I have always associated mee sua noodles with birthdays, because they symbolise longevity. They are long and thin wheat noodles and they are softer than other noodles. This week I learnt that they are also served for Chinese New Year.
If you have been following this blog, you will remember Aunty Geraldine’s focaccia bread, heart-shaped pulled bread and cinnamon rolls. I was invited to Aunty Geraldine’s house for a Chinese New Year gathering a few days ago. I was looking forward to seeing her newly renovated kitchen and home-baked goodies. I was surprised when Uncle Damien, Aunty Geraldine’s husband, asked if he should start cooking when my friends and I entered the house.
We had Chinese New Year cookies and tea while we chatted, then we were invited to the dining room where we were served mee sua soup with egg, pork and mushrooms. Uncle Damien explained that he grew up in KL where his mother served mee sua soup every Chinese New Year. It was a family tradition and he wanted to share it with us. We were very moved.
I told everyone about the Thai red beef curry and kanom jeen (soft rice noodles) which I cooked for Chinese New Year. Jo, who is Aunty Geraldine’s and Uncle Damien’s daughter, had some of it for lunch. I was afraid it would be too spicy for her, but she said it was just right. It was a relief. I knew the others who had the curry for lunch have a high tolerance for spiciness and they can tolerate my curries.
Kanom jeen means Chinese kway, though I am not sure how accurately I have translated it. I can’t say that Thai red beef curry and kanom jeen (as a dish) is a Chinese New Year tradition. I just wanted to cook it because I had the ingredients. (I forgot to take a photo of the dish.)
Like Uncle Damien, I grew up in KL. One of the traditions in my family was to have bak kuh teh (pork bone soup) for Sunday brunch. It’s good to have family traditions. Jo said she grew up having mee sua soup for Chinese New Year and she looks forward to it every year.
Recently, we celebrated Kat’s birthday. We had a special fish noodle soup for dinner. The noodles were for long life. Fish soup is one of Kat’s favourite dishes.
Our fridge has been full of jelly for Chinese New Year. Calvina and Constance have been making them for their special Chinese New Year project. Jelly is a typical Chinese New Year dessert. The home-made ones with fresh fruits are particularly nice, and they are great as a gift.
Wishing you a happy week ahead.
By Chayo, HomSkil Editor 1, 18 February 2024
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