Trader Joe’s 13 Best Asian-Inspired Groceries for Lunar New Year Celebrations

Lunar New Year is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food. Trader Joe’s makes it easy to bring festive flavors to your table with a selection of Asian-inspired groceries perfect for the occasion. Convenient and packed with bold flavors, they help you spend less time cooking and more time celebrating. Whether you are hosting a big gathering or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these items make it simple to honor the holiday with delicious bites. Stock up on these Trader Joe’s favorites and get ready to welcome the new year with good food and great company!

Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

These organic brown rice cake thins offer a light, crispy crunch that makes them a versatile addition to your Lunar New Year snack spread. Made from whole grain brown rice, they have a subtly nutty flavor and a delicate texture that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. Enjoy them with a spread of red bean paste for a traditional Asian-inspired treat, or top them with cheese and fruit for a fusion-style snack. Their airy crispness makes them a great alternative to heavier fried snacks, keeping things light while still satisfying. They also work well as a base for dips, adding a wholesome touch to your celebration. Since they are made with simple ingredients, they let the flavors of your favorite toppings shine.

Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

These steamed chicken soup dumplings are a comforting and flavorful addition to any Lunar New Year feast. Inspired by traditional xiao long bao, they are filled with tender chicken and a rich, savory broth that bursts with every bite. The delicate, thin wrappers hold the perfect balance of meat and soup, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Simply steam them for a few minutes, and they are ready to enjoy—no need for complicated preparation. Dip them in black vinegar, soy sauce, or chili oil to enhance their umami-rich taste. Dumplings symbolize prosperity and good fortune, making them a must-have for Lunar New Year celebrations.

Mini Mochi Rice Nuggets

These mini mochi rice nuggets deliver an irresistible crunch with a satisfyingly chewy finish. Inspired by traditional Japanese rice snacks, they are made from glutinous rice, which gives them their signature crispy-yet-chewy texture. Lightly seasoned with a hint of salt and umami, they are a perfect balance of savory and snackable. Their bite-sized shape makes them easy to enjoy throughout Lunar New Year celebrations, whether as a casual snack or part of a festive spread. Unlike heavier fried snacks, these nuggets have an airy crispness that keeps you coming back for more. Pair them with tea or serve them alongside other appetizers for a fun contrast in textures.

Mochi Ice Cream

Mochi ice cream combines the pillowy softness of mochi with creamy, flavorful ice cream in the center. Trader Joe’s selection includes classic flavors like matcha, strawberry, and vanilla, offering something for everyone. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of chewiness and cool, sweet indulgence. These bite-sized treats are a great way to end a Lunar New Year feast on a refreshing note. They are easy to serve, requiring no extra dishes or prep. The soft, chewy mochi exterior adds a festive, fun touch to any dessert spread. Keep a box in your freezer for a quick and satisfying treat after all the holiday cooking.

Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns

These mini bao buns are filled with a savory-sweet teriyaki mushroom filling that is rich and satisfying. The fluffy, pillowy dough perfectly complements the umami-packed mushrooms, making them a great meat-free option. They steam up quickly, making them a convenient addition to any Lunar New Year meal. Serve them alongside dumplings and scallion pancakes for a well-rounded feast. The slightly sweet teriyaki glaze enhances the natural flavors of the mushrooms, creating a balanced and delicious bite. They are small enough to enjoy as an appetizer but satisfying enough to stand alone as a snack. Perfect for sharing, these bao buns are a great addition to your celebration spread.

Sumo Citrus

Sumo Citrus is a seasonal favorite, known for its extra-sweet flavor and easy-to-peel skin. Originally developed in Japan, this oversized mandarin has a bumpy, thick rind that hides juicy, seedless segments inside. It is naturally packed with sweetness, making it a refreshing and symbolic fruit for Lunar New Year. Citrus fruits are often associated with prosperity and good fortune, making them a must-have for the celebration. Their bright, sunny color adds a festive touch to any fruit platter or dessert table. Enjoy them fresh, add them to salads, or use the zest for extra flavor in baking. These premium oranges are only available for a limited time, so grab them while you can.

