Festive feast for Chinese New Year at Dalhousie

More than 120 people feasted on dishes including veggie stir fry and dumplings at the Dalhousie International Centre to celebrate Chinese New Year, which in 2025 is The Year of The Snake. 

The Dalhousie University Chinese Student and Scholars’ Association helped with the cooking and serving. Member Jacky Jiang said a variety of dishes were prepared to celebrate Chinese New Year, which fell on January 29. 

“We cooked things like Mabo tofu and egg-fried tomatoes,” Jiang told the Signal at the event on Jan. 27. 

Erland Myhre Hammersborg, a Norwegian exchange student at Dalhousie, had only been in Halifax for a few weeks when he stopped by for dumplings, rice and other dishes.  

“For me, the Chinese culture is new, so I find these types of events a great way of engage with different cultures,” he said. 

Hammersborg added he appreciates that Dalhousie offers a variety of events, which he enjoys attending.  

“It’s a great way to meet new people.” 

A Monday tradition 

Chinese New Year is not the only time to get free food at the International Centre. Dalhousie Multifaith Services provides students with no-cost meals, once a week, at Monday Night Meal. 

“The Monday Night Meal is about bringing people together,” Erika Sommerville, program coordinator at the International Centre, told The Signal at the Chinese New Year feast.  

“It’s a big focus on community, it’s a place where people can come regardless of their background and dietary needs.” 

The themes for the weekly dinners vary, often based on current events. The theme is also decided based on who’s available and willing to partner with the coordinators.  

“We reach out to off-campus groups, often religious organizations, because their community engagement is typically food-oriented,” Sommerville said.  

She termed the Chinese New Year meal “a huge success,” adding that servers were being stretched to the limit. 

“I’m worried that we’re going to run out of food,” Sommerville said, laughing.