This year, we’re celebrating Lunar New Year 2022 with three eminent Bangkok chefs.
On 1 February 2022, countries across Southeast Asia and East Asia welcome the New Year with family, feasts, and festivities. This year, we mark the Year of the Tiger, an animal that is recognised as the king of all beasts in the Chinese zodiac, an animal that represents courage and strength.
Here, to commemorate the forthcoming Chinese New Year 2022, we sit down with three Bangkok-based chefs to speak about their most cherished memory of Lunar New Year, their personal favourite dish from the auspicious occasion, and the feast they will be preparing this year.
Chinese Executive Chef Chow Mai Wan of Shang Palace, Shangri-La Bangkok
How do you celebrate Chinese New Year?
Although Shang Palace gets extremely busy, I try to find time to celebrate with friends, if my schedule permits.
What is your favourite memory of Chinese New Year?
My favourite memory of the special occasion goes back to the good old days when I was young and Chinese New Year was celebrated in the traditional manner. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, family members from all over gathered for a celebration where we cooked special dishes and ate them together. We also shared oranges, a fruit that symbolises good fortune for the coming year.
Now, I am 63 years old and Chinese New Year is celebrated rather differently.
What is your personal favourite Chinese New Year dish? And why?
The Hong Kong-style steamed grouper is my personal favourite dish. This is because the dish encompasses a very good meaning.
Fish is pronounced ‘Yu’ in Chinese, and the sound of ‘Yu’ is a homophone for the word ‘affluence’ or ‘abundance.’ This is a must-have dish for Chinese New Year celebrations and hence, also a personal favourite dish of mine.
What dishes are you making for Chinese New Year 2022?
This year, Shang Palace offers three special sets for family gatherings: ‘Fortune,’ ‘Prosperity,’ and ‘Longevity.’ The set menus feature dishes that are only available during the Chinese New Year, with the intention to bring good luck and prosperity to everyone.
Discover more at Shang Palace.
Head Chef Kam Sing of The Silk Road, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
How do you celebrate Chinese New Year?
Ever since I became a chef, Chinese New Year has been a busy day at work. Cooking auspicious dishes for guests always has me fully occupied in the kitchen. However, I do always manage to find time to cook for my family as well.
What is your favourite memory of Chinese New Year?
My favourite memory takes me down memory lane back to when I was a child. More specifically, when I was receiving Ang Pao from elders and partaking in other traditions, like receiving new clothes and new shoes. I used to always get excited when Chinese New Year was approaching; to have family members gather and dine together.
What is your personal favourite Chinese New Year dish? And why?
Yu Sheng is certainly my favourite dish. It’s not only healthy, but I truly believe that the dish brings prosperity to my family and myself.
What dishes are you making for Chinese New Year 2022?
For this year’s Lunar New Year, The Silk Road is offering more than 13 auspicious dishes. Some of the dishes I’m cooking are Chinese New Year Poon Choi for success, and steamed shrimp balls with Chinese seaweed and broccoli for wealth.
Discover more at The Silk Road.
Chinese Executive Chef Oscar Pun of Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
How do you celebrate Chinese New Year?
This is a time to be with family. So, I like getting together with my loved ones, sharing festive food, and giving Ang Pao.
What is your favourite memory of Chinese New Year?
I have several fond childhood memories of Chinese New Year, mostly involving food. Every year, my mom would make a lot of special dishes for the whole family. I remember being very happy sharing food and spending time with my relatives. Everyone reunited to eat and celebrate together, and I received Ang Pao from my older relatives. It was a very special time.
What is your personal favourite Chinese New Year dish? And why?
The Nian Gao, a traditional Chinese New Year cake. I always enjoy this dish, whenever I taste it, it reminds me of my mother’s cooking as she made this cake every year when I was younger. Nian Gao is shaped like a koi carp and represents prosperity and happiness.
What dishes are you making for Chinese New Year 2022?
To celebrate the Year of the Tiger, we have created a special Chinese New Year menu featuring traditional delicacies such as Yu Sheng and Nian Gao. Pagoda Chinese Restaurant will also serve handmade dim sum, baked sugar buns with BBQ pork, and so much more. I look forward to welcoming guests to our restaurant for the upcoming Lunar New Year.
Discover more at Pagoda Chinese Restaurant.