Throughout the banquet, guests will usually be treated to an 8 to 9-course meal. Number 8 (八 Bā) because it sounds like “good luck” (发 Fā) in Mandarin and 9 (九 Jiǔ) as it sounds like “long life” (久 Jiǔ). Most if not of the following meals are served, with each holding different significance:

First course – “Dragon Phoenix Plates” or Cold Appetisers

Cold appetizers are usually served first and they will usually include lobster, chicken feet, jellyfish, abalone, sliced pork and beef, seaweed, and bean curd. The Phoenix (the Yin) symbolizes luck, beauty, and femininity, while the Dragon (the Yang) symbolizes strength, creativity, and masculinity. Hence, this course represents the union between the bride and groom. Lobster and chicken feet are commonly served during this course as lobster literally translates into “dragon shrimp”, and chicken feet into “phoenix feet” in mandarin. In Singapore, we can also see baby octopus and Ngoh Hiang served as an appetizer too.

Second course – Soup

Traditionally, this is when soup with rare and expensive ingredients will be served, like Shark Fin Soup with crab meat or Eight Treasures Soup. However, since shark finning is illegal, restaurants and hotels will usually offer alternative soup options like fish maw soup with chicken and crab, or seafood soup instead.

Third Course – Seafood and/or Vegetables

Seafood is essential for any Chinese wedding banquets. One of the seafood dishes you may expect is Scallops served with vegetables.

Scallops (扇贝 Shàn bèi or 带子 Dài zi) symbolize fertility, and the second translation could mean “raising children”. Hence this dish blesses the couple with many offsprings in the future. 

Large succulent prawns (虾 Xiā) could also be served during this course. Pronounced “Haa” in Cantonese, it sounds a lot like laughter, and hence, eating them is meant to create more laughter and happiness between friends and family. Even though they are not traditional, honey prawns are said to be better as you get “sweet laughter”.

Fourth Course –Whole Bird or Poultry

Chicken, Duck, Quails, or pigeons are symbols of peace and unity. Serving them whole represents a lasting union between the couple. Similar to the roast suckling pig, the red colour of a roasted duck signifies good luck.

After this course has been served, there will be a break for the couple’s second march-in.

Fifth Course – Fish

Symbolically, Fish represents fertility and abundance for the couple (due to its similar pronunciation to the word “abundance” in mandarin), and are usually served with the head and tail intact to symbolize wholeness and that their marriage will come to successful completion. In Chinese culture, a marriage will not be entirely fulfilled until the couple bears children. Hence, this dish is a must-have in all Chinese wedding banquets.

Sixth Course – Premium Seafood 

Abalone (鲍鱼 Bào yú) is a homophone to “abundance” (保 Bǎo meaning “assurance” and 裕 yù meaning “abundance”). And because it’s also an expensive dish, serving it symbolizes a blessing of abundance for the couple throughout the years.

Sea cucumber (海參 Hǎi shēn or “Hoi Sam”) in Cantonese, sounds like “good heart” (“Hou Sam“). Hence this dish serves as a reminder to be good-hearted in the face of conflicts.

Due to their meanings, serving this dish shows a sign of respect and “face” (面子 Miàn zi) from both families, towards their guests. These also usually have a smooth texture and are from the ocean, so they symbolize a “smooth sailing” relationship between the couple and their families. In Cantonese, “sea cucumber” also sounds similar to “good heart”. Additionally, as abalone is an expensive dish, it also symbolizes yearly abundance for the couple.

Some hotels may also serve Roast Suckling Pig during this course. However, due to its price-tag, it’s more likely to be reserved for more intimate settings. As mentioned in Guo Da Li, roast suckling pig is a symbol of the bride’s virtue and purity. Its rosy-red colour is also a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture.

Seventh & Eighth Courses – Noodles & Rice

As Noodles come in long strands, they symbolize longevity, and a blessing to the couple for a long and happy marriage and life together. Additionally, when using chopsticks to eat noodles, you should also be careful not to point your chopsticks at others or sticking them upright in the bowl as these are practices done to honour the dead.

A large dish of rice symbolizes a plentiful supply of food throughout the couple’s life.

Dessert Course

Last but not least, desserts are served as not just a sign of the end of a meal, but also a sweet marriage. While there are many dessert options to choose from, Red bean and lotus seed soup is most commonly served. While red is the colour of happiness, beans and seeds are elements of fertility and growth. This dessert is very sweet as you wouldn’t want the relationship to turn sour.

Note: The order of courses may differ between different hotels or restaurants. Additionally, dishes served during wedding dinners are likely to contain more luxurious ingredients than wedding luncheon.