Many people in New Jersey celebrated the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, a holiday centered on family, tradition and food.

At Shan Shan Noodles in Parsippany, owner Shan Lu says making dumplings is a key tradition, along with Chinese rice pudding.

“Eating dumplings on Chinese New Year is a family tradition,” Lu said.

The restaurant is busy serving classic dishes believed to bring prosperity, happiness and long life. Dumplings symbolize wealth, while long noodles represent a long life.

Fish is served to signify abundance. Candied fruit called tanghulu adds a sweet touch to the celebration.

This year marks the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, success and good fortune. For those celebrating far from home, local restaurants offer a taste of culture and a way to keep family traditions alive.