Author: cookmushroom

Ordering a steaming bowl of cioppino remains a rite of passage for any food lover visiting San Francisco. The iconic stew first started simmering in the late 1800s after Northern Italian immigrants arrived during the Gold Rush. Many eventually settled in North Beach, or Little Italy, and wound up catching salmon in the summer and crab in the winter. Cioppino is a result of their resourcefulness, tossing seafood scraps into stockpots, down on Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Italian American classic hasn’t changed much since then. It typically brims with fresh shellfish, such as crab, mussels, and squid, along with fillets of firm white halibut or local rockfish. The tomato broth should be aromatic and sippable, often brightened with white wine, fennel, and fragrant herbs. Infusing seafood shells in the stock adds an extra edge of brininess, so you can taste the ocean singing from your spoon. Slices of crusty sourdough are essential for mopping up every last drop. Lifelong obsessives, like myself, would argue a proper cioppino must include Dungeness crab, our prized wild crustacean with a limited season. Some old-school joints use frozen or canned options year-round—a forgivable workaround when doused with enough garlic.

For the past 15 years, I’ve seen creative takes come and go, but the traditional dish is beloved for a reason. Whether passed down through family recipes or calibrated with fine dining precision, cioppino reflects our immigrant heritage and wild ingredients in San Francisco. These eight spots offer exemplary versions, found at seafood counters in the city, and on oyster farms and in fish shacks up and down the coast. So dive in with your hands and get cracking.

Sotto Mare

552 Green Street

Owned by the Azzolino family since 2014, Sotto Mare is a legend in the heart of North Beach, boasting “the best damn cioppino” in town. The slogan delivers, and locals and tourists alike pack the narrow dining room every day of the week. Brave the wait, and you’ll be greeted by the scent of simmering garlic, Giants decor, and taxidermied marlin leaping off the walls. One order of cioppino allegedly feeds two people but could sustain a family of four, packed with exclusively shellfish, including a tangle of Dungeness crab legs, squid tentacles, and petite shrimp. Lurking in the depths of the classic tomato broth, you’ll spot a highly unusual yet satisfying addition: penne pasta. Seating may be hard to come by, but barstools turn over quickly.

Scoma’s

1965 Al Scoma Way

Looking for Burmese recipes? Want to explore Burmese food and cuisine? The Rangoon Sisters (half Burmese sisters Emily and Amy Chung) show us that Burmese cooking is all about balance. Sour, salty, spicy and rich flavours layered together using fresh herbs, aromatics and bold seasoning. This collection celebrates the vibrant food of Myanmar, focusing on The Rangoon Sisters’ signature dishes, inspired by family recipes, supper clubs and modern home cooking.

Burmese recipes from The Rangoon Sisters

Burmese meatball curry

This is one of our late grandma’s weeknight staples, warming and comforting, with a luscious curry sauce. Coconut isn’t commonly used in Burmese curries but she would always add her own spin to things and it adds a lovely richness. You can substitute the beef mince with pork (or a mixture) and we’ve also used turkey thigh mince before too.

Burmese shredded noodle salad

Burmese salads are a mainstay for us at home as they can be an easy and delicious way to use up any leftover carbs or protein once you have all the other condiments to hand such as the garlic oil and toasted gram flour. Here we have combined spiced chicken with sour, salty and spicy elements alongside crunchy chicken skin for added texture.

Burmese sour vegetable soup

Every Burmese spread will be accompanied by a light broth in a small bowl. This helps to hydrate alongside a meal, cleanse the palate between dishes or even to loosen a curry sauce. You can easily serve this alongside meatball curry, or add some blanched rice vermicelli noodles to make it a light meal on its own.

Burmese fried chicken (kyet thar kyaw)

Emily and Amy share their take on a popular street food from Burma. Burmese fried chicken is seasoned with chilli and turmeric, and traditionally served on the bone without a batter. In 2015, Yangon saw the arrival of the first branch of the big international fried chicken joint we all know and love, to huge queues. The sour dipping sauce (achin yay) packs a punch and goes particularly well with fried snacks. If you can’t get hold of tamarind pulp, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of ready-made tamarind paste mixed with 100ml of hot water.

