Lunar New Year Dish

There's something I noticed during Lunar New Year this year, the Chinese in Singapore celebrates CNY differently from Chinese in other countries, say Taiwan, Malaysia or China.

But some traditions don't change.

For one, it's eating Poon Chai, 盆菜。

盆菜 is also known as Big Bowl Feast, a traditional type of food originated from the Hakka cusine. According to Wiki, it may also be found in different parts of Hong Kong, and is served in wooden, porcelain or metal basin.

Since ours is bought from a restaurant and costs a few hundred dollars just for that medium sized Poon Chai, they better give us the porcelain one! Hehe. 

It was said that Poon Choi was invented during the late Song Dynasty of China. To serve the Emperor as well as his army, the locals collected all their best food available, cooked it, and because there were not enough dishes, put the resulting dish in wooden washing basins. By doing so Poon Choi was invented.

Our Poon Choi includes ingredients such as chicken, abalone, ginseng, sharks fin, fish maw, red dates, mushrooms, beancurd and Chinese radish.

And finally, some bloggers over the world who eats 盆菜  as well, Alan and Maiji.

Remember to eat this for the next Lunar New Year! You don't have to spend $ at a restaurant, you can also make on for your family. :)