A red-braised carp is a must on the New Year's table.
Tips
culture
Carp symbolizes prosperity (鱼 yú puns with 余 'surplus'), so a whole 红烧鲤鱼 is a Lunar New Year staple, especially in the north. 'Carp leaping over the dragon gate' (鲤鱼跳龙门) also makes it auspicious for exams and careers.
