Celebrity Life

The Chinese New Year 2022 is just around the corner. According to the Chinese Zodiac, also known as ‘Shengxiao’, we are all assigned a powerful animal – ‘Shuxiang’ – based on the year we are born based on the Luni-Solar calendar that has close ties with Chinese Philosophy, mainly:

• The theory of the three harmonies: heaven, earth, and water.
• The principles of Yin and Yang.
• Wuxing: The five phases of the flow of the elements – water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.
• The Ten Heavenly Stems – the Yin and Yang qualities of the Wuxing.
•  The Twelve Earthly Branches – The twelve Chinese animal signs.

A brief history of the Chinese Zodiac

The earliest records of Chinese astrology date back all the way to the Zhou Dynasty (1046 – 256 BCE), however, it flourished during the Han Dynasty (002 BCE to 002 AD), where it was formalised and aligned with principles of Confucianism, Chinese Medicine, and traditional alchemical practices.

According to the legends, The Great Jade Emperor – Yu Di – ruler of the heavens, wanted to devise a way to measure time. So he organised a race and challenged all the animals to cross the mighty river. The first twelve, would not only earn a spot on the calendar and zodiac but would also be the guards of his heavenly realm.

At the crack of dawn, the rat rose and was the first to make it there. However, the river was far too mighty for him to cross on his own. Soon, he met the ox, the tiger, and the horse. Seeing how they were mighty and strong, he asked for their help. The tiger and the horse laughed cruelly before ignoring his plea, but the kind-hearted ox took pity and agreed to carry the rat on his back.

However, just as they were about to reach the other side, the rat swiftly jumped off the ox’s head, and with a mighty leap, he was the first to reach the bank of the great river. He was then followed by the ox, with the powerful tiger right behind him. The rabbit, shy and timid, nimbly hopped across the river courtesy rocks that jutted out and came fourth. The dragon who could have easily flown in first, stopped to helped other creatures cross the river, and thus came in fifth. The horse was about to come in sixth, but the snake slithered past, causing the horse to get startled.

Thus, the snake came in sixth, while the horse came in seventh. The sheep, the monkey, and the rooster were all sharing a raft, taking turns to row and navigate across the weeds. When they reached at the same time, they agreed that the eighth place would go to the sheep who was the most harmonious and comforting amongst them, followed by the monkey in ninth, and the rooster in tenth place. The playful dog could have easily come in earlier, however, he was having so much fun frolicking in the river, that he lost track of time, and thus came in eleventh place. The pig got hungry and stopped to eat and take a nap, causing him to be the last to arrive.

Thus, each animal represents the cycles of the Chinese zodiac – the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog, and the pig.

Chinese Zodiac 2022: The Year of the Tiger

Tigers are extremely competitive animals, known for their courage and their ambitions. After seeing how his cruelty and selfishness caused him to come in third place, the Tiger vowed to be generous and uplift others through their efforts. A Tiger year is all about making big changes, in both the world around you and the world within you. Tiger years bring about an overall increase in enthusiasm, the spirit of generosity takes over us all – causing our spirits to be lifted and empowered. Progress on an individual, as well as, on a global and collective level seems all the more possible, and we might find ourselves to be all the more daring in our endeavours. After all, the ultimate mantra of the Tiger year is ‘YOLO’ (Yes, Drake himself is born in the year of the Tiger).

Let us see how the Year of the Tiger will turn out for you, based on your Chinese Zodiac Sign. Each sign is mentioned with the years they rule. However, if you’re born in January or February, Google your date of birth to confirm which year it belongs to, as the Chinese zodiac dates change every year on the modern Western Gregorian Calendar.

Rat - 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984,1996, 2008, 2020

The year of the Tiger promises to be a far more stable year, especially compared to the last. Smoother transitions are up ahead, causing less worry and stress. Focus on maintaining a balanced diet, as well as, an empowering and consistent fitness regiment. Doing so will help you lead a productive, healthy, and happy life, as well as, increase your efficiency at work without taking on too much tension. If possible take time to travel, and build your social circles. You’ll be surprised where, when, and who will come to help you in your hour of need.

Famous rats: Cristiano Ronaldo, Tilda Swinton, Lorde, and Scarlett Johansson.

Ox - 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Fortunes will steadily pick up for you this year. Many prospects shall come your way, as well as, there’ll be an overall positive sense of development in many aspects of your life. Just remember to not rush things. Be down to earth, humble and diligent. Rash decisions are not to be taken on this year, for that may disrupt things, creating unnecessary obstacles to peace and success. Single Ox’s have a higher chance of finding love this year, while those who are coupled up, might consider taking their relationship to the next phase.

