FollowThe Eve of Chinese New Year (CNY) is always a special occasion, and this year (28 January 2025) was no exception. We celebrated with a potluck dinner at hubby’s uncle’s house nearby, marking a delightful departure from our usual routines. Instead of heading to Ipoh or having a quiet dinner with just our family of six in Kuala Lumpur, we gathered with extended family for a feast filled with laughter, love, and tradition.
The dinner table was a sight to behold, laden with all the CNY classics. The star of the show was the steamed castrated chicken, a luxurious delicacy reserved for special occasions like this. Alongside it were Hakka braised pork with black fungus, Chinese sausages and waxed meat, and braised abalone with shiitake mushrooms and broccoli. The braised yam with pork belly and pan-fried soy sauce prawns added depth to the spread, while the rice wine chicken (my all-time favorite) was a treat. Of course, no CNY meal would be complete without the customary Yee Sang for prosperity and good luck. This year, hubby’s cousin, who’s the same age as Alycia, surprised us with a delicious keto dish—minced beef and fish paste wrapped in Chinese cabbage and stewed in a flavorful broth. It was a modern twist that perfectly complemented the traditional fare.
After the hearty meal, the real fun began with our annual card game session. The girls always look forward to this part of the evening, hoping to win some pocket money. We played Black Jack and Biggest Number, but the highlight wasn’t the games themselves—it was the bonding. Chatting, laughing, and snacking together created a warmth that’s hard to replicate. These moments are rare, happening only two or three times a year, which makes them all the more precious.
To top it off, hubby’s cousin ordered Chargee tea for everyone, adding a refreshing note to the evening. It was a small but thoughtful touch that made the night feel even more special.
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