Chinese New Year 2014

Happy Chinese New Year 2014!

The Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, and the date changes each year between late January to early February. This year the Chinese New Year is starts on 31 January and ends on 2 February. This year is represented by a Horse.

The Chinese New Year is held each year in Phnom Penh, although it is not the public holiday. Many residents in Phnom Penh have ancestor(s) immigrated from China, and the tradition is passed on from one generation to another.

One day before the Chinese New Year starts (30 January), many homes in Phnom Penh pray for their ancestors with preparation of food, beverages, flowers and the burning of fakes money and clothes with the belief that their ancestors will receive and use the burned money and clothes in their after life. Some people also visit Chinese temples in the city for praying.

People praying in a Chinese temple

Many homes pray their ancestors with food, beverages, fruits and desserts

Each homes in the city is decorated with red papers with Chinese characters (happy new year, good luck, etc) on their door or gates because they believe that such decoration would bring lucks, happiness, healthiness, and wealth to the family. Similarly to Christmas decorated with a christmas tree, many homes decorate a big yellow-flower tree, with decorations on the tree.

During days of the Chinese New Year, they're the special time for family visit and exchange of red pockets for good lucks. The display of Chinese dragon dances is not also uncommon to welcome the new year.

May the year of the Horse brings you lucks, happiness and wealth!
Gong Xi Fat Cai!

                 

Papaya Salad (Bok Lahong)

Papaya Salad is a very well-known local dish for Cambodians. It can be found on streets, local markets, and restaurants. But perhaps Papaya Salad is more of street food because it is very common for local people to buy it from food carts on streets in Phnom Penh.

What is Papaya Salad?

It's a mixture of fresh green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, limes, chilies, and craps. These are the main ingredients. They are all combined together with a sauce (Kapi - made of small shrimps) with some sugar, salt and peanuts. The way Papaya Salad is made and the ingredients used may vary from one shop to another. The best part about Papaya Salad is spicy taste, the more spicy the better. But don't worry, if you don't like it spicy, just order it without chilies. Here's a video how to make Papaya Salad (by a Cambodian family living overseas):

How is Papaya Salad eaten?

We use chopsticks to eat Papaya Salad. Now it is becoming more common that Papaya Salad is served with additional sticky rice and chicken. However, you can order Papaya Salad alone, it's up to you. Don't forget to check for Papaya Salad when you are in Phnom Penh :)