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The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, starts Saturday, Jan. 27 with parties beginning Friday on New Year's Eve and lasting two weeks.
Ching "Kevin" Lin, owner and general manager of Cheng Du 23, recommends these good-luck dishes to help usher in the longest holiday on the Chinese calendar.
These traditional celebratory dishes are on the menu all year long.
- Maple Crispy Duck: The sweet flavor of the Maple Crispy Duck is symbolic of the sweet nature of the New Year to come.
- Cheng Du Flounder Fillet: A flounder filet with mushrooms in soybean paste sauce. The Chinese word for fish (yu) sounds like the word for abundance -- more and more good fortune for years to come.
- Cheng Du Steamed Chicken with Chili: Steamed chicken with hot chili sauce and peanuts. A chicken dish is a must-have at Chinese New Year, especially during this Year of the Rooster.
- Cheng du 23 Sausage with Mushrooms: Sichuan sausage with pearl mushrooms, leeks and green garlic.
Tea Smoked Bacon with Garlic Leeks: Another traditional Chinese New Year staple that Sichuan families will make and enjoy.
"Homemade sausage is prepared and enjoyed in virtually every home at this time of year," said Lin. "It's very traditional."
Cheng Du 23 has gotten many rave review from critics and Yelpers alike, with the New York Times saying they liked everything and New Jersey Monthly giving the restaurant three stars.
The extensive menu developed by Lin includes gourmet creations, daily specials and traditional dishes. The eatery also features home-style rice and noodle dishes that can help less adventurous diners feel at home.
Cheng Du 23 is open for lunch and dinner daily; dim sum on the weekends. Call
The restaurant is located at 6 Willowbrook Blvd., Wayne.
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