Photo: Courtesy of Shawna Yap
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Shawna Yap

The ever fashionable South Korea-born jetsetter shares five Chinese New Year traditions and memories she cherishes

Born and raised in South Korea, Shawna Yap often celebrated Chinese New Year with family before living abroad, first to Africa for a year or two and then California. Moving to Kuala Lumpur years ago after marrying her husband Yap Teak Sing, she continues to embrace Chinese New Year rituals and traditions that are close to her heart. 

Related: Chinese New Year 2022 in Malaysia: Reunion Dinner & Other SOPs

Amidst the flurry of planning and excitement leading up to this year's celebrations, Tatler caught up with Yap to learn her best-loved memories, favourite traditions and go-to spots for reunion dinner. 

Cherished Memories

"Chinese New Year (Seollal) in Korea was memorable for me," Yap says. "We would wear hanbok and visit our friends and family. Children often received money from their elders after performing a formal bow. I loved it. This year, I look forward to catching up with old friends and family in KL, and sharing good food, joy and laughter." 

See also: Capsule Collections to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2022 in Style

Family Feasts

Tatler Asia
The MO Lucky Rabbit Yee Sang (Photo: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur)
Above Reunion dinners at Lai Po Heen, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur are part and parcel of Shawna Yap's CNY memories in KL (Photo: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur)

"My top restaurants in Kuala Lumpur for CNY reunion dinners or festive lunches with friends are: Yu, Ruyi & Lyn, Lai Po Heen at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, and Yun House at The Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur."

Related: The ultimate guide to dining out for Chinese New Year 2023

Flower Power

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Shawna Yap
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Shawna Yap
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Shawna Yap

"Flower arrangements are everywhere in my home during Chinese New Year. I love to decorate the house with flowers that I buy from Lee Wah Florist. Doing my own flower arrangements is my passion and hobby. I'm into dry flowers as well, it's fun to create different looks with them."

See also: Chinese New Year 2023: Auspicious plants and flowers, and where to get them

Gift Baskets Galore

"In the last two years, we've tried to order from hotels or restaurants that offer door-to-door delivery for hygiene and safety reasons," Yap shares. "We love ordering Chinese New Year cakes and yee sang from Ruyi & Lyn and the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur."

See also: Chinese New Year 2023: The best food gifts to buy

Snack Time

"I like to get the traditional Chinese New Year cookies from Chinatown where my wonderful late mother-in-law used to buy from."

Related: Where & What To Eat: 7 Places To Explore In Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur

Tatler Asia
Above Yap at the Tatler-Melium Charity Auction 2014 photoshoot (Photo: Tatler Malaysia)

"It's been an incredibly challenging two years for everyone. It's taught me to appreciate the small things."

- Shawna Yap -

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