Famous Oxes: Barack Obama, Princess Diana, Kylie Jenner, and Camilla Cabello

Tiger - 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Yes, Tiger, this is technically your year. However, it is important not to keep high expectations, for things may not always go as you plan. However, the more you surrender the need to control, the more you’ll run into luck from unexpected places. Thus, just be present, and live in the moment. However, there is a chance of high-risk undertakings yielding high rewards, so when your intuition feels right, take the leap and soar high. Chances of singles finding love are high, and for many, there might be a probability of wedding bells ringing.

Famous tigers: Queen Elizabeth II, Shawn Mendes, Elizabeth Banks, and Leonardo DiCaprio

Rabbit - 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Let go of all feelings of guilt and shame, dear Rabbit. This is the year to release all past baggage and smoothly transition into a new world of possibilities. New doors open in the realms of career – especially for those in creative fields – and there are chances for a possible upswing in matters of finance filled with unexpected growth opportunities. Many believe this is a year of being lucky in love for Rabbits. Some might even have a few brief flings here and there, as well. Just be certain not to give in to temptation too easily.

Famous rabbits: Elliot Page, Lionel Messi, Lil Nas X, and Johnny Depp

Dragon - 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

This is a powerful year for growth, especially in your career. Even those who are ‘freelancers’ will be able to gain many new gigs, and perhaps even raise

their fees substantially. However, pay attention to your words and your deeds, for a mighty ego can lead to a mighty king’s downfall. Be brave enough to express your love for the people in your life – especially those you wish to attract. Friends and loved ones will always be ready and willing to lend a helping hand whenever you need it. Be sure to express gratitude.

Famous dragons: Shakira, Rihanna, Adele, and Kamala Harris

Snake - 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

This is a year where caution is key. It is important to remain patient during times of crisis, as that’ll help you find solutions quicker, thus enabling you to sail past them smoothly. Respect the women in your life, especially family members and colleagues. They’ll be your biggest allies, and will always have your back. When you’re able to shed the old skin of the past, you’ll open up space for new love to enter and fill your world with joy. Those in relationships must learn to forgive and start afresh with mutual respect.

Famous snakes: Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Robert Downey Jr, and John Cena

Horse - 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Slow and steady wins the race. Thus instead of galloping fast, it’s best you take a gentle trot towards a steady rise in your career and overall success. It’ll last longer that way. Do not be afraid of making bold changes, but remember, no rushing – take your time to assess the situations and the opportunities at hand. This is a year to focus on your growth and expansion. Thus those who are single may have to prioritise their career over their personal lives. However, coupled up horses, make sure you don’t neglect your partner. They’re your lucky charm.

Famous horses: Greta Thunberg, Joe Biden, Kristen Stewart, and Barbra Streisand

Sheep - 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

This promises to be a smoother year than before. However, it is essential that you showcase your talents and skills in all that you undertake. It is important for those around you to know your brilliance, but the only way they’ll be able to is if you put it out on display. Modesty may be a powerful virtue, but this isn’t the year to live by it. If you’ve got it – flaunt it. It might just end up bringing unexpected opportunities in meeting and attracting potential love interests if you’re single. Just make sure to take it too slow instead of rushing it in.

Famous sheep: Jason Stratham, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, and Ed Sheeran

Monkey - 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

This is a year to expect the unexpected. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s important to remember that the devil is in the details, especially those you overlook. So please make sure to read and re-read the fine print – literally and metaphorically. Don’t let trivial things escalate – especially in your personal life. Words, though lighter than air, can hit harder than a rock – especially when hurled carelessly in the heat of the moment. Keep track of your finances and investments, and make sure all your accounts are in order.

Famous monkeys: Zayin Malik, Kylie Minogue, Tom Hanks, and Selena Gomez

Rooster - 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Your mantra for the year 2022 is Carpe Diem – seize the day! Grab onto any and every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to take big risks and major leaps of faith, for they’ll be rewarded in ways you cannot even imagine. Just make sure to wear a ‘helmet’ as you do so. Safety first, after all! Just remember that your heart is tender, and thus be gentle with it. Be sure to be good to yourself on a daily basis, and you’ll be surprised how ‘The Universe’ rewards you for doing so.

Famous roosters: Serena Williams, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Britney Spears

Dog - 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

This is a powerful year of inspiration. Those of you in creative fields will perhaps create works that many may consider masterpieces that will be appreciated by not only your peers, but even your haters will begrudgingly applaud you. However, while you’re caught up in this inspirational swing, make sure you be careful with your finances and investments, and avoid doing anything too risky. The art of saving will go a long way this year.

Famous dogs: Madonna, Cher, Nicki Minaj, and Prince William

Pig - 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

This is a year of learning for you. In a literal sense, this is a wonderful time to further your education, or perhaps even embark upon updating your existing skill sets or perhaps even learn a brand new one that is completely alien to you. Doing so will have incredible long term benefits in the years to come. It’s also an important time to learn more about yourself. The more you spend time trying to understand yourself – especially the ‘darker’ aspects of your psyche, the more you’ll be able to form better connections in your professional and personal lives.