Korean Sweet Cinnamon Pancakes (Hotteok)

These Korean-style pancakes, known as hotteok, are a sweet, chewy delight with a gooey cinnamon filling. Traditionally eaten as a street snack in Korea, they are a comforting treat that feels right at home in a Lunar New Year spread. The crispy exterior gives way to a warm, sugary center with hints of brown sugar and nuts. Trader Joe’s version makes it easy to enjoy this classic dessert at home—just heat them up in a pan or oven. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee, making them a great choice for dessert or an afternoon treat. The soft and chewy texture makes every bite extra satisfying. Serve them warm for a cozy and indulgent Lunar New Year treat.

Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

These potstickers are a classic favorite, filled with juicy chicken, cabbage, and seasonings wrapped in a thin, pan-fry-ready dough. They crisp up beautifully on the outside while staying tender and flavorful inside. Perfect for dipping in soy sauce or chili oil, they make an easy and delicious Lunar New Year appetizer. Dumplings symbolize prosperity and wealth, making them a must-have for the celebration. Trader Joe’s version is convenient and quick to prepare, whether you steam, pan-fry, or boil them. Serve them with scallion pancakes and noodles for a complete feast. Their balanced flavors make them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Korean Beefless Bulgogi

This plant-based take on Korean bulgogi delivers all the sweet, smoky, and savory flavors of the traditional dish without the meat. Made with soy protein, it mimics the texture of thinly sliced beef while soaking up the bold marinade. The mix of garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness makes it a versatile dish for bowls, wraps, or stir-fries. It is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more plant-based dishes to their Lunar New Year table. Quick to cook, it pairs well with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps. The flavors develop even more when pan-seared, giving it a rich caramelized finish. This is a delicious way to enjoy a Korean classic with a modern twist.

Sweet And Salty Umami Crunchies Rice Crackers

These crunchy rice crackers are a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Inspired by traditional Japanese senbei, they are made from glutinous rice and baked to a crisp perfection. The coating adds an addictive mix of soy sauce and seasoning, making them a great snack for Lunar New Year festivities. They pair well with tea or can be served alongside other appetizers for a complete spread. The crunchy texture makes them fun to eat and share with guests. Their small, bite-sized shape makes them easy to grab and enjoy throughout the evening. If you love bold, savory snacks, these will quickly become a favorite.

Squiggly Knife Cut Noodles

These knife-cut noodles have a unique texture that makes them perfect for hearty soups and stir-fries. Unlike regular noodles, they have a slightly irregular shape, giving them a chewy, handmade feel. They soak up sauces beautifully, making them a great choice for bold, flavorful dishes. In Lunar New Year celebrations, long noodles symbolize longevity and a good life. Trader Joe’s version cooks up quickly, making it easy to prepare an authentic meal at home. Pair them with a rich broth, vegetables, and your choice of protein for a comforting bowl of noodles. Their satisfying bite makes them a great addition to any festive meal.

Korean Style Beef Short Ribs

These marinated Korean beef short ribs (galbi) are packed with sweet and savory flavors. The marinade, made with soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, creates a caramelized crust when grilled or pan-seared. They are traditionally enjoyed during special occasions, making them a fitting dish for Lunar New Year. The tender, juicy meat pairs well with rice and vegetable sides. They cook up quickly, making them an easy yet impressive dish to serve guests. Their rich, smoky aroma makes them irresistible straight off the grill. This is a must-have for any Korean-inspired holiday feast.

Frozen Japchae Korean Glass Noodles & Vegetable Stir Fry

Japchae is a beloved Korean dish made with stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. The translucent noodles have a bouncy, chewy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. Trader Joe’s frozen version makes it easy to enjoy this classic dish at home with minimal effort. Just heat it up in a pan for a quick, satisfying meal. The mix of mushrooms, carrots, and spinach adds freshness and color to your plate. It is a great side dish for Lunar New Year, complementing meats, dumplings, and pancakes. Serve it warm or at room temperature for an authentic experience.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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