THE CELEBRATION of the Lunar New Year will kick off on Feb. 10, and will carry on for the next 15 days, as people around the world celebrate the coming of the Year of the Wood Dragon.
Under the lunisolar calendar, the 15-day celebration signifies the beginning of spring and the start of a prosperous year.
Food is an important part of these celebrations, and families usually serve food said to provide fortune and prosperity for the new year. Here are six symbolic Chinese foods to prepare this Lunar New Year:
Tikoy
Derived from the Hokkien word "ti keuh,” the sticky rice cake known as Tikoy is is said to be a "lucky charm" for customers throughout the year, according to Amor Kulaw, a Tikoy seller in Binondo, Manila.
Before the clock strikes nine in the morning, Eng Huat vendor Kulaw starts her daily preparations by double-checking the materials to sort the two boxes of flavors: plain and brown sugar.
The sweet cake is made with glutinous rice flour sealed in a plastic film and comes with the signature red box of Eng Huat store.
Prices vary in size, where customers can already buy a 1/4 size for P50; 1/2 size for P80; one kilo for P140; and two kilos for P250.
Sugar cane drink
Sugar cane extract is a sweet, fresh juice with hints of earthiness on the side. The Chinese believe that it is a symbol of strength and prosperity deeply intertwined with the traditions of Chinese New Year.
Ruby Cheng, known for her delectable sugar cane juice, welcomes customers to her stall along Ongpin Street from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
Served in a big tumbler for P100, Cheng said that the juice extracted from the fibrous sugar cane plant not only serves as a thirst quencher, but also offers health benefits as it is a good source of electrolytes, phenolic, flavonoid antioxidants, and potassium.
Xiaolongbao
The Xiaolongbao is one of the great Chinese dimsum classics known for its mix of fresh vegetables and meat, all wrapped in a flour-based parcel.
Beverly Lorca, who sells Xiaolongbao as part of Vege Select’s offerings, told Manila Pulse that the Xiaolongbao is made of kuchay, pork, and broth encased in a dough skin. She steams it in a stainless stockpot in front of the customers.
One order consisting of six pieces of these bouncy, stuffed dumplings are sold at a price of P200.
Spring rolls
The Chinese associate spring rolls, whether they be deep-fried or freshly wrapped, with wealth because they look like gold bars.
Hidden at a corner of Carvajal Street in Binondo, a shop sells two pieces of spring rolls together with a sweet brown sauce for P100. The spring rolls are stuffed with carrot, cucumber, and bean sprouts and wrapped into bite-sized pieces. Both freshly wrapped and deep-fried spring rolls are available.
Glass noodles
Glass noodles symbolize longevity and the pursuit of a flourishing life. During the Chinese New Year, it represents the pursuit of overall well-being.
Chuan Kee Restaurant in Ongpin Street has been serving customers glass noodles since 1940, proudly holding the title of one of the oldest remaining fast food places in Binondo.
The restaurant operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. where tourists can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine.
Oranges
Known for their round shape, almost dazzling gold hue, and sweet-tart taste, oranges wrap up our symbolic food list as they represent “oneness” because of their round shape.
During Chinese New Year, it is a time-honored tradition to offer oranges as a thoughtful gift to friends and family, expressing heartfelt wishes for abundance in the coming year.
It is also believed that giving two oranges to the elderly can significantly contribute to better rapport. – S. E. Samson and J. L. Vicente/Manila Pulse
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