Famous pigs: Chris Hemsworth, Idina Menzel, Mariah Carey, and Hillary Clinton

All Images: Courtesy Shutterstock

The post Chinese New Year 2022: Find Out Your Spirit Animal of the Year appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Lions and tigers and lanterns, oh my! Here are the best Chinese New Year displays around town, to get in the festive mood.

In between prepping for the big family reunion dinner and gathering all your lunar new year decor, make a stop at one of these stunning installations — featuring plenty of red and gold, lucky cats and tigers, and lanterns galore.

The Best Chinese New Year Displays in Hong Kong

Citygate Outlets x Lan Lan Cat

Taiwanese LINE sticker character Lan Lan Cat is paying a visit to Lantau, dressed up as a tiger to mark the occasion. Citygate Outlet's Atrium on L2 is currently full of larger-than-life cat statues, a 'blessing tree' full of lucky firecrackers, and a pop-up with brand new Lan Lan Cat merch — snap some pics and grab a few pieces.

Citygate Outlets, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Island

Double Cove Place, Green Code Plaza, Grand Waterfront Plaza, and Metro Harbour Plaza

Miss travelling? This Lunar New Year special installation series takes you on a tour around the world, of different cultural lantern celebrations. Experience Seoul's Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) at Double Cove Place, Vietnam's Hoi An Full Moon Festival at Green Code Plaza, Japan's Akita Kantō Matsuri festival at Grand Waterfront Plaza and Taiwan's Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival at Metro Harbour Plaza.

Double Cove Place, 8 Wu Kai Sha Road, Ma On Shan, New Territories
Green Code Plaza, 1 Ma Sik Road, Fanling, New Territories
Grand Waterfront Plaza, 8 San Ma Tau Street, Ma Tau Kok, Kowloon
Metro Harbour Plaza, 8 Fuk Lee Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon

Harbour City

Head to Harbour City for a few Chinese New Year displays, including "Happy Fatty New Year", featuring the first-ever Garfield x Plastic Thing collaboration (with limited-edition artworks from the Hong Kong illustrator!) and a “Garfield New Year Blessing Garden" at the atrium on the G/F of the Ocean Terminal, with a 1.5m high Tiger Garfield and 1.6m high Odie. Ask for your fortune at the Chinese candy box-shaped lucky wheel and receive some goodies (upon donation).

And “PAWsperity for ALL”, with Harbour City's Ocean Terminal Forecourt transforming into a "Lucky Lantern Pathway" with over 100 colourful lanterns and 8 giant wishing knitted balls for good luck, wealth, and health.

Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Langham Place x MUZIK TIGER

Langham Place is bringing us a special collaboration with Korean illustration brand MUZIKTIGER, complete with art installations, gallery walls, and the brand's first-ever pop-up in Hong Kong. Browse everything from plush toys to stationery, art cards, homeware and more. And don't forget to try out the Instagram AR Filter and WhatsApp stickers.

Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Lee Gardens

Get ready for spring with blooms and blossoms at Lee Gardens' “Blooming Fortune Art Garden”. You can stroll past Hysan Place's Kai Chiu Road entrance to see a 'wishing wall' or head to its atrium for the 'floral garden'. Or make your way to Lee Garden One, for an exhibition of these large-scale floral tiger sculptures by contemporary artist Hung Yi.

And if you're missing the flower market, swing by Lee Theatre Plaza to show support to local farmers and neighbourhood florists — on from today until Monday, 31 January (11am to 7pm, at the G/F Piazza).

Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
Lee Garden One, 3 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay

MCP Central

So many illustrated tigers! Created by Chinese artist Bu2ma, Fat Tiger (or Alexander the Tiger) is getting his own solo show at MCP Central — with a giant sculptures, blessing lanterns, large-scale scroll paintings and a pop-up with plenty of limited-edition merch.

MCP Central, 8 Yan King Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories

Plaza Hollywood

For the Lunar New Year, Plaza Hollywood is also paying a trip to Japan with this beautiful 'lantern art garden' with 150 floral lanterns (look at that revolving installation!), a lotus pond and wooding wishing bridge.

Plaza Hollywood, 3 Lung Poon Street, Diamond Hill, Kowloon

Times Square

Learn about the evolution of lion dance at Times Square. The shopping centre has teamed up with Keung’s Dragon & Lion Dance team and GrowthRing&Supply for a special New Year exhibition and pop-up store ("Needless and Borderless"), showcasing various traditional and modern lion dance costume heads. Don't forget to browse the pop-up for some special pieces.

