CNY reflection: Family, feast and ‘food wars’

Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time to feast, celebrate and embrace centuries-old traditions that bring prosperity, health and family unity. At the heart of these celebrations is the food – each dish not just a treat for the taste buds, but a symbol packed with hopes for luck, wealth and harmony in the year ahead. From savoury classics to sugary delights, CNY meals are more than just sustenance; they are a reflection of cultural heritage, passed down through generations.

For many families, the act of coming together to prepare and share these dishes strengthens bonds and honours ancestors. It’s a time when the kitchen becomes a sacred space of togetherness, where every stir of the pot and every bite shared carries an unspoken message: family is everything. So, as we gather to celebrate this year, let’s savour not just the food, but the connections that come with it.



Now, if you think the friendly food “battles” at the CNY dinner table are intense, let me take you back to the CNY of 2020. That year, we had our celebration like no other..

. until the Covid-19 pandemic hit then after. Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) began in March, and suddenly, we found ourselves in lockdown.

Origins of Meatballs, Spaghetti and Kim Chi. Source: Wikipedia/left to right: Credits to Steffen Wurzel, Elga Cappellari, Alan Chan Amidst the chaos, my family and I stumbled upon an unlikely saviour: the anime Shokugeki no Soma (or Food Wars). This series, as dramatic as it is delicious, f.