Introduction
Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is the beginning of the year according to the traditional Chinese calendar. The festival is observed in several countries of Asia such as China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Taiwan. The celebrations last for over 10 days and are associated with numerous rituals and customs meant to call for lots of luck, wealth and joy for the next year. Parents buy all sorts of sweets and Chinese delicacies to be taken during the celebration of the New Year which is another interesting part of the holiday. This article is the ultimate guide to CNY Snacks including the pineapple tarts and various other delicious items.
Pineapple Tarts
Pineapple tarts are believed to be an integral addition to Chinese New Year celebration in every household of Tee brothers. Below are scrumptious pastries that are made from buttery and flaky pastry that is complimented by the pineapple jam. Brought to Indonesia from Malaysia, pineapple tarts have become an indispensable part of any celebration of Chinese New Year since they symbolize good fortune. And the word ‘Pineapple’ in Chinese is ‘Wu Gwa’ which sounds like ‘prosperity’ and ‘wealth ‘thus, these sweets have to be part of the festivities.
Normally, pineapple tarts can only be made by hand, it is a very time-consuming process, but it offers excellent taste. There are certain variations of this pineapple tarts; the original pineapple tart is a pastry shell filled with a pineapple jam. The other special type is the pineapple swirl tart, with twirl on top of the pastry and the pineapple jam so sharp in taste. Still, whichever version you believe, pineapple tarts are sure to please your palate and bless everyone with good fortune.
Love Letters
Another Chinese New Year delicacies are love letters which derive its name from the soft texture like the paper love letter. These thin, simple cookies are produced by mixing flour, butter, sugar and sometimes egg, kneading the dough out thinly and cutting it into thin strips. The cookies are then baked until it becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Love letters are very famous for having an extremely soft interior that is flaky to the smoke and having a crunchy shrill in every bite. Because of the buttery and slightly sweet taste love letters are best enjoyed when brewed with tea or coffee during the CNY celebration. Such biscuits are also thought to symbolize the power of a strong connection with a dear one, thus such delicacies are rather appropriate as gifts for friends and relatives during celebrations.
Almond Cookies
Another is Almond cookies which are also usual snacks taken during Chinese New Year. These tasty cookies are just prepare with flour, sugar, butter and almonds which gives the crispy and crunchy outlook and brilliant taste to the soft and fluffy biscuit.
Although the almonds used in making the cookies resemble the eye of an extended age person, almond cookies have been believed to make one live longer. This means that giving almond cookies to the elders during Chinese New Year is a sign of honoring them and their experience. They also symbolise dear wishes for longevity, health and prosperity for the come new year and therefore form part of the functions.
Nyonya Kuih
Nyonya kuih or Peranakan Kueh refers to a.Messages of Nyonya kuih are traditional snacks that are a part of the Peranakan culture, which is a mix of Chinese Malay”) Nyonya kuih come in many flavors, colors and shapes and they represent the Malaysian culture imparted beautifully.
Seri muka, as an example of Nyonya kuih is eye-catching due to the passion colors with a combination of smooth soft glutinous rice with shredded coconut filling. Another delicacy that cannot go unnoticed is the aromatic onde-onde having a stuffing of palm sugar and Jack fruit, coated with sesame seed and made in ball form.
Some other Nyonya kuih is even more enjoyable and mouth-watering, such kuih bangkit is chewy and taste nutty, kuih ketayap with coconut and palm sugar stuffed inside, kuih sapit is tender and sweet and has a taro fillings wrapped in sweet potato skin. Since there is a wide range of choices of kuih and their textures, Nyonya kuih is mandatory for CNY snack table showing the cultural background of Malaysia.
Orh Kueh (Radish Cake)
Orh Kueh or called radish cake is a kind of savory cake usually consumed in Malaysia and Singapore especially during Chinese New Year. The highlight of this cake is that it is made from shredded radish and the main ingredients include tapioca starch and rice flour which is steamed until it becomes firm and tender. This is then steamed and can be pan fried or BBQ’d and develops a crispy outside while maintaining a soft inside.
Orh Kueh is tasty; the radish is sweet and the starch and flour make it taste savory. By itself, the cake can be consumed without anything and accompanied with a side dish of chili sauce which gives this bland dish the zing it needs. The radish used in preparation of Orh Kueh is regarded as a prosperous item and the color that is accorded to the cake is golden brown, which is associated with prosperity and wealth. Orh Kueh is therefore fitting to be prepared for the CNY, because it symbolizes prosperity in the coming year.
Conclusion
Traditional CNY goodies make Chinese New Year a feast for the senses, celebrating both the significance of the lunar calendar and the rich tapestry of cultural heritage. The CNY snack table, brimming with yummy, colorful delights, embodies the very essence of the festival’s traditions, values, and practices. Popular treats like pineapple tarts, Nyonya kuih, Orh Kueh, and more are not only delicious but also carry deep symbolic meanings, representing prosperity, unity, and good fortune in the celebration.
As you prepare for the festivities, don’t miss the chance to indulge in these traditional CNY goodies. They are more than snacks—they are a celebration of culture and a way to bring loved ones together. Cook up a splendid dinner, gather your family and friends, and savor the variety of flavors and emotions these special treats offer. Happy Chinese New Year! May it be filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of togetherness.