Shop 517-519, 5/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay

(Hero image courtesy of Green Code Plaza, featured image courtesy of Harbour City)

The post The Best Chinese New Year Displays in Hong Kong for the Year of the Tiger appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Theresa Mak — better known as Dashijie — is a veteran of Cantonese cuisine. Last year, she collaborated with Rosewood Hong Kong to launch their exclusive mooncakes. This season, she's teamed up with Mandarin Oriental to create a radish cake with aged tangerine peel. We catch up with her to learn more about her new products under her eponymous brand and what Chinese New Year means to her.

What do you look forward to most during Chinese New Year?

My first priority is to spend time with my family: my daughter, son-in-law and most importantly, my grandson. As they are living in Singapore, sometimes they will come over or we'll travel there to meet them. I will cook New Year’s Eve dinner with traditional Cantonese dishes like abalone, chicken, fish, dried shiitake mushrooms and so on, making sure there are abundant food to celebrate.

What is your favourite Chinese New Year tradition?

I like giving out red packets, decorating the house with red banners with lucky greetings written on them, preparing the candy tray with treats like chocolate, nuts, deep fried stuff — things that kids like to eat. I also like to walk around at the Lunar New Year fair, watch the crowd and enjoy the atmosphere.

Do you remember the first time you ate traditional turnip cake? What was that experience like?

My first time eating turnip/radish cake was when I was a young child, over 65 years ago. My mother made them. It was yummy, soft and easy to eat. The cake surface was fried until it is a little bit burnt. My mum will also allow us to dip the radish cake with oyster sauce! Since then, radish cakes have been my favourite Chinese New Year food.

When did you start making your own turnip cakes? And when did that interest turn into a business?

I started making my own radish cake maybe 30 years ago when I was in my 40s. I have seven brothers and five sisters so, as you can imagine, I have to cook a lot, around 70 radish cakes, 10 taro cakes and 30 coconut puddings each year.

In my 50s, a lot of friends wanted to learn how to cook radish cake and coconut puddings from me. Around that time, I also got into contact again with my cooking master, Ms. Pearl Chen (江獻珠). Since then, I also made traditional Chinese cakes for my cooking master as my tribute to her.

When I turned 60, I was encouraged by my friends and family to start doing my own Chinese New Year products as a business. As I always had a burning desire to open a restaurant, selling food products was an alternative for me to realise my dream. I started off with three products, namely radish cake, coconut pudding and water chestnut cake. The radish cake is still our hero product for the season.

Tell us about this year's collaboration with Man Wah. What was it like to work with Chef Wong Wing Keung?

I got to know Chef Wong over four years ago during one of my home banquets. He was shy and quiet during the meal but as I was curious about what life was like for a Chinese chef, I followed his Facebook. I then realized the real side of him: good humor, genuine and friendly. Two years later, he became my fifth disciple，五師弟. Chef Wong is a very seasoned Cantonese chef, so actually, it was an honor to be able to become his cooking master. I also learnt a lot of cooking skills from him too.

In September last year, I asked if he would like to create a new Chinese New Year product together. With permission from Mandarin Oriental Hotel management, Chef Wong and I brainstormed what will be a good and meaningful product. Him and I separately are fond of using aged tangerine peels to in our cooking. From time to time, he will spend several days cooking aged-tangerine peels with honey and Italian lemon and give away to restaurant’s customers.

Chef Wong is very creative and within a short while, he suggested to jointly produce a new flavoured cake: Radish cake with aged tangerine peel. Bingo! He and I are both very knowledgeable in tangerine peels and the making of radish cakes, so with a few rounds of trials, we finally came up with a recipe to produce this year’s cake. It was a very enjoyable experience.

What's new for your brand this year?

For my brand Dashijie, I created two new products recently, preserved meat sausage with aged tangerine peel, and black bean sauce with Japanese dried scallops and aged tangerine peel.

The post Dashijie on Family Traditions and Her Collaboration with Mandarin Oriental’s Man Wah appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Here's our pick of the best Chinese New Year skincare collections and limited-edition releases for 2022.

Start the new lunar year with your best face forward — we've rounded up all the lotions and potions, creams, balms (well, the serums and essences and moisturisers!) to get your hands on for spring. All packed up in regal red and gold, these limited-edition Chinese New Year skincare releases will ensure good luck, and good skin.

The Best Chinese New Year Skincare Releases 2022

Chantecaille

The bestselling Bio Lifting Mask from Chantecaille is getting a little facelift of its own, with a supercharged new formula and festive red and gold packaging. The Bio Lifting Mask+ (note that plus sign!) is packed full of botanicals and peptides that reduce the look of fine lines and visibly contour the face, while a new lifting agent smoothens and moisturises. With this product, the brand continues to support the SUJÁN Tiger and Leopard Conservation Project in Rajasthan, India. And, complementing the mask, is a limited edition ruby red lipstick — the nourishing and super-emollient Lip Veil.

