Realized that I’ve not really done one for Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year.
Typically, Chinese New Year revolves around food, and family. Reunion dinners and gatherings all involve food, so here are some coffee ideas for the New Year, including what I’m serving up this year.
Tea is obviously a main feature but I’d recommend serving up pour-over coffee – especially a Panama Geisha that would pair lovely with a reunion lunch or dinner with plenty of braised pork, prawns, steamed fish, and chicken.
For espresso, I’d go with a medium-roast El Salvador or Honduran coffee for its balanced flavor that doesn’t overshadow the subtle sweetness. They work equally well with milk, hot or iced.
As Chinese New Year dishes are fairly balanced in terms of braised, roast, and steamed dishes, most South-American coffees would pair nicely.
Some celebrate the first day of the Lunar New Year with a vegetarian feast. An Ethiopian coffee, with it’s fruity, floral tones can go well with vegetable and soy dishes. If you would want some intensity or boldness post-meal, a El Salvador espresso with a full-body feel might be the right espresso or long-black to end the meal.
Personally, in my hoppers are three coffees from CloudCatcher.
- El Salvador Himalaya Mambo No.5
It’s full-bodied, yet with a hint of berries and brown sugar means that it goes well with the whole meal. It makes a nice espresso to kick-start the meals or to wrap up. An iced-americano can really wash down a hearty meal.
It’s also a nice all-round breakfast coffee.
- Nicaragua El Avion
This is a nice clean coffee – espresso or filter to end a nice meal. It works beautifully mid-day also when conversations continue over tubs and jars of Chinese New Year cookies and bites. It’s not heavy but I like the jasmine and lychee profile, even with milk. So for those wanting a milk-based drink after lunch or dinner would be nicely served by this.
- Panama Geisha – Abu Estate 2560 or Iris Estate Afterglow
Floral and cheery, this coffee can end the meal on a high. Its clean, smooth mouthfeel cleanses the palate – especially if you have desserts involving glutinous rice, sesame balls, red bean, or lotus paste.
If you’d like a direct pairing with specific dishes, here’s some ideas:
- Roast or braised pork – Coffee with chocolatey, caramel notes
- Prawns that symbolize happiness – Nutty, citrus profiles to complement the sweet-savory prawns
- Steamed fish – A fruity coffee with profiles of stone fruit, cherry or strawberry works well here
Remember, the best pairings are the ones that suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different coffee profiles and brewing methods to find the perfect match for your reunion gatherings!
