As the Year of the Dragon draws near, the celebratory atmosphere in every nook and cranny intensifies. The Cantonese tradition of "lighting the wok" comes alive, as households fill with the essential delights of yau gok (sweet fried dumplings), sesame balls, and sweet egg twists. Each bite evokes the warmest of memories. In a recent gathering at the Hao Family Ancestral Hall in Chebei Village, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, an event themed "Nostalgic Chinese New Year Snacks" was held to welcome the Chinese New Year of the Dragon. The community, both young and old, came together to craft rice cakes, shape sugar rings, prepare yau gok, cook egg twists, and pen Chinese New Year couplets. It was a joyful assembly, where everyone basked in the cherished flavors of their childhood Chinese New Year.
The dough is portioned into small rounds, nestled into molds, and hand-flattened before being firmly tapped with a wooden mallet, then embedding the character of "寿"(longevity) and other designs into its surface. This process births a fresh rice cake. This straightforward and enjoyable method of crafting fried rice cakes has captivated numerous children, eager to give it a go.
A villager fondly recalled, "Growing up, the sight of each family in the village preparing traditional snacks left a lasting impression on me. The moment I caught the sound of cakes being made, I'd dash over to see. It didn't matter if I knew who was making them. I'd always jump in to lend a hand."
Villager Li Meina explained, "Sesame balls represent a home brimming with wealth. Making yao gok is akin to making dumplings. They are stuffed with a mix of sugar, sesame, peanuts, and more. Their 'money pouch' shape embodies affluence and good fortune. Sweet egg twists are a metaphor for family growth and success, while the interconnected sugar rings stand for unity and the sweetness of life." She added that for her and her peers, preparing Chinese New Year snacks is the pinnacle of joy, "I eagerly anticipate the Chinese New Year each time. The moment we start heating the wok, it signals that the Chinese New Year is just around the corner."
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