Chu Shi-San Feast: A Day of Rest and Leftover Delights

As the Chinese New Year festivities roll on, we arrive at the Thirteenth Day, also known as Chu Shi-San (初十三)—a day steeped in tradition, superstition, and, of course, food! After nearly two weeks of feasting, revelry, and temple visits, Chu Shi-San is widely regarded as a day of rest and digestion. But let’s be honest—when has a break ever meant stopping the food altogether? Instead, this day becomes an opportunity to savor the leftovers and create a comforting, no-fuss meal that warms the heart and soul.

A Pause from the Grand Banquet

Chu Shi-San is sometimes referred to as Chi Kou Ri (赤口日), a day believed to bring quarrels and misunderstandings. Many families take this as a sign to avoid social visits, preferring to stay home, unwind, and recharge. But what’s the best way to spend a quiet day? A cozy meal, of course! After days of indulgence—succulent roast duck, luxurious seafood, and steaming dumplings—Chu Shi-San is the time to simplify the menu with humble yet delicious comfort food.

A picture of Chu shi-san

 

The Art of Leftovers: Chinese New Year’s Hidden Gem

Chinese households are known for preparing abundant feasts, ensuring that no guest ever leaves hungry. As a result, plenty of food is left untouched, offering the perfect ingredients for a creative and delicious Chu Shi-San meal. Instead of extravagant new dishes, families turn to practical and flavorful ways to repurpose their festive favorites.

Here are some must-try leftover transformations for Chu Shi-San:

• Longevity Noodles (长寿面) Revamp: Stir-fry leftover noodles with soy sauce, scallions, eggs, and any remaining meats or vegetables to create a hearty, no-waste dish.

Longevity Noodles

• Turn Leftover Roast into Hearty Congee: Roast duck or chicken bones can be simmered into a rich, flavorful congee—perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Hearty Congee

• Dumpling Soup: If you still have dumplings from the New Year’s Eve feast, toss them into a clear broth with napa cabbage and mushrooms for a comforting, warm bowl of goodness.

Dumpling Soup

• Spring Roll Remix: Leftover stir-fried veggies and meats? Wrap them in spring roll wrappers, pan-fry, and enjoy them with sweet chili sauce.

Spring Roll

• Steamed Fish with a Twist: If a whole fish remains from earlier feasts, reheat it with a drizzle of soy sauce, ginger, and scallions to refresh its flavors.

Steamed Fish

Embracing Simplicity and Balance

After days of rich and oily foods, many families also take Chu Shi-San as a chance to reset their palates with lighter, cleansing foods. Teas like chrysanthemum or Pu’erh are sipped to aid digestion, and simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or mustard greens bring a refreshing balance to the meal.

Chrysanthemum tea

 

As the day winds down, families cherish the quiet moments, reflecting on the festivities so far while preparing for the next wave of celebrations. Though Chu Shi-San is considered a day of rest, it is also a reminder of food’s ability to nourish not just the body but the spirit—even when it comes from yesterday’s table.

So, as you celebrate this Thirteenth Day of the Chinese New Year, let the flavors of the past week come together in a meal that is as comforting as it is meaningful. Cheers to good food, good fortune, and a well-earned break!