Curious Cook: Foods best not eaten

Excessive intake of fried foods can cause cardiovascular diseases and cellular damage. Wrinkled skin in old age can also be traced to high consumption of these foods when younger. — SHARDAR TARIKUL ISLAM/Unsplash

It was a quiet Chinese New Year here in France, with just my wife, dog and myself having a casserole for the Reunion dinner on the eve, followed by vegan meals for the New Year itself. To be honest, I was rather envious of the pictures of sumptuous dinners and meals posted by family, friends, and ex-classmates in Malaysia. The images and well wishes do remind me of the significance of what it means to be Chinese during the Lunar New Year.

The Chinese ascribe a lot of importance and symbolism to their food, especially during the Lunar New Year. Eating dumplings is supposed to confer wealth, and so does spring rolls. Having a whole steamed fish is allegedly linked to an increase in prosperity and glutinous rice cakes are purported to lead to a higher income or promotion at work.