Prepping for Chinese New Year!

新年快到咯！

Steps of Chinese New Year (CNY) are drawing close! With the Chinese race constituting more than 70% of Singapore's population, it is no wonder that CNY is widely celebrated in Singapore! 

The Chinese traditions came a long way back... and when it comes to food and delicacies, the Chinese certainly does not take them lightly- probably a great thing for Singaporeans! Avid food lovers we are, the thought of another occasion to feast (15 days straight!) is definitely worth jumping for joy!

In fact, the feasting starts on CNY eve, where families gather for reunion dinners- the most important meal of the year. Preparations for the dinner can start a month or two back, and that's also the period where dried provision centres such as Albert Centre is busking with the New Year hype. 

Albert Centre Wholesale Market at Queen Street

Dried goods ranging from dried seafood, to Chinese tonics, Chinese smoked delicacies, and a wide variety of nuts can be found here at level three of Albert Centre. As many stalls carry similar products, it is no wonder that stall owners are exceptionally friendly, providing free sampling and offering wholesale prices, building great rapport with shoppers and hopefully retaining a loyal customer.

There are many delicacies for CNY, and each dish and ingredient carries certain wish and hope for the new year.

Other than yu sheng  (鱼生), other traditional New Year dish such as pen cai (盆菜）is also a hit among Singaporeans. An auspicious dish symbolizing prosperity and abundance; delicacies such as abalone, sea cucumber, dried scallops, king oysters and fish maws are commonly found in this dish (Oh gosh I'm already salivating...) They are usually sold by weight, and huge bags of these dried food being stacked up throughout the corridor is a common sight.

What will be your favourite Chinese New Year dish?

Photography: Multifolds Photography (Melvin Lau). Check out their amazing works at http://multifolds.com.sg/

Hair and make up: Joanne Low

Special thanks: Jiayi & Amos

Jiayi is wearing a sweetheart bustier gown with layered organza skirt.