As we take visit our extended family this Lunar New Year, nothing quite brings back good memories like Chinese New Year snacks. Be it sweet or savoury these red containers of goodness are always laid out on the dining and coffee table to savour. But not all snacks are made equal and eventually some jars get empty faster than others.
Some people can go through a whole jar crispy kuih kapit while other prefer the dangerously addictive ngaku chips. Some Chinese New Year snacks are absolute must-haves in every Asian household like bak kwa and pineapple tarts. We all have nostalgic memories with these snacks and in one way or another they’ve shaped us into who we are today.
So, what does your go-to snack tell about you? The one you can’t help but reach out to at every household you will visit. Here are our lighthearted assumptions on what kind of person you might be based on your favourite Chinese New Year snacks.
What your favourite Chinese New Year snacks say about you
Bak kwa
If you’re favourite snack is bak kwa you are probably someone who cherishes time with your inner circle. This is because you have probably bought packet of dried meats for each of your family members. Thus, receiving just as much as you have given. Gift-giving (especially through food) is your thing this time of the year and has gained you lots of brownie points among the elders.
White almond cookies
If you’re favourite is this powdery pasty sweet treat, you probably like to enjoy it in silence. During family gatherings and catchups you’ll probably snack on these to avoid any small talk. Probably a hidden introvert, you like to skip the surface level chatter and go straight to the point in conversations. Because of this many people turn to you to ‘keep it real’ and become the designated family therapist.
Kuih Belanda
As a kid you probably put this rolled crispy treat between your fingers and pretended to smoke it like a cigarette. Well, people were kind enough to not tell you looked quite silly. But those foolish memories are still cherished and has not stopped you from doing it out of habbit during family gatherings. You probably have kept your inner child intact and have a playful attitude towards life.
Kuih Kapit
You probably believe you were born in the ‘wrong generation’ as you share that thought on Instagram stories. Collecting kuih kapit with your parents as a child is probably a core memory. The aunty who has made these cookies has become far older and you wonder who will continue her legacy. An old-soul trapped in a Gen Z’s body, you’re also probably a favourite amongst the family elders.
Keropok
You’re a certified foodie who needs to eat every four hours or your stomach will internally combust. The reason why the keropok jar is almost empty is probably because you ate it while waiting for lunch to be prepared. A snack connoisseur, you know which market in which kampung in Malaysia sells the best prawn crackers and probably have a list of your top five favourite brands.
Arrow root Chips (Ngaku)
This jar of chips is usually the first to finish among the red containers. If this is your favourite snack you are probably the mischievous sibling who is adored by everyone which means you get first dibs on snacks, drinks, and desserts. Because of your constant chatter and snacking you are always nagged by your parents to drink more water.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
You’re probably missing the cafes back in KL and have been on the lookout for the best coffee and cookies before getting summoned to the family reunion. Cafe hopping is probably your full-time hobby and while everyone is sipping the finest Chinese tea, your shyly asking for an iced black or sneaking out with the cousins to visit the next hidden cafe in town.
Pineapple Tarts
You probably grew up on aunty’s pineapple tarts growing up and realised nothing paled in comparison. A stickler for tradition you prefer to get your Chinese New Year snacks from the secret societies of uncles and aunty’s rather than commercial brands. You have an appreciation for getting things done the ‘traditional way’ and are probably the only one in the family who remembers every relatives family rank and nickname.
Kuih Loyang/Kuih Rose
You have an affinity for beautiful things, be it in your food or your fashion choices. Chinese New Year is an aesthetic moodboard to be lived out in person. You probably have an outfit plan for each day of the festive season, wearing gold, pink, and red as bold statement colours. While, some relatives stay at home you are on a shopping spree at the malls with the aunties getting them clothes to wear for the next year.
Fried Niangao
If this chewy, crispy, delicious pastry is your favourite then you probably like the one making the snacks. You love to cook as a hobby and Chinese New Year is the time to show off your skills and test your latest recipes to the family. Whether it’s cookies, crackers, or pastry’s you love to spend the day making them in the kitchen. With no ingredient wasted, you use whatever is available and incorporate it into your cooking. This probably also makes you exhausted by the end of each day.
(Hero and feature image credit: Din’s Bakery/Facebook)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
