CNY Edition: Different Ways to Eat Nian Gao

Nian Gao by whattocooktoday.com

Just to get things out of the way, Nian Gao is the brown cylinder shaped thingy, usually with a 福 sticker in the centre. Nian Gao is usually eaten during Chinese New Year or during Dragon Boat Festival.

People eat Nian Gao as Nian Gao sounds like “年高” and the direct translation of that literally means “Year High”. So people eat Nian Gao symbolises a higher income, higher position at work or the growth of their children. And like many other Chinese superstitions, people eat stuff for good luck, Nian Gao is one of those lucky foods. But hey, I would jump at any chance to get lucky any day. And who wouldn’t want Nian Gao anyways, it’s amazing.

I never knew that there were so many interesting ways you can eat Nian Gao, until I surfed the web and of course, the internet never fails to impress. So here’s what I found:

Butter Toast Nian Gao

It is what it is, Buttered toast, with Nian Gao in between. WHAT?!?! Imagine, the salty toasted buttery bread, with the soft, sweet and chewy Nian Gao just sandwiched in between. I have got to try this out…

Fried Nian Gao

Fried Nian Gao by Camemberu

So this one is pretty simple, cover the Nian Gao with batter and fry it. Just fry it. This is such a simple treat, even kids would love it.

Yam/Sweet Potato Nian Gao

This is how my grandma makes it. I would prefer sweet potato but yam is nice too. So basically, you sandwich the slice of nian gao in between 2 slices of either yam or sweet potato. OMG wait, what if you put it in between a slice of yam AND sweet potato. Best of both worlds. And then dip it in batter and fry it.

Spring Roll Nian Gao

Whoever thought of this, genius. You wrap the slice of nian gao with spring roll skin and then fry it. Imagine the golden skin wrapped around the nian gao, that would just melt in your mouth.

If you are a big fan of CNY goodies, then head on down to www.foodline.sg for more! Choose from more than 100 items, or even better, don’t choose! Have them all!