Chinese New Year
Roast Pork Belly (Siew Yoke)
As far back as I can remember, crackly roast pork was only served during festivals and special occasions like weddings, milestone birthdays, and baby’s full moon (celebration of baby’s first month of life). An entire roast pig or siew chee had to be ordered from the butcher. The choicest part of the roast pig was [...]
Fah Sung Thong when translated literally means peanut candy. This simple yet delicious candy is another childhood favorite that I took for granted. They were inexpensive and readily available. Mom had contacts and knew where to purchase freshly made ones for the holidays and festivities. These were made by friends in small batches and were [...]
Continue reading about Fah Sung Thong (Peanut and Sesame Brittle)
Lobak is a deep fried minced pork roll wrapped in beancurd sheet. It has a crunchy exterior with a soft and chewy filling. On the island of Penang, lobak is often made at home by the Straits Chinese as one of the main dishes during festivals and celebrations. At the food courts, it is eaten [...]
In contrast to Chinese New Year in Asia with family and friends, over here it is a work day for most people. The snow that we “ordered for Christmas” finally arrived and Ro-Ri San had to fire up the snow thrower to clear the driveway. He took the day off to accompany me while the [...]
One of the most delectable aromas in Asian Chinatowns is the smell of Bak Kwa being roasted on a charcoal brazier in a nearby restaurant. Interestingly, there are Chinatowns even in predominantly Chinese cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Singapore where things feel more Chinese. In Kuala Lumpur there is Petaling Street or Chee Cheong [...]
Continue reading about Bak Kwa (Long Yoke Korn) – Dragon Meat for the Year of the Dragon
Ever thought of food as time capsules? Everyone can think of some food that instantly transports us back to an exact place and time in our lives with its unique combination of taste, scent, and texture. For me, some of these traditional Chinese confectioneries bring me back to long childhood road trips from Kuala Lumpur, [...]
Continue reading about Hup Toh Soh (Chinese Walnut Biscuits)
Leng Chee Kang is a dessert consisting of a variety of pre-cooked ingredients mixed in a syrup. Considered to have “cooling” properties, it may be served warm or cold with ice cubes. Hence, it’s popularity in Malaysia and Singapore where the climate is hot and humid throughout the year. While it is not exactly a [...]