Crispy pork wontons

Crunchy and hot with a sweet and tangy sauce, these crispy wontons were always a part of the festive season at Emily and Amy Chung’s Chinese-Burmese childhood home. The Rangoon Sisters have added a Burmese-inspired twist to the filling and the sauce, to pay homage to both parents (their mum being from Myanmar).

Burmese recipes from other chefs

Burmese coconut noodles with chicken

This recipe for ohn-no kauk swé, a brothy, coconut-laced dish, is flavoured with chilli, ginger, paprika and fish sauce. This recipe comes from Burmese restaurant Lahpet in Covent Garden, London.

Burmese grilled aubergine

This side dish comes from Burmese restaurant Laphet sees grilled aubergine dressed with shallot, chilli, lime and roasted peanuts. It it really packs a punch in terms of flavour and texture.

Burmese cassava cake

Cassava – a starchy root vegetable – is the star of this five-ingredient cake from Burmese restaurant Laphet. It’s served with jackfruit sorbet in the restaurant, but is great with ice cream or cream, too.

Burmese margarita

Check out this zingy riff on a classic margarita. To make the jaggery syrup, mix one part jaggery with one part water in a pan, bring to the boil, then cool.

Burmese chicken pilaf (danbauk)

A fragrant chicken pilaf, danbauk is served at countless celebrations in Burma. This recipe comes from MiMi Aye, a chef, author and host of the Burmese Food & Beyond supperclub. Full of sweet and warming spices, danbauk is often referred to as a Burmese biryani, but it owes more to Persian cuisine and, in fact, the name is derived from the Persian culinary term ‘dum pukht’. All cooked in one huge pot, it is served with great aplomb at the table, with a feast of crispy fish relish (floss), Burmese-style coleslaw, and refreshing sour soup on the side, all of which balance the buttery richness of the rice. Drinks are generally not served during a Burmese meal – instead, liquid refreshment comes as a broth or soup.

Burmese pork and potato curry

Treat your friends and family and cook this punchy Burmese curry recipe from food writer and chef Darina Allen, with tender pork belly and soft waxy potatoes. This easy dish may take a bit of time but it will be well worth the wait.

A jacket potato is a wonderful low-effort and low-cost family meal. Simply bosh a potato in the oven then fill it with your favourite toppings. These recipes include many storecupboard ingredients, so they won’t break the bank. Another way to save money is to microwave your jacket potatoes, which uses less energy than an oven. Learn how to how to microwave a baked potato then find more tips in our helpful guide to energy-efficient cooking.

Looking for recipes that put storecupboard staples to good use? See our budget storecupboard meals, top kids’ storecupboard recipes and storecupboard pasta recipes for our favourite thrifty recipes.

Check out our healthy jacket potato recipes, healthy potato recipes and cheesy potato recipes for more inspiration.

This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste.

Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub.

Best jacket potato toppings and fillings

This jacket potato board is a fun and interactive way to serve your spuds, perfect for a gathering or a crowd-pleasing family meal. Potatoes are cooked until their skins are crisp and the insides fluffy, then arranged on a platter with a variety of flavour combinations, from coronation chicken and cheese & onion to tuna crunch. This allows everyone to customise their own potato, catering to different tastes and dietary requirements. It’s easily scalable for any number of portions, too.

Find more crowd-pleasing ideas in our party food recipes.

Potatoes are brushed with soy sauce before roasting, infusing the skin with a savoury, umami richness. Once cooked, the potatoes are split and filled with a mixture of tuna, mayonnaise and spicy sriracha sauce, finished with sliced spring onions and spinach. The result is a moreish combination of creamy, spicy and salty flavours, with a satisfying contrast between the crisp, soy-glazed skin and the soft, fluffy interior.

See more of our low-calorie dinners.

This vibrant dish sees sweet potatoes baked until tender then topped with whipped feta, spiced chickpeas and a drizzle of herby green tahini sauce. The whipped feta is creamy and tangy, while the chickpeas add a crunchy, spicy element. The green tahini, made with fresh herbs and sesame paste, brings a nutty, aromatic finish.

Discover more nutritious vegetarian meals with our healthy vegetarian dinner collection.