Chantecaille's Lunar New Year-edition Bio Lifting Mask+ and Lip Veil (Ruby) are available to purchase online.

Charlotte Tilbury

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Charlotte Tilbury has released its award-winning Magic Cream moisturiser in a limited-edition casing, a glorious red tiger print lid. Pick it up on its own, or in a duo (with a LNY lipstick of your choice) or in a makeup kit with a LNY lipstick of your choice and a limited-edition version of the Airbrush Flawless Finish pressed setting powder.

Charlotte Tilbury's limited-edition Lunar New Year Magic Cream is available to purchase online.

Clarins

This exclusive limited-edition of Clarins' bestselling Double Serum features the same potent formula in the same innovative bottle — with a stunning tiger illustration for the new lunar year. Delivering made-to-measure dosage with a rotating push button, the serum combines 21 effective anti-ageing water and oil-soluble ingredients for regeneration, nutrition, hydration, oxygenation and protection. A set includes the Double Serum (Tiger Limited Edition), an Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté Care treatment, and an Extra-Firming Treatment Essence.

Clarins' Double Serum (Tiger Limited Edition) is available to purchase online.

Clinique

To celebrate the Year of Tiger, Clinique's bestselling powerful serum for dark spots and discolouration and cult-favourite dermatologist-developed face moisturiser now come in limited-edition red and gold packaging. We especially like the look of the lotion (that lucky tiger head lid!), and its silky, easy-to-absorb formula is a winner.

Clinique's Limited Edition Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter and Limited Edition Jumbo Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Lotion+ are available to purchase online.

Fresh

Fresh is collaborating with Canto-pop artist Alfred Hui for a special Chinese New Year collection of skincare favourites. Choose from bestsellers like the powerhouse antioxidant Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence, and the black tea complex-packed Firming Peptides Serum, Firming Corset Cream and Instant Perfecting Mask — all designed to keep your skin moisturised, and luminous-looking.

The "Fresh x Alfred Hui CNY Edition" is available to purchase online.

LA MER

Celeb-favourite skincare brand La Mer has released this limited-edition Hydration Adventure Collection, so you start the new year fresh and rejuvenated. The five-piece set comes with The Concentrate, The Eye Concentrate, The Hydrating Infused Emulsion, bestselling Crème de la Mer, and this vibrant red and green tiger print pouch!

The La Mer Hydration Adventure Collection is available to purchase online.

L’Occitane

For a little bit of indulgence, look to French brand L’Occitane's Chinese New Year offerings — limited-edition versions of rich and moisturising products from its almond line: the sweet almond oil-enriched body wash and the nourishing almond milk concentrate body lotion.

L’Occitane's CNY Almond Shower Oil and Almond Milk Concentrate are available to purchase online.

LUSH

Lush's Year of the Tiger collection includes everything from bath bombs to bubble bars, face masks, foot scrubs, shampoo bars and even (cotton) gift wrapping — we love the super cute jasmine Lucky Cat Bubble Bar and the Lunar New Year Knot Wrap. Browse the whole collection online or in-store.

Lush's Lunar New Year 2022 collection is available to purchase online.

Origins

Origins' super-soothing water-like treatment lotion is getting dressed in red for the new lunar year. The Mega-Mushroom Soothing Treatment Lotion harnesses the power of nutrient-rich super foods used in traditional Chinese medicine, like reishi mushroom, sea buckthorn and fermented chaga, for supple, soft and healthier-looking skin.

The Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Lunar New Year Mega-Mushroom Soothing Treatment Lotion is available to purchase online.

Shiseido

Perhaps the most stunning bottle on this list yet, Shiseido's Lunar New Year offering is not just limited-edition packaging but a reformulation. Its Ultimune Power Infusing Serum now has muGenerationRED Technology™, which is a very long way of saying you're getting a potent blend of everything you need for radiant-looking skin. Star ingredients include fermented roselle, heartleaf, reishi mushroom, and iris root.

The Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum is available to purchase online.

Sulwhasoo

We love Korean beauty brand Sulwhasoo at the office. For the new lunar year, three bestsellers are getting a little red-and-gold makeover — 'Lucky Knot' editions of the anti-aging serum-essence, and the ginseng-infused renewing cream and renewing serum.

The Sulwhasoo Lucky Knot Collection is available to purchase online.

Tatcha

Packed with Japanese superfood ingredients like Akita rice, Okinawa algae, and Uji green tea, The Essence from Tatcha is exactly what you'd need in that skincare transitioning stage between a harsh, cold winter to a (hopefully) gentler spring. The limited-edition bottle doesn’t hurt either. It's available to purchase at Lane Crawford.

