It's quite difficult to say whether our guests liked our seasonal delicacies or not, as it is not culturally typical to answer "no", or say anything that would make the other look bad, especially the hosts. On the other hand it is plain common sense, and I wouldn't be my usual direct self in a similar situation either. We had plenty of fun for sure, talking about the traditions of this time a year, trying out the food and exchanging gifts (thanks to our most recent visitors, we had 'Pandan juhlakonvehteja' for our guests!)
The moment everyone was waiting for did not go as planned - I got the almond from the porridge. Superstition over all things bringing luck, good health etc. is an important part of the Asian cultures, and it was only natural that our guests searched through their plates of porridge looking for the one almond in the pot that would bring good luck before even tasting the porridge itself.
Tracey brought over a magnificent looking log cake, a seasonal sweet that can at the moment be found in all bakery shop windows in various flavours and decorations. It must be one of those British traditions of Singapore, as although one might not believe this from looking at the Christmas carnival madness on Orchard road and in the biggest shopping malls, Christmas is not really celebrated in the local families. There's no religious background for it, and there are no national holidays in the calendar. For a non-religious, low-key Christmas fan like me this is both good and bad - no need to make a fuss about it (a word of warning, this translates into practice in the form of unsent Christmas cards and minimum gifts!) - but also no slowing down and staying in, which I love about Christmas time.
Now it would not have been exchange of cultural experiences without a local experience as well. A few weeks back we went out to Bugis area of Singapore, to Liang Seah street that is filled with restaurants and among them a place for deserts only: Ah Chew Deserts.
Tracey, Nin and Dan ordered a good variety of the Chinese style (or more Hong Kong style to be exact) deserts for us to taste, must have been at least third of the menu..
All of the deserts were soupy-style, so no pastries or such. There was Gingko Nut with Beancurd shavings, Black Sesame Paste with ah-Balling, Steamed Milk with Egg, Peanut Paste, White Fungus with Papaya, Tapioca with Sago, Black Glutinous Rice with Coconut Milk & ah-Balling, Mango Sago with Pamelo & Durian, Mango Sago with Pamelo and Almond Paste.. (yes, I confess, I couldn't remember all of this, had to peak into Nin's facebook album). Most of them were so pretty to look at that it took as a while to start!
My favourite was not (suprise?) the durian flavoured one, but the 'muddy golf balls' as I renamed it, I think it was Black Sesame Paste with ah-Balling?
The desert tasting was another fun night sitting around, tasting new flavours and exchanging cultural experiences. I so hope we'll continue these outings next year too; I'm looking forward to visiting a true S'pore suburb with a local guide and experiencing the Chinese New Year. And in exchange I will hopefully be able to offer 'mämmi' and curd cheese tart (rahkapiirakka) at easter time!
We finished almost everything (although Dan 'had to' eat all of the peanut paste!).
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