Bake potatoes until crisp and fluffy then fill with a smoky vegetarian chilli. The chilli features a mix of beans, tomatoes, peppers and spices, offset by a cooling yogurt with a sprinkle of chives or coriander for a comforting balance of cream and spice. This filling option serves four, but can be easily doubled or halved, plus any leftover chilli can be frozen.

Check out more freezable vegetarian meals.

Sweet potatoes are roasted until their skins are crisp and their flesh soft, then topped with zesty chickpea mixture and creamy tahini yogurt sauce. Seasoned chickpeas are gently mashed for subtle crunch, while the tahini yogurt is tangy and nutty for a cooling contrast. The mix of sweet, nutty and creamy elements makes this ideal for a flavourful lunch or light dinner – to make this recipe vegan rather than veggie, simply swap the yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.

Discover more easy dishes with our baked sweet potato recipe collection.

Put your air fryer to good use with this easy recipe for air-fried sweet potatoes, achieving a crisp skin and fluffy interior in less time. Once cooked, the potatoes are topped with a creamy, garlic-flavoured tahini yogurt, crisp curry leaves, chopped coriander and chilli flakes for added kick. Try it for a low-effort weeknight meal.

Check out more vegetarian air fryer recipes.

Combine the comfort of a baked potato with the flavours of pizza in this budget-friendly supper. Baking potatoes are cooked until soft, then topped with a tomato sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella and fresh basil, resulting in a gooey, savoury topping with classic Italian flavours. With a crisp potato skin and a cheesy, herby filling, it’s both fun and satisfying and great for children and adults alike.

Check out more easy budget-friendly dinners.

Try out a classic flavour combination with this soured cream and fresh chives topping. The potatoes are baked until the skin is golden and crisp, then split open and topped with a generous dollop of cool, tangy soured cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives. The creamy topping balances the warming potato, while the chives add a subtle onion flavour and freshness.

We have plenty more soured cream recipes for using up leftovers.

This baked ginger & spinach sweet potato is a great budget lunch or dinner for one. Replacing your regular potato with a sweet potato means you gain an extra one of your five-a-day. This recipe is low-calorie, packed with vitamin C and full of flavour.

You can learn more about the health benefits of sweet potatoes and spinach.

These vegan chickpea curry jacket potatoes are full of protein while low in fat, saturates and salt. It’s a great budget dinner that uses common storecupboard ingredients such as canned chickpeas and chopped tomatoes.

Discover more chickpea recipes.

This jacket potato with whipped feta & sumac is the perfect budget-friendly supper for one. The fragrant, zesty flavour of sumac is a refreshing contrast to the creamy whipped feta, plus it’s gluten-free!

Discover more feta recipes.

Load your spuds with a simple pork and chipotle chilli filling for a satisfying midweek meal for the whole family. Once your potatoes are cooked, halve them and pile on the chilli, a dollop of soured cream and a sprinkling of chives. You could also serve with a side of mixed leaves.

Discover more chilli recipes.

This five-ingredient recipe sees baked potatoes cut in half and piled with a broccoli, cheddar and mustard mixture. The potato flesh is scooped out and mashed together with the broccoli filling, then returned to the skins and baked until crisp, golden and bubbling. The result is a creamy, cheesy bite with pops of green broccoli and a hint of mustard. Serve with a simple salad and a tangy tomato relish for added zing.

See our collection of 5-ingredient recipes for more easy wins.

This veggie dish sees baked potatoes filled with spiced lentil dhal for a fun cuisine mash-up. The potatoes are roasted until tender, then packed with a warming dhal made from red lentils, chickpeas and a blend of spices. The dhal is thick and comforting, with a gentle heat that pairs perfectly with the fluffy potato. Serve with chutney or lime pickle for a nourishing meat-free dinner.

Take a look through our collection of dhal recipes for more ideas.

Treat yourself to a special solo supper with this jacket potato piled with piri-piri prawns and sweet red peppers. Finish with a dollop of paprika mayonnaise and a scattering of parsley and you’re good to go.

Try more of our prawn recipes.

