and red has been the colour ever since.
The Celebration
Festivities differ from region to region and community to community, while some major similarities stand, and can last for up to 15 days. To learn more, we asked some of the best Chinese chefs in Dubai to share their own favourite ways of celebrating this auspicious occasion, what it means for them, and what their hope is from the Year of the Fire Horse.
Chef Li Yuan Hui of SHI Hospitality
For Chinese New Year, my favourite traditions are the ones centred around family and intention-setting. I really love the reunion dinner – it’s not just about the food, but the feeling of everyone coming together, letting go of the past year, and starting fresh. Food-wise, I’m especially fond of dumplings and fish. Dumplings feel symbolic of wealth and abundance, and fish represents prosperity and surplus, which feels like a hopeful way to welcome the new year.
As for the Year of the Fire Horse, to me it represents energy, courage, and forward momentum. Fire brings passion and transformation, while the Horse symbolises independence and strength. In the upcoming year, I’m hoping to see bold ideas, positive change, and people feeling more confident about chasing what really matters to them. Personally, it’s a reminder to stay brave, keep moving forward, and not be afraid to take smart risks with enthusiasm and purpose.
Chef Yang Guojian of Yù & Mì
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During Chinese New Year, I especially enjoy preparing and sharing traditional dishes with family and friends. One of my favourites is Yusheng (Prosperity Toss) – a colourful raw fish salad that symbolizes abundance, good luck, and prosperity for the coming year. I also enjoy cooking dumplings, fish, and chicken, which all carry special meanings of wealth and happiness. Cooking these dishes is not only about the food but also about keeping family traditions alive and bringing everyone together.
The Year of the Fire Horse is full of energy and courage. For me, it’s a reminder to embrace challenges, take bold steps in both life and culinary creativity, and continue pursuing excellence in my craft. I hope this year brings excitement, growth, and new opportunities for everyone.
Madame Vo of Haus of Vo
My favourite tradition is the reunion dinner — a table so full it almost feels excessive, because abundance is the point. I love the ritual of everyone gathering, no matter how far they’ve travelled, and slowing down long enough to eat together. At Haus of Vo, I try to recreate that feeling for guests — strangers arriving, family leaving.Â
I’m sentimental about the foods that symbolize prosperity and togetherness — whole steamed fish, longevity noodles, and sticky rice cakes that promise sweetness in the year ahead. But my personal weakness is turnip cake, pan-fried until golden and crisp on the outside, soft and savoury within. It tastes like childhood mornings and busy kitchens, which is probably why I love serving it to guests.
The Fire Horse year feels bold, passionate, and a little untamed — which I secretly love. To me, it’s a reminder to be brave with ideas, to trust instinct over caution, and to move forward with confidence. I’m hoping to gain more meaningful gatherings around the table. What stays with me are always the nights when guests linger long after dessert, when conversations deepen and strangers become friends. I hope the new year brings health, creativity, and many full tables — in my home and in the homes of everyone I love.
Chef Frankie Yang Tao of Mott 32
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For me, Chinese New Year is one of the most meaningful moments of the year — a time of warmth, reflection, and return. No matter where I am in the world, it represents coming back to family, to the table, and to flavours that feel deeply rooted.
My favourite tradition is the reunion dinner. It’s more than a meal — it’s a ritual. There are always dishes that symbolise abundance and togetherness: slow-braised meats representing prosperity and stability, a whole fish for ‘surplus year after year’, and handmade dumplings that reflect the collective effort of family coming together. These dishes are not about complexity, but about time, patience, and intention.
The upcoming Year of the Fire Horse feels especially powerful. The horse symbolises movement, direction, and progress, while fire represents passion, creativity, and courage. It’s a year that encourages bold decisions, forward momentum, and authenticity.
Image credit: Supplied/Pinterest
Deeply passionate about food, culture and community, Manaal loves telling extraordinary stories of ordinary people. Besides sniffing out a tale to tell, her favourite things to do include binging true crime documentaries, chasing cats on the streets and curating a good outfit.
