13 Feb 2026
I was in my 40s when I learnt the chinese new year cake which I’m so fond of eating is just made of glutinous rice flour & gula melaka or brown sugar.
“Cake” in my limited understanding then should be fancier and more glamorous, not just some brown gooey concoction wrapped in banana leaves.
Despite its non-descript appearance, the Nian Gao plays an important role in taoist chinese households. It is traditionally offered to the Kitchen God to sweeten his speech when he gives the Jade Emperor his appraisal of human affairs for the year.
I’m not versed in traditional or religious practices, but I know when it comes to irresistible sweets, Nian Gao wins hands down.
Cut into thin slices, coated with flour & pan fried, this 2500 year old dessert is a prime example of self-sustaining sweetness.
As the Year of the Fire Horse approaches in 3 days’ time, may we aspire to be sincerely sweet in our speech and be a blessing to all that we meet.
And in the spirit of sweet speech, here’s wishing everyone abundance & progress in every step of the way (年年有余 步步高升 马年大吉) 🙏😊
Lisa Ong 