过年How?: You've Heard of Dumplings But What About DJ Haze's Family Noodle Meatballs?
We quiz some long-term Beijingers on how they intend to spend this year's Chinese New Year and hopefully uncover some horror stories along the way. 过年How, y'all!
People from different regions in China celebrate the Spring Festival in different ways, and one thing to discern them is the food that families serve at that Chinese New Year Eve dinner. If all those tasty dumplings no longer do it for your appetite, maybe you'd be more interested to take a page out of radio host and DJ Haze's book and head to his hometown of Hefei in Anhui province to sample their specialty noodle meatballs. We find out more below.
What's your full name and where are you from?
I’m Haze from Hefei, Anhui and I currently work for China Radio International as a Hit FM radio host.
What’s your Chinese zodiac? Do you think you’re typical of that sign? Why or why not?
I was born in the Year of the Tiger. My family says that people who were born in this year of the zodiac are usually quite independent and hold high self-esteem. My personality does fit this stereotype for the most part, but I am not a lone wolf (or a lone tiger, in this case) at all. I enjoy socializing with others and believe that teamwork is a crucial part of work.
What does your average CNY entail? Where are you headed this year? At a guess, how will it differ to last year?
Nothing special. Just like any other expat who lives away from their hometown, going back home during CNY is the most important thing for me even though there won’t be many surprises or big happenings once I get there. However, I still plan to go home this year, but with the coronavirus overshadowing this year’s Chinese New Year, and seeing so many people geared up on their way home, it's sure weirder than usual.
Tell us about a particular CNY nightmare that you've encountered.
Once I had a dream where I lit a firework and it burned holes in my new clothes and so I was too scared to go back home. To make things worse, when I was wandering on my way back home, firecrackers lit by other kids burned even more holes in my clothes! It was too scary and I woke up in tears.
Which dishes do you particularly look forward to gorging on every year? Drinks?
Salty snacks and meatballs are two things I am drooling for. Almost every family in Anhui will marinate meat, duck, and fish in salt prior to the Chinese New Year. There are various ways to enjoy them: you can either steam them and put them on top of pan-seared sticky rice pancake, or add the salty fish into hongshaorou. No matter how they are served, they are all my favorite CNY dishes.
As for the meatballs, sticky rice balls and regular meatballs are the two most common varieties. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you may even get the chance to taste noodle meatballs which are made from pre-boiled noodles and minced meat. They are then deep-fried and ready to eat, but there are also some alternative ways to enjoy them like putting them back into the steamer after they have cooled down or making a stew with them. Yummy!
What are three tips for avoiding the excesses of eating and drinking that a proper CNY is defined by?
1. Don’t attend unnecessary parties.
2. Cut down the time you spend on each meal.
3. Reduce the amount of starch that you consume.
Got any tips on how to deflect those awkward family questions?
Most of the people who asked you those questions don’t really care about your answers, so don’t get offended or talk back. The cleverest way is to pass over these questions with some vague answers. After all, they can only bother you seven days at most, and you will be freed from those questions for the rest of the year. Don't forget, harmony is the most important element of a successful Chinese New Year.
Is there anyone this year that’s particularly deserving of a big fat hongbao from yourself?
The daughter of my high school classmate! She won the first prize in her kindergarten’s end of the year performance! I have already made a promise to give her a big fat hongbao and a giant Totoro!
If there’s one thing you could change about CNY, what would it be?
That all my favorite restaurants and bistros in my hometown would stay open for business this CNY. Every time I go back home, they are all closed and don't open again until the eighth day of the New Year.
What do you predict the Year of the Rat holds for you?
Some breakthrough in my career would be great. I felt my life stagnated a little in the Year of the Pig. I wish this new zodiac cycle will bring me some new opportunities and changes.
It is also my 10th year working for Hit FM. In the past 10 years, I have accomplished a lot of things that I wished to when I first started this job, including to make a living by doing my favorite thing. I look forward to accomplishing more in the future and leaving a good impression on others to make that the future is even more meaningful.
过年How?: Trevor Metz, Co-Owner of Shuangjing Hangout Plan B Loves the CNY Solitude
Images courtesy of Haze
