Beyond the bright lights and slot machines that fill the halls, casinos around the world also offer another form of magic: gastronomic dishes considered to bring good luck. Just as online gamblers log in in the hope of finding good luck and perhaps have a few superstitious gestures or phrases, so in casino restaurants, certain foods promise to increase the chances of winning for those who are about to test their luck.
Dim sum of luck: Macau
In Macau, the former Portuguese colony now a gambling mecca in Asia, gamblers often delight in “lucky dim sum” before venturing into the gambling halls. It is said that eating these small morsels, prepared with ingredients that symbolize prosperity and luck, such as shrimp (for longevity) and lotus (for purification), can attract good luck. This tradition is rooted in the deep Chinese culture that sees food not only as nourishment, but as a vehicle of positive energy and prosperity.
The Las Vegas Steak: The Energy of Winners
In Las Vegas, a succulent steak is more than just a meal: it is a ritual of preparation for a night of gambling. Many poker and blackjack legends claim that a good rare steak, rich in protein and iron, can increase concentration and stamina, essential qualities for long sessions at the tables or slots. Restaurants such as the famous “The Steakhouse” inside Circus Circus have witnessed countless meals consumed by gamblers who then collected chips.
Lucky Sushi: Tokyo
In Japan, the precision and care in preparing sushi is reflected in the local gambling culture, especially in Tokyo. Before a night out at the city’s underground casinos, gamblers often visit sushi bars where “lucky sushi” is served. Ingredients such as red tuna, a symbol of strength and passion, and rice, which in Japan denotes abundance, are consumed to attract good luck. Here, too, food is much more than just sustenance: it is an edible amulet.
Lucky Orecchiette: Sanremo
In the heart of the Riviera dei Fiori, the Sanremo Casino in Italy offers its visitors not only gambling but also a special dish: lucky orecchiette. This pasta, whose shape resembles small bowls ready to collect joy and gain, is often topped with green basil sauce, which symbolizes money. It is said that eating this dish before gambling leads to wiser decisions and, perhaps, bigger wins.
Conclusion: Between Superstition and Tradition
Each lucky dish in casinos around the world is a unique blend of culture, superstition and a hint of hope. Whether you believe in their power or not, these meals add an extra layer of intrigue and pleasure to the casino experience, reminding us that gambling has always been a dance between fate and fortune, where even food can play a significant role in defining the outcome of an evening. In the world of casinos, every detail, even culinary, is designed to seduce and, perhaps, to bring that touch of luck that everyone seeks.