15/02/2026

ON SUNDAY February 15, 2026 theSunday Special V

“Growing up, nothing was rushed. The dishes were prepared carefully and respectfully. That taught me patience and discipline in the kitchen. Even to day, I carry that mindset with me. Good food takes time, care and intention,” he recalled. Ginger, garlic, spring onions, dried seafood and soy-based sauces are the aromas and tastes that make Chinese New Year celebrations feel nostalgic. These flavours are bold but balanced. They are savoury, slightly sweet and deeply comforting. These ingredients are not just tasty but also symbolic of warmth, abundance and longevity. “If you are preparing Chinese New Year meals for your family this year, do not overcomplicate it. Focus on cooking with heart rather than perfection. Even simple dishes become special when shared with loved ones and that is what this celebra tion is truly about,” he said.

Calligraphy has always been Tan’s creative outlet and personal passion.

Creating positive momentum Chushan Tan is a calligrapher and hand lettering artist from Penang. She has been practising Western calligraphy for over 10 years before starting to learn and appreci ate Chinese calligraphy. Her professional background is in science as an application specialist, but calligraphy has always been her creative outlet and personal passion. “Chinese New Year is a time of renewal, gratitude and new beginnings. As a cal ligraphy artist, it is especially meaningful because words and characters carry bless ings and well-wishes. I felt thrilled when clients connected with my artwork. It was always heartwarming to see their surprise and joy when they received a piece created for this festive season,” she said. In preparation for the celebration, Tan SUHIHUV WR VORZ GRZQ DQG UHÀHFW RQ WKH year that has passed, reconnecting with the meanings behind traditional phrases and characters. Creatively, she experi PHQWV ZLWK GL̆ HUHQW PDWHULDOV DQG WRROV so each artwork feels more thoughtful, meaningful and aligned with the festive spirit. “I felt especially connected to the characters 뺸˟뺹 (Fu) and 뺸ş뺹 (Fa). Fu represents blessings, happiness and abundance, while Fa symbolises growth, prosperity and moving forward. Together, WKH\ UHÀHFW WKH FRUH ZLVKHV RI WKH &KLQHVH New Year – welcoming good fortune and creating positive momentum for the year ahead,” she added. As a child, Tan recalled her mother going to the market to buy Chinese New Year decorations for their house. Those visuals left a strong impression on her. Today, instead of store-bought decora tions, her home is filled with her own handwritten calligraphy, which feels like a meaningful continuation of those childhood traditions.

Food is how we express love, respect and well-wishes. Cooking at this time of year feels more meaningful because every dish carries symbolism and intention. “In preparation for Chinese New Year, , ZRXOG VORZ GRZQ PHQWDOO\ DQG UHÀHFW on the year that had passed and what I wanted to carry forward. Creatively, I revisited traditional dishes and considered KRZ WR KRQRXU WKHLU URRWV ZKLOH UH¿QLQJ ÀDYRXUV RU SUHVHQWDWLRQ ,W ZDV QRW DERXW reinventing everything but about cooking with purpose and balance,” he explained. When it comes to Chinese New Year dishes, Lai feels especially connected to dumplings because they represent prosperity and togetherness. Making them is often a shared experience as everyone gathers around the table to fold them. This sense of unity is what the Chinese New Year is really about.

“Red and gold are essential colours for the Chinese New Year. They symbolise joy, protection and prosperity. I also associate traditional brush-style strokes ZLWK WKH IHVWLYDO DV WKH\ FRQYH\ FRQ¿GHQFH strength and hope for the year ahead. Gold and red are always a perfect combination for the celebration. Choose calligraphy with meaning rather than just decoration. “ :KHQ WKH ZRUGV UHÀHFW \RXU ZLVKHV IRU the new year, such as health, harmony or happiness, the artwork naturally brings warmth and positive energy into the home,” she explained. Food as an expression of love For Chef Dexter Lai of Hilton Petaling Jaya, Chinese New Year is about renewal, gratitude and coming together. For a chef like him, it serves as a reminder of why food matters so much in our culture.

If you are preparing Chinese New Year meals for your family this year, do not overcomplicate it. Focus on cooking with heart rather than perfection.”

Lai

Lai believes good food takes time, care and intention.