This time of year is the best time to travel down to Asian countries, especially Singapore. Not only are you escaping the bitter cold in the UK, you are going to enjoy the different varieties of foods and festivals there. As a proud Singaporean, I would like to share some of our delicious Chinese New Year goodies. They are only produced once a year to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Chinese are very superstitious so all the goodies are labelled in red. Why Red? It is corresponding with fire, and symbolizes good fortune and joy.
Some of these photos were taken by my friend and sister in Singapore who kindly sent it over to me.
Nian Gao (年糕)
Nian Gao are made from glutinous rice. They symbolise raising oneself to a higher level in each coming year. They are available all year but people mainly consume it during Chinese New Year. They come in a variety of colours, depending on how they are prepared. Some are moulded in a fish shape, golden coin or plain white roll etc.
This picture show the traditional Nian Gao which is wrapped up in plastic.
Yu Sheng (鱼生)
Traditionally, this is consumed on the seventh day of Chinese New Year (Renri – celebrating everyone’s birthday). But nowadays, people consume it at any time from the 1st to the 15th day of Chinese New Year.
Before you consume it, everyone tosses the Yu Sheng with New Year greetings – the higher you toss, the better luck you will get. If you are very competitive, you might want to use a stool to stand and toss above your mates!
This is us celebrating while we were in Singapore two years ago.
This is how they look like in the shop. Each ingredient is individually packed and they come in a larger container. Optionally, you should add raw fish (only if you consume) with Yu Sheng, as this is actually what it translates to.
Assorted preserved fruits
They always come in an octagonal box of eight different type of fruits or candy. They symbolism good fortune and joy.
Other Chinese New Year Goodies:
Pineapple tarts, mini spring rolls, love letters, honey hole crackers, prawn crackers, assorted preserved fruits etc.
Please note that these examples are available in Singapore, though you might find the more common goodies like egg rolls, nian gao here in the UK.