We booked our flight to Hong Kong for Presidents’ Day. In 2018, that day happens to fall three days after Chinese New Year. While a shame to miss the celebrations, the crowds in this city of almost 7.5 million sounded intense.
With a late evening arrival, I had booked three nights at The Mahjong for simplicity. I had expected the standard hostel amenities. What I hadn’t expected was the Chinese New Year treats we would soon sample.
For mochi lovers, try tāngyuán* (湯圓). These boiled “soup balls” are served in a sweetened ginger broth for dessert. While fillings vary, the hostel made them with either red bean paste, taro or peanut butter. We watched the preparation during our first afternoon in Hong Kong.
Later in the week, the staff were cooking again. This time, it was niángāo* (年糕) which means “year cake” but sounds like “year high” so is eaten for good luck. Slices of this steamed cake made with brown sugar and rice flour are pan fried. We ate a home-style version dipped in a sweet egg batter before frying. We liked both tāngyuán and niángāo. I plan to try making these myself, but I’ve also seen the sweets available in grocery stores.
Chinese New Year Beyond the Food
We now know New Year celebrations last for 10 or more days. So arriving after the official holiday doesn’t mean you miss all the excitement. Besides eating tasty foods, we watched spontaneous lion dances performed in the streets. We learned these performances are often paid for by businesses to bring good luck. The loud drumming can’t help but attract customers as well.
While some sights in Hong Kong are quiet in winter, crowds of worshippers fill the Taoist temples. Lots of people means the air is thick with the smoke from burning incense.
So often when traveling in Europe, the churches are empty. But in Hong Kong, the temples are packed and we become part of the activities. At least during Chinese New Year.
Year of the Dog
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2018 is the year of the dog. Lucky for us, I booked a week-long stay with these two overactive puppies:
Those puppies are adorable. Hope Anita didn’t tell Alma…she will be jealous. Can’t wait till your next post.
They were a lot of fun. I can’t remember the exact breed. But being terriers, they had many Alma-like qualities.
This all looks amazing, Micaela! Thank you for sharing your adventures so far. (The video of the dancing dragon was really fun!) So glad the New Year celebration lasts ten days. I’ve had the pleasure of having several Chinese post docs stay with me who are attending UMass (have one right now in fact) so once in a while I’ve been offered their delicious dishes. I also enjoy their herbal remedies. Hope you get lots of wonderful exposure to their amazing culture. I’ll be following you… !
Hi Emily! Thanks for reading the blog. I feel lucky we were able to experience a little bit of Chinese New Year, and especially taste the delicious foods. I’m happy to hear you’ll be following our travels.
make mine peanut butter…………. I am sure I will be investigating the different food choices when I see you and Matt in April. the dogs look good, Alma did not see them
I’ve been surprised to see peanut butter here. Apparently french toast is a thing in Hong Kong, although I haven’t tried it yet. Deep-fried and often filled with peanut butter. I’m sure you’d love it.