Cover Photo: Vernon Raineil Cenzon /Unsplash
Photo: Vernon Raineil Cenzon /Unsplash
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Chinese New Year is just a few weeks away—plan ahead and order our Tatler Friends' essential dishes for a prosperous feast
Falling on the 1st of February this 2022, Chinese New Year is right around the corner. While the occasion is usually synonymous with rambunctious banquets at our favourite Chinese restaurants, spinning lazy susans back and forth as we graze on grand eats, many are opting to order in or whip up a storm at home instead.
Take a page out of our Tatler Friends' books and read about the must-have dishes they're looking forward to eating this Chinese New Year.
See also: The Best Chinese Restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022
Emerson Yao, Managing Director of Lucerne
Above Emerson Yao
Emerson Yao
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Peking duck is a must-have for me during the Chinese New Year. Normally, I’d get this dining in [at a restaurant]. However, given the circumstances, I’ll have take-out food this time from The Peking Order (an online food supplier).
See also: 5 Legends Behind The Chinese New Year Traditions We Know And Love
Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, chef and restaurateur
Above Happy Ongpauco-Tiu
Above Photo: Shardar Tarikul Islam / Unsplash
Happy Ongpauco-Tiu
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This year, I’ll be cooking at home and preparing the following:
- Steamed fish, for prosperity
- Noodles, for longevity
- Dumplings, for good fortune
- Spring rolls, for good luck and prosperity
- Whole chicken, which symbolizes togetherness of family
- Sticky rice balls like mochi or tangyuan, also for togetherness of family
- Prosperity tray of eight sweet treats, symbolising togetherness
- Tangerines, golden coloured fruits for extra luck
See also: Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu Shares 3 Must-Try Holiday Recipes
Ferdie Ong, owner of Living Innovations
Above Ferdie Ong
Ferdie Ong
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Our family usually orders Chinese food from Summer Palace at the Edsa Shangri-La hotel. We just ask Nancy [Farm, the hotel’s director of Chinese operations] to prepare our food, as our parents always like to order their old-time favourites. The crab sotanghon and seven treasure soup are must-have staples.
See also: Chinese New Year 2022: A Guide to the Symbolism Behind Festive Decorations
Stephanie Coyiuto-Tay, co-founder of Casa Bella and founder of Fig & Vine
Above Stephanie Coyiuto-Tay
Stephanie Coyiuto-Tay
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For Chinese New Year, we order from The Empress Dining Palace in BGC (we like their treasure pot!). Another big favourite is China Blue by Jereme Leung at Conrad Manila hotel. They have the best Chinese food in my opinion!
See also: Foodie Finds: Stephanie Coyiuto Tay Lists Her Favourite Orders
Eric Dee, COO of FooDee Global Concepts and co-founder of Kraver’s Canteen
Above Eric Dee
Eric Dee
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Chinese New Year normally means quality time with family, and my amah (grandmother) usually cooks the entire spread as my mom does her signature dish to help out. The spread would normally consist of [her] famous fresh lumpia, kiampung (sticky rice), vermicelli noodle crab (my mom's speciality), and in Chinese celebrations should always have whole steamed fish. Amah always gets the fish head, which is normally the most prized piece on the fish. On my in-laws’ side in Kuala Lumpur, we celebrate the first day of the Chinese new year by eating vegetarian. My mother-in-law cooks the best vegetarian curries and it is something I look forward to.
See also: Cloud Talk: 3 of the Biggest Cloud Kitchens in Metro Manila
Alicia Colby Sy, editor and lifestyle writer
Above Alicia Colby Sy
Alicia Colby Sy
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Before the pandemic, we used to have large family dinners with my husband’s extended family to celebrate Chinese New Year. We would usually get together on New Year’s Eve in a restaurant like Summer Palace at Edsa Shangri-La hotel or Jade Garden in Makati. The children and teenagers would receive red ang pao envelopes from their grandparents and godparents.
Recently, celebrations at home are with immediate family and usually involve takeout feasts from our favourite Chinese restaurants. We enjoy Xiù Fine Cantonese Dining, Choi Garden, and Hai Kang, all located in Greenhills.
See also: Foodie Finds: Editor Alicia Colby Sy Shares Her Top 5 Takeout Picks
Another option is to place an additional order to supplement our feast. Special crab and noodles dishes from home cooks like Sandra’s Specialties and Ley’s Kitchen are fantastic options. China Mommy, another home kitchen offers crabs as well and “fortune bags” made of tofu stuffed with either crab or vegetables. Choomp Choomp Kitchen also has some delicious Chinese dishes.
Instead of tikoy, consider gifting some radish cake instead. I love the ones from Lo Bak Go. I love frying them up extra crispy on the edges and eating it with lots of XO sauce!
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About
Lauren’s love for food came much later in life than one would expect— an obsession awakened in the streets of Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Armed with this newfound passion, she returned to the Philippines determined to discover the best eats in her home country, with a personal advocacy to champion local cuisines and homegrown talent. Nothing is off-limits; if it’s delicious, it’s worth celebrating.
Work
As Tatler Dining associate editor, Lauren covers all things food and drink, from listing the latest openings in our monthly Dining Radar to interviewing chefs and bartenders about the biggest obstacles crippling the industry today. Beyond the digital space, she also organises Tatler Dining’s tentpole events, including Off Menu and Tatler Dining Kitchen, as well as the annual Tatler Best Philippines awards night and guide launch, detailing the best restaurants in the country.
For leads and event invites, contact her via lauren@tatlerphilippines.com or follow her on Instagram at @laurengolangco.
Photo: Ralph Mendo
