GOASIAPLUS January 2017

• HAPPINESS OF THE ENTIRE FAMILY •
Chinese Ingredients
Dried fish maw and
shrimp BOTTOM The
shop’s selection of nuts.
Fish Maw
• Huā Jiāo •
花 膠
Though some people
describe fish maw as the
belly of a fish, it is actually
the bladder of a big fish that has been
dried. Mr. Hiah’s shop has them behind
glass cases and some are even hung on
the walls. The dried ones are the most
prized but there is also the fried fish maw
which can be mistaken for fish crackers or
keropok in Malay. These thin transparent
fish parts are believed to be high in
collagen and those who consume it will
benefit with a fairer complexion.
The grade of it varies from type of fish
and even gender. Male fish bladders are
thicker thus making them more expensive
compared to female ones. When the fish
maw is cooked, the bladder turns into a
gel-like substance which can easily dissolve
if the temperature and time of cooking are
not monitored well. It has to be soaked first
though before cooking for about six to 12
hours depending on the type of fish maw.
• ABUNDANCE •
Wine-dried
waxed sausages
or Lap Cheong
GOOD TO KNOW
• Yāoguŏ •
腰 果
• GOLD OR MONEY •
Cashew Nuts
Nuts are a big part
of Chinese culture as they have various
meanings while boasting many health
benefits. Mr. Hiah stocks his cashews
from India and can be cooked with stir fry
dishes or simply eaten as a snack.
Nuts
• Hétàorén •
核 桃
仁
Walnut
Walnuts saw a
massive growth during the Tang dynasty
where it was commercially grown in the
north of China. It is eaten raw or roasted
but can be embellished with sugar for a
sweet take on this favourite snack.
• If you prefer to eat poultry, try Lap
Cheong or waxed Chinese sausage
which is a wine-dried sausage.
• When serving chicken during
Chinese New Year, it is preferred
to serve it whole with the chicken’s
head and all as it symbolises
completeness in Chinese culture.
• Tofu is not usually served during
Chinese New Year because its
white colour signifies death.
However, it can be served if it’s
fried till golden brown.
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