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

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

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

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

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!

NOW READ

What's Trending?: Experts Share Their Predictions for the F&B Trends That will Dominate in 2022

Now Open: Brandy Museum by Emperador, the First Brandy Museum in the Philippines

15 Best Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining in BGC