Turn your hand to our spicy tuna and cottage cheese jacket for a low-fat, carb-heavy lunch that packs a flavour punch. With its light and nutritious filling, this jacket will become an instant lunchtime favourite.

See more low-fat recipes.

Line up three of your 5-a-day at lunchtime with this vibrant sweet potato jacket, topped with yogurt, pomegranates and a simple slaw. It’s low-calorie too, and provides beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help to keep skin healthy.

Try more low-calorie lunch recipes.

Pile pesto, cannellini beans and tuna onto baked sweet potatoes for a simple supper for two. They take just two minutes to prep, with the oven doing most of the work, and they also deliver two of your 5-a-day.

See more cannellini bean recipes.

Level up your tuna-filled potatoes by swapping them for sweet potatoes. The sweetness from the sweet potato contrasts well with the zest from the lime, raw red onion, and the kick of chilli.

Discover more tinned tuna recipes.

Take just a few ingredients and rustle up these tasty mushroom jacket potatoes. They’re healthy, low-calorie, gluten-free and ideal for a filling lunch or supper.

Discover more mushroom recipes.

Try these Mexican-inspired turkey chilli jacket potatoes; they’re flavoured with cumin and paprika to give a smoky flavour. Using turkey mince also saves money as it is very cheap and lean. This recipe is freezable, so there is no need to waste anything.

Discover more Mexican recipes.

These jacket potatoes with home-baked beans are a great, healthy, comforting supper idea. They can be whipped up in three simple steps and use cheap vegetables such as carrots, celery, and common storecupboard ingredients like haricot beans.

Discover more healthy bean recipes.

This healthy baked potato filling provides four of your 5-a-day in each serving, plus iron, vitamin C and fibre, and plenty of flavour from storecupboard spices. Not only that, but it is also vegan and gluten-free!

Discover more vegan chilli recipes.

These sweet potato jackets with pulled pesto chicken are a fantastic low-effort dinner great for using up leftover chicken. Shred leftover cooked chicken with a fork and mix with pesto and soft cheese before filling potatoes and topping with pine nuts and fresh basil.

Discover more leftover chicken recipes.

Transform a baked sweet potato with this tasty Coronation chickpeas topper. It’s simple to prep as it uses ready-made curry powder and mango chutney and delivers two of your 5-a-day.

These microwave jacket potatoes with a Swedish prawn salad save both time and money as using the microwave is cheaper than the oven and takes a quarter of the time. Flavour prawns with lemon, mayonnaise and dill and cover the potatoes.

Discover more microwave recipes.

Our stuffed jacket potatoes recipe is a great beginner dish to get kids started in the kitchen. Written for them to follow, it only needs you there for guidance and to be sous chef when needed.

Check out our Kids’ Kitchen series for more recipes suitable for children.

These sweet potato jackets with guacamole and kidney beans are a fantastic low-effort supper. Other than popping the sweet potatoes in the oven for 45 minutes, there is no cooking involved for the filling. Mash avocados and mix them with the other filling ingredients.

Discover more guacamole recipes.

These stir-fry chilli beef sweet potato jackets are a tremendously energising supper for a post-exercise pick-me-up. The recipe boasts a high supply of iron, vitamin C and fibre, plus an impressive five of your 5-a-day.

Discover more beef stir-fry recipes.

This butter bean & tomato stew is packed full of iron. It is freezable to save you time on cooking during the week when you’re tired after a long day’s work.

Enjoy this? Check out more…

How to freeze potatoes
Top health benefits of potatoes
How to microwave a baked potato
Easy baked potato filling ideas
Vegan jacket potato filling ideas

I love Mushroom Mountain, and their products. I tried the lion’s mane fruiting kit, it did so well, that I purchased the pink oyster kit as well. They aren’t kidding about the color of the pink oyster. It was so bright and rich. I soaked the mushrooms in milk for a few hours, and then breaded them and friend them. I don’t think I will cook these mushrooms any other way from now on. They were delicious dipped in some aioli.

Find out more about what causes bloating, plus the gut health trends that aren’t worth your time and all the questions you’d want to ask a gut health expert.