(Hero image courtesy of Tatcha, featured image courtesy of Clinique)

The post The Best Chinese New Year Skincare Releases for the Year of the Tiger appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

From fashion and jewellery, to frontline medical care and now ... Chinese sausages? It would seem there's nothing Kimmy Lai can't do. We speak to the stylish entrepreneur to find out what brought her full circle back to her family's famous lap cheong business, and why after years of closure, she's decided to revive the brand as Kim Cook Yuen, now under her own terms.

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Kimmy Lai has always had her fingers in numerous pies – she's been in fashion and jewellery for most of her life, and since the start of the pandemic, has also become deeply involved in the medical sector, running a business of mobile testing centres to provide Covid testing and care to the city's most vulnerable and needy.

I met Lai at the Artisan Lounge at K11 Musea, where the café had partnered with Kim Cook Yuen to launch an exclusive Artisan Turnip Cake with French Foie Gras Preserved Meat, where Kim Cook Yuen's cured sausage is paired with fresh Japanese radishes from Kagoshima. When I arrive, Lai was busy fielding calls left and right from doctors, drivers and more – the latest Covid variant had just hit Hong Kong and with sudden restrictions placed by the government, Lai's medical service coaches were needed more than ever.

Despite it all, Lai is extremely warm and enthusiastic about being able to share her family's heritage and reminisce about the good old days spent in her grandfather's kitchen. She tells us why she took it upon herself to revive her family's brand, why she renamed it from Kam Kook Yuen to Kim Cook Yuen, and how her dad's foresight and good relations made it all possible.

Do you have any fond memories of your grandfather?

My grandfather had Alzheimer's disease. When I was young, I remember seeing him in the kitchen stealing my father's Chinese sausages and he looked so happy. I haven't seen him smile like that for a long time. He was stealing and eating it and he said, "Don't tell anyone" and he gave me a piece to try. At that time I was so young that I didn't know how to appreciate the sausage, but later on I realised that this is the heritage that his father – which is my great-grandfather – passed down to my grandfather, and my grandfather passed down to my father. That kitchen held so many memories of my father and my grandfather. We're from the province of Shunde and we're very famous for cooking. A lot of famous chefs came from that province so it's in our blood. We love to eat and enjoy great food.

Kam Kook Yuen was such an established brand in Hong Kong's past. How much were you aware of your family's business while growing up?

That's such a great question because when I was growing up, I didn't like to tell people that I'm from this family because as a girl, you like fashion and jewellery that kind of stuff, but not to be known for lap cheong. But all my teachers knew, and my primary school principal loved my family's brand. Even today, she's still one of our biggest clients. So growing up, I didn't know how to appreciate the heritage. It wasn't until last year during Covid, I was gifting these Chinese sausage gift boxes to my connections in the travel industry during mid-autumn festival. The person I gifted it to didn't know the brand but she passed it to her father and he said, "This brand is such a renowned brand in Hong Kong, how did you find it?" They had an online shop where they sold Japanese goods and other things that people couldn't get during this time, and they put my Chinese sausages on their website. Within a few days, they were all sold out.

When you relaunched the brand you renamed it Kim Cook Yuen. Can you tell us the story behind the change?

I changed the last Chinese character of the name from "garden" to "fate". The reason I did it is because I always tell my staff, we're not selling lap cheong. What we're selling is the memory that has stayed in people's mind in the old days of Hong Kong. You know, when people loved to help each other and you knew and cared about your neighbours. It was that specific feeling that I wanted to bring society now, especially since it became so difficult in the last two years for people to just enjoy a meal together. I just wanted people to remember that we used to have the good old days and we can have it again. That's why I relaunched it with the new name.

I'm also so grateful to K11 Musea. When I created the brand they just immediately said to come and open this pop-up at their shopping mall. I wasn't prepared for it but the team put it together. And then they said, "Why don't we create an exclusive turnip cake?" I didn't know how to make a turnip cake, but they said not to worry. They had a master chef who used to cook for the Japanese emperor. They imported the turnip from Japan and the goose liver we used in our sausage came from France.

At the time, I didn't know where to find a large supply of goose liver but I thought of an uncle who supplied to us in the old days. He was already retired but he helped me make the connections. He told me he was so touched that 50 years ago he supplied it to my dad and now he's able to supply it to us again. I realised how precious this brand was, that my family had created. People I meet will come and tell me about their memories of the old shop in Central, or what it meant for them to get our products.

How did you manage to find the same recipes from the past?

It's again because of the relationship we've kept with the old masters. My father left a small factory running and supported the family thet supplied our sausages and for the 24 years after we closed shop, we continued to give away the sausages as gifts during mid-autumn and Chinese New Year. The old master is already 90 years old but his family picked up the whole business and he would taste the lap cheong and tell us if it's good enough.

