Home is where the reunion dinner is


Happy memories: Yong (right) making Hakka abacus seed with her mother Wong How Lan and her sister Bell (left) for their reunion dinner last year.

JOHOR BARU: Despite the convenience of eating out, some families prefer preparing their reunion dinner at home.

Tuition teacher Maggie Yong, 54, said her favourite part of the Chinese New Year’s Eve tradition is the chance to cook together with her loved ones.

“I think cooking together with the family is the best part of the reunion dinner, especially as we do not always get to meet or spend that much time together.

“We tried having our reunion dinner in a restaurant a few years ago, but we did not really enjoy the experience. It is not the same as dining at home,” she said.

Yong added that her 84-year-old mother also prefers the festive atmosphere when everyone comes together to cook at her house.

“My mother enjoys the festive mood when all her children and grandchildren are cooking together at home.

“We also have made it a tradition to make abacus seeds, a traditional Hakka dish made from yam,” she said.

Business owner Chua Kim Song, 48, said she prefers cooking for the reunion dinner at home as it allows her family to spend more time together.

“We usually cook something simple and have steamboat for the reunion dinner. I think this is far better than eating in restaurants.

“It is also a good way for us to bond as we get to talk while preparing the food,” she said, adding that her husband, children and father-in-law also help out with the preparations.

The mother of three added that while it may not save a significant amount of money, the overall experience is more meaningful.

“Since the prices of raw ingredients have also gone up, I do not think we are saving much by cooking at home.

“However, we can eat as much as we want and for as long as we want, which is something we may not be able to do when eating out.

“Having the reunion dinner at home also gives us more privacy. For me, having the reunion dinner at home is very special, and I have no plans to replace the experience,” she said.

Echoing a similar sentiment was Tan Choo Oo, 63, who said the reunion dinner is a good opportunity for people to reconnect.

“The point of the reunion dinner is for families to spend time together, and not so much about the food.

“So, it does not really matter where you dine as long as you are surrounded by your loved ones.

“I prefer just making steamboat and catering some food to enjoy together at home,” said Tan.

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Chinese New Year , dinner , reunion , family , restaurants

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