If you’ve ever tried to love kombucha and failed, or stared at a jar of fermenting cabbage wondering where it all went wrong, you’re not alone. Gut health has become associated with the idea that you must be on a probiotic supplement, and that eating kilos of kimchi and kefir is the only way to improve the state of your gut. This focus became associated with sour flavours, complicated ferment-at-home DIY projects, and foods that can sometimes feel more like a challenge than a pleasure.

The good news is that you don’t need to force yourself to eat things you actively dislike in the name of your microbiome. Some of the most helpful foods for gut health are already sitting in your kitchen or fridge. Consider your morning coffee ritual and the extra virgin olive oil you use.

Before we get into specifics, a quick refresher. Your gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract. These microbes help digest food, support the immune system, influence inflammation, and communicate with the brain. Find out more here.

So instead of chasing the latest fermented trend, here are some everyday foods that genuinely support gut health, without you having to overhaul your life or your taste buds.

Chocolate (yes, really)

Chocolate lovers, take heart: dark chocolate can be good for your gut. Cocoa, the key ingredient in dark chocolate, is rich in polyphenols – plant compounds that largely survive the digestive process and reach the colon intact, where they’re metabolised by gut bacteria. Scientific studies have found that these cocoa polyphenols increase levels of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while helping to reduce populations of potentially harmful species. Not only does this microbial shift benefit digestion, it’s also associated with reduced inflammation in the body.

The key to finding polyphenol-packed bars is choosing a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, ideally 70 percent or more. Sugar-heavy milk chocolate does not have the same effect, and portion size still matters. A couple of squares is enough to give your gut something to work with as well as your cravings!

Coffee

Coffee’s relationship with health has been debated for decades, but when it comes to gut health, the evidence is surprisingly positive. Coffee is one of the largest sources of polyphenols in many diets.

Interestingly, both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee appear to offer similar benefits, suggesting that the plant compounds in coffee, rather than the caffeine itself, are responsible. If coffee agrees with your digestion, your daily cup could be a simple way to support your gut microbiome.

Cheese

Cheese is often overlooked in gut health discussions, but many types are fermented and contain live bacteria and bioactive compounds created during the aging process. Aged cheeses like feta, cheddar, gouda and parmesan are also naturally lower in lactose, which makes them easier to digest for many people.

Not all cheeses contain live cultures by the time they reach your plate however, but as part of a varied diet, cheese doesn’t undermine gut health in the way it’s sometimes assumed to.

Pickles (the fermented kind)

Pickles preserved in vinegar are tasty, but they don’t offer much in terms of microbiome benefits. However, traditionally fermented pickles, made with a salt brine and time contain live lactic acid bacteria. Eating fermented vegetables regularly can help support a balanced gut microbiome. You don’t need to eat large amounts; small servings alongside meals are effective, and variety matters more than volume.

Wine

Red wine contains high levels of polyphenols from grape skins, which reach the gut and interact with bacteria. A large study found that a cheeky small glass of red can produce greater gut microbiome diversity compared with non-drinkers and those who drank other types of alcohol. But the researchers were very clear that moderation is essential. Alcohol is a gut irritant which could cause undesirable symptoms. Excess alcohol damages the gut lining and disrupts beneficial bacteria. The purpose of this is to reassure those who drink moderately, rather than to promote increased alcohol consumption.

Oats

Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are the food that beneficial gut bacteria thrive on. They also support the production of short-chain fatty acids, which help maintain the gut barrier and increase beneficial bacterial populations and improve markers of gut health.

Porridge, overnight oats, granola, oat-based cereals and breads all count, making oats one of the simplest gut-friendly foods to eat regularly.

Potatoes (especially cooled)

When potatoes are cooked and cooled, they form resistant starch, which resists digestion and reaches the colon intact. There, it becomes food for gut bacteria.

Cold potato salads or leftover potatoes reheated contain resistant starch. It’s a small change that can make a meaningful difference.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are a great source of fibre, polyphenols and healthy fats, all of which are important for gut microbial diversity. Just a small handful every day can contribute to a healthier gut over time. Almonds and walnuts have shown to have positive effects on the gut microbiome and inflammation markers.

