Gong hei fat choy! Lunar New Year is February 17, 2026, and this year an estimated two billion people worldwide will celebrate with parades, lion dances, red envelopes, lanterns, and of course, food.    2026 is the Year of the Horse and our Alberta chefs galloped to the kitchens to share recipes that highlight just a handful of cultures that observe the Lunar New Year. The flavours, textures, and pure joy that comes from eating them makes them suitable for enjoying with famil

“This recipe is a whimsical take on our dad’s roast pork recipe,” explains Chef Will Chen of Edmonton's Boa & Hare. “It’s usually served with rice, but our take is to eat it in a bánh mi (a short baguette) slathered in pâté and butter, with cilantro, cucumber, fresh jalapeños, and lightly pickled julienned carrots.”

Prawn Toast Bao secures a place in the Dim Sum section of the menu, and is Chef Andrew Fung's favourite, bringing with it a touch of nostalgia. “When I was young, the only time I ever got to eat prawn toast was at wedding banquets. I loved the texture and the richness of it. This dish is my way of recreating those memories — but elevated.”

When it comes to holiday baking, Chef Jason Wild at Edmonton Meals on Wheels says the best thing to do is keep things simple but memorable. Leave the 50-step recipes for someone else – the ones with fewer steps are easier to adjust and make your own.  Decadent Gingerbread Pudding and Caramel Sauce sounds labour-intense, but it comes together quickly with easy-to-find ingredients. “Gingerbread is a traditional item that has been around almost forever, in cakes and houses. This