A lot of the new generation who've bought our lap cheong say they've never tasted Chinese sausage like this. Nowadays, lap cheong is always made in China by machines and they're all uniform size. Our sausages are made with all-natural ingredients and we use the pigs' intestine to form the natural casing. So they're all different shapes and sizes. It's all hand-crafted lap cheong.

Another thing is that our lap cheong cannot be preserved for too long because we didn't put any preservatives in them. Another thing is that you'll normally find lap cheong from other chains lasting more than two years. But remember, it's fresh raw meat, just dry. How can it last for two years out of the fridge?

Is lap cheong something that's always on the table during Chinese New Year? Or even at home?

Absolutely. During Chinese New Year, we'll make our own turnip cake. But for me, it's something I always have in the fridge. It's food for lazy people because you could just wash it and throw it into your rice cooker. I love it with my Japanese rice, it's my comfort food.

You come from a family of entrepreneurs and you're running a lot of businesses these days. Did your father or grandfather ever give you any business advice?

Yes. It's funny because my great-grandfather, when he started Kam Kook Yuen, he also ran a fashion business. So I say, fashion is in my blood! When I was still in primary school, my father would put me in charge of getting change for the customers. So I'm very good at calculations. But one lesson my father taught me was to be humble. My dad was so humble. One time, a waiter broke a bowl of noodles at our restaurant. And my dad said, "Do you mind cleaning it up? Please? Thank you so much." I didn't understand why he did that because in my heart, I thought as a boss, you should be bossy. When we went home, I asked my dad why he apologised when it was the waiter's fault and my dad said, these people work for your company and on the frontline, you need to make them feel like home. They need to be happy so when they serve your customers, they're happy. That really stuck with me, and for all my businesses I really try to take care of all my staff.

The post Kimmy Lai on Chinese New Year and Revitalising her Family’s Famous Lap Cheong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

These Singaporean kuehmakers endeavour to pay homage to their heritage, while weaving elements of modernity to their artisanal products to cater to the younger generation.

The post 4 traditional kueh-makers to get your fix from appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

There's no better way to mark the occasion than with good food — and lots of it. Here's our pick of the best Chinese New Year luxury puddings and treats.

With the start of the new lunar year just around the corner, stock up on the best desserts on offer. Turnip puddings (also called radish cakes) are traditional Chinese dim sum snacks, commonly served in Cantonese yum cha. Don't underestimate the small dish — in Cantonese, its name “leen goh” or “loh bak goh” is a homophone for “year higher”, ushering in new heights of prosperity for the coming year.

And we adore the Chinese New Year chuen hup, or traditional candy box, portion of the holiday. A bright red circular box set enticingly open upon coffee tables, filled with all kinds of sweet and savoury treats — it's a time-honoured custom, along with the coconut and turnip puddings. Each neat little segment houses a treat with an auspicious meaning of its own: lotus seeds are symbolic signs of improved fertility; lotus root, of love; tangerines and kumquats sound phonetically similar to "gold"; melon seeds to money and wealth. Chocolate coins, well, are coins.

To celebrate new beginnings and the new year, we've compiled the best Chinese New Year luxury puddings and treats for you and your loved ones to welcome the Year of the Tiger with.

The Best Chinese New Year Luxury Puddings and Treats

China Tang

China Tang's artisan Chinese New Year puddings are a modern take on the classic recipe, serving up two whole new flavours to welcome the Year of the Tiger: a turnip pudding with dried tiger prawn and local preserved meat and a handmade rice pudding with Taiwanese brown sugar and purple rice. Both are crafted by executive chef Menex Cheung and dim sum chef Mok Wing Kwai, and come in these stunning gift boxes decorated with China Tang’s signature Narcissus pattern — symbolizing grace and fortune. You can order the puddings and pick them up from the restaurant.

China Tang Landmark, Shop 411-413, 4/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2522 2148

Duddell’s

Michelin-starred Duddell's selection of Chinese New Year puddings is a trio of classic favourite flavours: turnip (HK$348), taro (HK$348) and a "New Year" Pudding (HK$298). Pick up one, all three, or a gift set including the restaurant's signature X.O. Sauce. It's all packaged in a specially designed gift box created in collaboration with G.O.D. (Goods of Desire), with an ornate hand-drawn pattern typical of the embellishments found on Chinese teacups and soup bowls, a nod to its Hong Kong heritage. You can purchase at the restaurant or order online for delivery — find out more here.

We also love the look of the "Prosperous New Year Hamper", stocked with six traditional delicacies: a new year pudding; braised South African 5 head abalone with Duddell’s Abalone Sauce; a signature X.O. Sauce; homemade walnut cookies; Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Yellow Label Brut, Champagne; and Fook Ming Tong Fuding Jasmine Mao Feng Tea.

