Chinese New Year 2013 Feasts

Gong xi fa cai!

A table full of food

How was yesterday for you? Of course, for some of you, it was just another Sunday. But for us with Chinese background, it was the day to gather all the cousins and uncles and aunties for a big feast, with the children are all looking forward to the red pockets.

Like always, the family and I went to the great grandma's house, where a table full of food is ready to be attacked (first picture).

The menu is similar for years, but there are always pork dishes. What's CNY without pork? My fav were the super addictive crispy crackling roast pork and cha siu (glazed roast pork). The soy sauce braised pork is also great, but the pork isn't tender enough for me.

Crispy crackling roast pork (foreground) and cha siu (glazed roast pork) (background)

Soy sauce braised pork

You know that a family loves eating when a table full of main meals is not sufficient. There was this small table, fully occupied by snacks, fruits, and cakes. We also had awesome es cendol (green worm-like jelly in coconut milk and brown sugar syrup) and fruit pudding for dessert.

Clockwise from top left: snack table, durian, dessert selections

The day wasn't even close to the end. We moved over to the father's eldest brother's place, to stuff ourselves with more homemade food.

Another table full of food

A highlight was this lap chiong (Chinese pork sausage); which is so bright coloured and intense in flavour. Perfect with warm rice, but I ate it with cucumber slices to tone down the meaty taste a bit.

Pork sausage (lap chiong)

Because the old family dog died a year ago, the cousin has pet porcupines now. They're incredibly cute and chubby, but I love the little baby porcupine the most!

Porcupines

My dinner was a hearty Madanonese feast at Roo's home. His mom has unbeatable cooking skills if it comes to Manadonese food. My favourite hasn't changed; it'll always be the super stingy yet flavorsome pork in green chilli sauce. Not for the faint hearted.

Manadonese pork in green chilli sauce

Ayam rica (chicken in chilli sauce) is also a winner, but it kinda pale in comparison with the pork.

Manadonese ayam rica (chicken in chilli sauce)

I left Roo's home feeling satisfied and grateful. Even my new dress felt tight by the end of the day. Alright, diet starts today! (NOT :p).

How's your CNY? Any special dishes or cakes to share?


Cheers!