The Noodle Recipe Everyone Begs My Mom to Make Every Chinese New Year

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A Lucky Dish to Celebrate the Year of the Snake

My mom always goes all out for Chinese New Year. To celebrate the holiday—honoring the first new moon of the lunar calendar and the rotation of the Chinese zodiac—she prepares an enormous Chinese-style feast filled with symbolic dishes. She picks up 10 rotisserie chickens from Costco and six roasted ducks from her favorite Cantonese barbecue restaurant (both symbolize wholeness and unity). We fold shumai (steamed dumplings) shaped like bundles of gold, representing wealth. And, of course, we indulge in platters of long noodles to ensure the coming year is filled with prosperity and longevity.

For my mom, who grew up in a Chinese family in Bangkok, Thailand, this annual tradition is a way to preserve our heritage and share it with loved ones. Over the years, her lucky noodles have become the most-requested dish. To save time, she incorporates store-bought and restaurant-made elements into the recipe, making it easier to prepare and replicate at home. Whether you’re ringing in the Year of the Wood Snake on January 29 or simply craving comfort food, these noodles are a must-try!

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What Are Lucky Noodles?

Lucky noodles, also called longevity or long life noodles, are a staple in Chinese New Year celebrations. The long strands symbolize a long and prosperous life. My mom prefers using wonton noodles—thin, egg-based noodles often served dry or in soups with proteins, greens, and wontons. They are especially popular in southern China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Singapore.

Our family enjoys these noodles with wontons, blanched bok choy or gai lan (Chinese broccoli), and a variety of proteins such as pork, chicken, and duck. While my mom makes homemade char siu pork, she saves time by buying roasted duck from a local restaurant and rotisserie chickens from Costco. She also stocks up on Bibigo chicken and cabbage mini wontons for convenience.

How to Make Mom’s Wonton Noodles

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Ingredients:

  • 1 pound package of fresh wonton noodles
  • 2 tablespoons fried garlic oil or olive oil
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • Blanched greens (such as bok choy or broccoli)
  • Cooked frozen wontons
  • Proteins of your choice (such as sliced chicken, char siu pork, or duck)
  • Diced scallions and cilantro for garnish

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of water (at least 2 quarts) to a boil over high heat.
  2. Unravel and loosen the noodles gently on a cutting board or plate, being careful not to break them.
  3. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, cook the noodles for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously with chopsticks or tongs.
  4. Strain the noodles and transfer them to a bowl of cold water, swirling them around briefly.
  5. Strain the noodles again and transfer them to a large bowl. Toss them with the oil, soy sauce, and sugar until evenly coated.
  6. Serve the noodles with sliced proteins, wontons, and greens. Garnish with scallions and cilantro.

Tips for Making the Best Lucky Noodles

  • Don’t overcook the noodles: Like pasta, wonton noodles can become soggy if boiled too long. Set a timer for 30 seconds and remove them promptly.
  • Be gentle with the noodles: Avoid tearing them to keep them as long as possible for good luck.
  • Enhance with broth: Leftover noodles taste delicious in chicken or pork broth, similar to how they’re served in Chinese restaurants.
  • Spice it up: Add Sriracha or chili oil for a flavorful kick.
  • Use dry noodles if needed: If fresh wonton noodles aren’t available, substitute with dry ones and follow the cooking instructions on the package (typically 2–4 minutes of boiling).

Conclusion

My mom’s lucky noodles are a family favorite and a perfect dish for celebrating Chinese New Year or any time you crave comforting, flavorful noodles. With a mix of homemade and store-bought ingredients, this recipe is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re keeping traditions alive or simply indulging in a delicious meal, these longevity noodles bring a taste of good fortune to your table.

FAQ

1. Can I use different types of noodles?

A: Yes! While my mom prefers wonton noodles, you can use other long egg-based noodles or even dry ramen-style noodles.

2. What proteins work best with this dish?

A: Roasted duck, char siu pork, and rotisserie chicken are traditional favorites, but you can also use shrimp, tofu, or beef.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! Skip the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or tofu.

4. How long do leftovers last?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat by tossing the noodles in a pan with a little oil or adding them to a hot broth.

5. Where can I buy fresh wonton noodles?

A: Look for them in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores like H Mart, Great Wall Supermarket, or your local Chinatown markets.

Enjoy this delicious, lucky noodle dish and may your year be filled with prosperity and happiness!

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