Isn’t it awesome that we live in a country that is culturally rich and ethnically diverse? It is a privilege and an honour. The immersive experiences and the access, whether to partake, admire, or learn are all appreciated and quite an education! Today begins the New Year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar – Year of the Rabbit, 2023.
The New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, is full of tradition, rituals and foods filled with symbolism. Every year, for several years now, I make a dish that in my own small way, honours and celebrates the occasion. Last year, I made whole steamed fish, a traditional Chinese New Year dish which symbolises prosperity. This year, it’s Longevity Noodles with Shrimp, which symbolises happiness and long life. Longevity noodles are longer than the normal noodles and are uncut. They are cooked either fried, boiled or served in a bowl in broth. I made mine just as we would if making Chow mein. I am not trying to create an authentic dish, more to acknowledge and celebrate.
