Are you loading up on all the good luck charms in Chinatown to boost your good vibes this year? Then you’re in the right place! Here are some awesome finds during Chinese New Year.
1. Nian Gao / Tikoy
Literal translation is ‘year cake.’ Yup, this yummy sticky rice cake has been a Chinese tradition for generations. You can find these in any Chinatown or local grocery stores during Chinese New Year. Just a tip – if you’re planning to buy this as a gift, buy the ones that are still uncooked and wrapped in pretty boxes. You can have it as steamed, fried, and grilled, with or without add-ons like egg, cheese, or you can even add it in savory soups. You can also find the ones that are ready-to-eat in flavors like pandan, sesame seeds, custard or purple yam.
2. Tray of Togetherness
If you happen to see a round package with eight compartments loaded with colorful sweets, yes, that’s it. Although most families customize their own tray during family reunion dinners, you can find this available for purchase loaded with random dried fruits, kumquats, peanuts, red melon seeds, candied lotus seed and melons, and so on.
3. Fa Gao
These are super yummy. You can buy these fortune cakes to eat or offer to Buddha to help bring prosperity. It’s split at the top symbolizing ‘rise in prosperity.’ This round and sweet steamed cakes actually have a gummy texture, but you’ll love it!
4. Bakkwa
If you’re craving for some savory meat, try Bakkwa. It’s a salty-sweet dried meat similar to jerky. Although it’s prepared in thin square-shaped slices, eat moderately!
5. Kumquat Trees
Now before you say ‘why would I buy a tree’ in Chinatown, kumquat trees are usually like bonsai that grow in a plant box, and their height is only a few feet or less. They say it will bring positive energy and good fortune all year round. And who couldn’t resist growing one, plus you get to eat the fruit!
6. Yuanbao Charms
In Ancient China, yuanbao is a small metal ingot used as money. In Chinatown, you can buy them in different types of charms like bracelets or ornament for your house decorations. They said it symbolize prosperity and good wealth.
7. Paper Lanterns
Get the ones in red and hang them on your doorway. These will keep off the bad energy off your house. It is also believed that women who wish to get pregnant should walk under it. You can also learn how to make a lantern and customize it to your preferred design. This will also promise longevity for the newlyweds.
8. Couplets & Paper Cutouts
These are usually pasted on doorways during the celebration. This decoration is for you to express your good wishes. Chinese zodiac signs are popular designs for the paper cutouts. These are all expression for a blissful new year for the household.
9. Chinese Knots
These bright red decorations are usually used with jade pendants on clothes, flutes, or curtains. Now, they can be used as lucky charms for more blessings.
10. Monkey Toys
Chinese New Year is a great time to bring presents for the kids, so why not get some of those cute toys in-line with the Chinese Zodiac Sign! They vary from charms, stuff toys, puppets, and toy paper.