Olive oil

Olive oil is often praised for its heart health benefits, but its virtues extend to the gut as well. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenols, particularly compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which interact directly with the gut microbiome. Mediterranean diets rich in extra virgin olive oil have been shown to increase levels of beneficial gut bacteria while reducing inflammation compared to diets higher in saturated fats. Olive oil polyphenols also act as prebiotics, selectively stimulating good bacteria and supporting gut barrier function.

Not all olive oils are equal – extra virgin varieties contain significantly more polyphenols than refined oils, which lose many of these compounds during processing. How you store olive oil also matters: heat, light, and time degrade its polyphenol content. To maximise benefits, choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil, use it daily, and drizzle it over vegetables, salads, soups or grains. Consistency is more important than quantity for gut-friendly foods.

The bottom line

Ultimately, supporting gut health doesn’t depend on consuming one specific superfood or supplement. The most compelling evidence points to dietary variety, especially plant diversity, as the key factor in maintaining a robust microbiome. You don’t have to eat perfectly or ferment your own vegetables to reap the benefits. Simply enjoying a wide range of foods you like, regularly and without stress, is far more effective.

If your daily routine includes oats for breakfast, nuts and seeds as snacks, coffee in the morning, and a square of dark chocolate in the evening, your gut is likely thriving. Just remember that regular exercise, managing stress, and getting enough sleep are also important for overall gut health. This approach is much easier to sustain than keeping a jar of bubbling cabbage on your kitchen counter, and quite possibly a bit more enjoyable.

More wellbeing guides

Can your diet improve your mental health?
‘I’m a nutritionist: this is what I eat in a day’
10 stress-busting foods to help you keep your chill
9 foods to boost your brainpower
30 ways to include 30 plant foods in your diet

Lunar New Year’s Day is often regarded as an opportunity for family and friends to get together and share a home-cooked meal, so celebrate at home with our easy menu that’s full of flavour, but won’t take hours to make. Sample hot & sour soup, followed by ginger & garlic spiced chicken and mouth-watering toffee bananas to finish.

Get even more inspiration from our Lunar New Year recipes and our family Lunar New Year recipes.

When is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year 2025, marking the Year of the Horse, commences on the 17 February. This festive occasion derives its name from the lunar calendar, as the celebration dates align with the phases of the moon.

Starter: Hot & sour prawn & sweetcorn soup

In order to get the most flavourful broth, use the stock from the poached chicken in your main course to form the base of the soup. If you’re short of time, just use fresh chicken stock. Traditionally, this soup gets its heat from ground white pepper and is thickened with cornflour, but we used chilli for heat and Chinese black rice vinegar for an irresistible tang. Spend just 20 minutes making our hot & sour prawn & sweetcorn soup, then ladle into bowls and top with strips of crunchy spring onion.

Starter: Shanghainese quickbraise Hong Sao-style lion’s head meatballs

Not traditionally a Lunar New Year food, but the roundness of the meatballs can be symbolic for a ‘well-rounded’ year. The reddish Hong Sao (red-braised Chinese sauce) oozes the lucky red symbolism. Recipe writer Ching-He Huang says, “My grandmother used to say that eating lion’s head meatballs will make us as strong as lions, a personal family favourite saying.” The traditional Shanghainese meatballs are quite large, as big as a fist, but you can make smaller ones, if you like. You can also pre-cook and freeze the meatballs, just give them a quick braise in the red sauce before serving.

Main: One-pot crystal chicken with ginger & chicken oil

Onto the main event: our one-pot crystal chicken with soy sauce, rice wine and a sprinkling of Sichuan pepper is deliciously moist with terrific depth of flavour. Opt for the traditional method of poaching the chicken, or put your pressure cooker to work for a speedy 20-minute dish. Drizzle over some ginger and chilli oil to bring some zing to the dish.

Main: Steamed sea bass with wok-fried bacon lardons, chestnuts & dried Chinese mushrooms

At Lunar New Year, “Nian nian you yu” is symbolic phrase that translates to: “Every year you will have abundance.” The Mandarin word for ‘fish’ (yu) is a homonym for ‘abundance’ (yu), so a whole fish is usually served to symbolise unity and completeness, while the red-coloured chillies bring luck. Use any fish of your choice – cod fillets work well, or use frozen fish – just follow the pack instructions to ensure it is cooked through.

