Spice up your party with these 25+ Easy Asian Appetizers. We have compiled a few of our favorite Asian finger foods from Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, and China to rock your next New Year party or anytime gathering.
Our family’s holiday tradition is to serve a few healthy appetizers as the main course on New Year's Eve. It’s a delicious and fun way to eat your way around the Orient at home. From finger-licking air fryer Chinese-Style Garlic Ribs to light and refreshing Thai-styled Chicken lettuce wraps, we have an Asian appetizer to whet your appetite. Let’s get this party started.
Chinese Dim Sum Appetizers
Chinese cuisine is all about sharing food with the ones you love. Little plates called Dim Sum literally translates as “touch the heart” because they are small plates usually served with endless cups of tea (cha). If you have ever tried dim sum or yum cha in a traditional Cantonese restaurant, you know how fun it is to enjoy all the savory and sweet treats that come around on a wheeled cart.
At home, we prefer a more casual approach. We choose a few delicious Chinese appetizers and display them on an Asian Charcuterie board. Don’t forget the dipping sauces and chopsticks for all to enjoy.
Serving Chinese Asian appetizers for a New Year party is an interactive and fun way to ring in the new year with family and friends. By the way, we will be serving something a little stronger than tea on New Years eve… just saying! Here are a few of our favorites…
Japanese Snacks
If you have been following us, you know that we used to live in Yokohama, Japan. Our taste buds still crave a good ole fashion 7/11 Sakano No Cheese (yep – that is fish flavored cheese) – don’t knock it until you try it. Perfect with a cold Asahi or Sapporo cold beer and a tuna mayo onigiri.
But the Japanese appetizers and snacks do not stop there. One of our favorite late-night restaurants was a little 9 seat yakitori restaurant less than a 5-minute walk from the Ishikawa Cho station. You can’t go wrong serving up delicious hot food on a stick with a little Shichi-mi tōgarashi (seven-flavor chili pepper) for dipping.
Now, you can enjoy the same fun ambience at home sipping on a little umeshu (Japanese plum wine) or a little sake to get the festivities rolling. Warm Japanese appetizers served on a cold and blustery party day is always a hit.
If you want to reduce the last-minute party preparations, serve these make ahead COLD Japanese Asian appetizers.
Thai Appetizers for a Crowd
Thai cuisine appetizer recipes are always the first to disappear from the serving table. Brimming with savory, spicy, sweet, sour and umami flavors. It’s like a party in your mouth.
Be sure to ring in the new year with our Royal Thai Cuisine Blue Elephant Chili Cocktail. It’s made simply with orange juice, vodka, and chili to spice up your party.
These Thai Appetizers can be made spicy or mild to suit your tastes. Here are some of our favorites…
Vietnamese Finger Foods
Vietnamese Cuisine is fresh, light and filled with flavor. With loads of fresh herbs, a kick of spice, savory, and umami flavors it’s sure to win you over. Let’s get the festivities rolling with a tropical rambutan cocktail.
Asian Fusion Appetizer Ideas
Ring in the New Year
Celebrate the New Year with our collection of 25+ Easy Asian Appetizers for a New Year's Party! From Vietnamese rice paper dumplings to juicy venison meatballs with Asian Zing Sauce, these delicious recipes are perfect for satisfying your guests' cravings. Cheers to a new year and new Asian inspired appetizers that are sure to impress at your celebration!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Well it looks like you have us covered when it comes to party appetizers. The Thai Firecracker Shrimp Party Appetizer sounds like a good one to start with. Happy New Year.
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Karen. Thai Firecrackers wrapped up in a spring roll wrapper is always the first appetizer to go on a party plate. One of our favorites too.
Hannah says
This is a party I need an invite for! I'll take (at least) one of each, please!
HWC Magazine says
How fun would that be! These Asian appetizers are always a crowd pleaser - something for everyone.
Michelle says
Mmmm my mouth is watering, what a delicious compilation of appies to ring in the new year! And it's great you've got such variety, especially for those who are indecisive (hehe) or just want to try everything! Happy New Year, Bobbi!
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Michelle. We hope there is a little something for everybody. We can never decide on just one Asian appetizer either. Wishing you a very happy and healthy year ahead!