Every year, Asia comes alive with vibrant feasts, cherished traditions, and sacred celebrations. Amidst these festivities lies diverse and delectable foods, snacks, and dishes, deeply entwined with each region’s culinary heritage.

Here, we head on a whistlestop tour of some of Asia’s most beloved celebrations, where the colours of tradition blend seamlessly with regional flavours.

Chinese New Year (China)

China’s grand celebration of the Lunar New Year welcomes the arrival of spring. Falling on the new moon between January 21 and February 20, 2024 welcomes the Wood Dragon, a symbol of fresh beginnings and hard-earned growth.

Traditional Chinese New Year dishes include dumplings, believed to bring wealth, and longevity noodles, a symbol of a long, prosperous life. Steamed fish dishes, often featuring crucian carp or catfish, typically symbolise abundance. Popular sweet delights include Nian Gao, a glutinous rice cake, and Fa Gao, a dessert crafted from rice paste.

Holi (India)

Holi is a vibrant Hindu spring festival in India, which celebrates the divine love of Radha and Krishna with a kaleidoscope of colours. On the day, crowds gather to throw gulal (coloured powder) and water, creating a joyful spectacle.

The festival is also popular due to the many traditional treats associated with the celebrations. Gujiya are sweet pastries filled with khoya, coconut, or dried fruits. Savour chaat favourites, such as Dahi Bhalla and Dahi Vada, which feature fried urad dal balls in a creamy yogurt sauce, spiced to perfection with tangy tamarind or green chutney. And don’t miss Lassi, a yoghurt-based drink in sweet and savoury flavours, which cools the palate.

Songkran (Thailand)

Thailand also has its own New Year celebrations in the form of Songkran. From April 13th to 15th each year, Thailand erupts into joyous water fights symbolising spiritual cleansing and transformation in the Buddhist tradition.

Typical dishes include Khao Chae, fragrant rice cooked in flower-scented water, and savoury Prawn Pad Thai. For a spicier noodle option there’s Pad Kee Mao Talay. While on the sweet side you might want to try Mango Sticky Rice, a sweet delight made from glutinous rice, ripe mango, and coconut milk.

Vesak (Vietnam)

Vesak is a holiday observed by Buddhists in South and Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam. It’s celebrated in May during the lunar month associated with Buddha’s birth. During the feast, temples bloom with flowers as devotees gather before dawn, singing hymns and leaving offerings.

On the day, Vietnamese traditionally opt for vegetarian delights like Phở Chay, a meatless noodle soup bursting with veggies. Sticky rice cakes are stuffed with mung beans and taro. And Lotus Tea has delicate floral notes created by infusing green tea leaves inside lotus flowers.

Diwali (India & South Asia)

VDiwali is the Hindu Festival of Light that radiates joy across India and South Asia. During this festival, homes twinkle with earthen lamps, rangoli art, and ceremonies for Lakshmi. Fireworks illuminate the night, while family feasts unite all.

Food varies by region. In India, snacks such as samosas and spiced mashed potatoes such as Aloo Bonda, not to mention sweet Gulab Jamoon, steal the show. In Nepal, families gather to savour Kwati Punhi, a hearty nine-bean soup, and Dahi Chiura, a dish that combines fermented milk and beat rice.

Celebrate your Asian feast at TemptAsian

At TemptAsian restaurant in Sliema, we’re dedicated to celebrating the rich flavours and dishes of Asia all year round. Our menu is crafted with love and profound respect for the culinary heritage of each unique country on this magnificent continent.

Whether you’re a part of Malta’s Asian community or visiting our beautiful island during your home country’s festivities, TemptAsian welcomes you. Our award-winning kitchen team can prepare a special feast featuring national dishes that honour your cherished traditions.

Get in Touch today to bring your Asian celebration to life.