Main: Chinese hotpot

Fill a cooking pot with a Sichuan pepper and chilli-spiced broth, then invite guests to poach their choice of ingredients in it – prawns, steak and chicken all work well. You can also serve your hotpot with tofu for a meat-free option.

Side dish: Stir-fried garlic green beans

Everyone needs a helping of greens on the side, especially when they taste this good. Our simple stir-fried garlic grean beans make a vibrant, healthy accompaniment to a rich and indulgent feast. Throw together four key ingredients, including oyster sauce, and in 15 minutes you’ll have a wholesome addition for the dinner table.

Side dish: Golden egg & onion fried rice

The golden colour of the scrambled egg and wok-charred onion is said to bring wealth for the new year. For a simple yet punchy addition, drizzle crispy chilli oil on top. This is a great side dish to serve with the rest of the feast.

Side dish: Seasonal ‘wealth greens’ (‘Fa cai’)

‘Cai’ is the Mandarin word for ‘vegetables’, but it is also a homonym for ‘prosperity’ and is used in the popular Lunar New Year greeting ‘Gong xi fa cai’, or ‘Congratulations on your wealth!’ This recipe uses red chard, which is sustainable, full of nutrients and shows off the lucky colour, red.

Dessert: Toffee & sesame bananas

Every decadent dinner needs a suitably stunning dessert. Our toffee & sesame bananas are a sweet, sticky taste sensation. Griddle your bananas with light brown sugar until caramelised, then spoon over your speedy homemade caramel and add a dollop of classic vanilla ice cream for good measure. You can even prep the sauce ahead of time for a really relaxed evening of entertaining. What’s not to love?

Dessert: Tanghulu

Try this classic Chinese dessert of bamboo-skewered hawthorn berries or fruit in a candy sugar coating. Use small whole fruits that do not contain a lot of water for the best results. It’s crunchy, juicy and easy to make – the trick is to work quickly.

2. Added extras and drinks

We have a host of easy party bites you can prep before your guests arrive and some classic tipples for entertaining. Try your hand at our Chinese dumplings, stuffed with prawns, water chestnuts and pork, and serve them with your favourite dipping sauce. Go all out with our spicy Sichuan chicken wings with a chopped chilli and crunchy peanut garnish. These deliciously dark and sticky bites will disappear in a matter of minutes. Our hoisin chicken in crisp lettuce is a simple buffet-style food you can prepare ahead of time and this red sweet & sour prawn dish will make for a great addition to a sharing table.

If you’re looking for a lighter dessert to finish your meal, try our refreshing lychee & lime sorbet. Turn a few cans of lychees and three other ingredients into an elegant palate cleanser. For a taste of the tropical, switch it up with our pineapple sorbet with fresh mango.

Spend more time with your guests with our clever two-ingredient cocktails, or serve a signature lychee martini to get the party started.

Not done feasting? Find even more recipes for a Chinese banquet with our guide on how to create a New Year celebration menu with an authentic finish, and learn about Chinese New Year traditions.

Enjoyed these recipes? Get even more entertaining inspiration:

How to cook Chinese food
Our ultimate Chinese recipe collection
Our best Chinese chicken recipes
Everything you need for entertaining

What’s your favourite Chinese dish? Leave a comment below.

These species are NOT recommended due to high resin content, natural fungicides, or low nutrient availability:
• Conifers (Pine, Cedar, Spruce, Fir, Cypress, Hemlock, etc.) – High in resins and antifungal compounds
• Fruit Trees (Apple, Pear, Peach, etc.) – Often contain antimicrobial properties
• Elm – Resistant to fungal colonization
• Hackberry – Poor growth results
• Sassafras – Natural antifungal compounds
• Soft Maples (Red Maple, Striped Maple, Silver Maple) – Less dense, decomposes too quickly
• Dogwood – Not suitable
• Black Locust – Extremely rot-resistant, poor fungal growth
• Beech – Slow decomposition and inconsistent fruiting
• Hickory (Shagbark, Pignut, etc.) – Too dense, slow to colonize