Nian gao grandma’s way

(From right) Lee, mother-in-law Chen Ah Moy, 74, and Yen lining the tins with smoked banana leaves. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star

The best way to make nian gao is still the traditional way, according to housewife Lee Li Yong, 50.

“The tastiest, sweetest and stickiest nian gao is prepared using the traditional method,” said Lee, who uses banana leaves to wrap her glutinous rice cakes and bakes them to perfection on a wood fire.