Duddell’s, 1 Duddell Street, Central; +852 2525 9191

Godiva

To no one's surprise, it's all about the chocolates at Godiva. The Belgian chocolatier has drawn up a new motif for the Year of the Tiger, auspicious red and gold packaging printed with swimming koi and a tiger portrait set amongst crackling fireworks as a symbolic image of wealth. For the chocolates, the bijou creations feature the same lucky tiger motif over the surface and are packed in three distinct flavours: Raspberry Orange White chocolate, Pecan Praliné Milk chocolate and 85% Dark Ganache chocolate. Order before 31 January to enjoy special offers including free gifts, including a complimentary box of chocolates, or 10% off any purchase of HK$688. Find out more and order here.

Godiva, various locations across Hong Kong

Little Bao

Little Bao is paying tribute to lucky colour red with a beetroot turnip cake, replacing turnip with fresh beetroot for a natural bold red cake. Ingredients include Sam Hing Lung rose wine sausages, Thai dried shrimp and natural seasoning for extra-healthy eating. You can also opt for the taro cake, made with Okinawan sweet potato and fresh taro for an extra soft and pillowy texture, and also to help boost the immune system. You can order them and more here.

Little Bao, 1-3 Shin Hing Street, Central; +852 6794 8414

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is celebrating the new lunar year with traditional Chinese recipes, serving up three classic puddings — a savoury Chinese Turnip Cake with Conpoy made from Chinese sausage and Jinhua ham; a sweet Coconut Pudding with Gold Leaf decorated with golden leaf glutinous rice and coconut milk; and a Water Chestnut Cake filled with crunchy water chestnut pieces. Bottles of homemade XO Chilli Sauce are also available to order. You can find out more here.

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, No. 3 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 2118 7283

Ming Court

Located inside Cordis, Michelin-starred Ming Court is offering an array of festive treats to ring in the Lunar New Year. Executive Chef Li Yuet Faat has prepared three auspicious puddings: a coconut Chinese New Year Pudding; an abalone, conpoy, and air-dried preserved meat and turnip pudding; and a red date and coconut pudding. Go for the deluxe Chinese New Year hamper, with a coconut pudding, homemade XO sauce, South African premium 12 head abalone and more. You can order it here.

Ming Court, Level 6, 555 Shanghai Street, Cordis, Mong Kok, Kowloon; +852 3552 3301 

Rosewood Hong Kong

Rosewood Hong Kong is offering an array of Chinese New Year sets for gifting, featuring everything from traditional puddings to homemade XO sauce, festive candies, afternoon tea sets and more. Don't miss the well-wishes themed hampers: Harvest (HK$9,988), Fortune (HK$3,388), and Joy (HK$2,288) — for every CNY hamper purchased, Rosewood will donate 5% of the proceeds to support ImpactHK and their work to support those experiencing homelessness in Hong Kong. Find out more here.

We also love the clever Chinese New Year advent calendar from Rosewood — rather than counting down, you count on from the first day of the lunar calendar into the new Year of the Tiger. The whole set holds 15 special treats from the hotel, one for each day of the Chinese traditional holiday that lasts for two weeks. Tug open the jewel-toned drawers to discover a selection of delicious snacks from fortune cookies and egg rolls to XO sauce, palmiers, nougats, ginger candies and crunchy peanut bites. Much better than your usual melon seeds. You can order it here.

Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 3891 8732

Paul Lafayet

No crème brulée from Paul Lafayet this Chinese New Year. What you can get, though, is the patisserie's Lucky Tiger Gift Box with French illustrator Emilie Sarnel's hand drawing of two dancing tigers. The gift box set pulls open to reveal three different tiers featuring a whole afternoon experience: “Cookirons" — a cookie-based iteration of the brand's famous macaron; jasmine and hojicha tea tins with pots of honey in the second and a special fine bone china porcelain dish at the base to hold it all. The plate is specially tailored to the Year of the Tiger, featuring a sketch of two smiling tigers amongst a flowery meadow filled with macarons. You can order it online here.

Paul Lafayet, various locations across Hong Kong

Saicho

So this might not fit into traditional Chinese candy boxes, but it will still sit very prettily amongst red-adorned decor around the home. For the Year of the Tiger, Saicho has launched a very special creation of only 900 bottles — Eight Immortals — featuring the special Dan Cong Oolong tea grown atop Phoenix Mountain's Tian Liao village in Guangdong. From harvest to roast and rolling, the Dan Cong Oolong leaves are looked after by a qualified tea master. The result is a fragrant blend that adheres to the leaves' distinct complexity: bright notes of ginger mango and tangerine that rounds into a bitterness, then herbal, the likes of anise, fennel and tarragon. With Eight Immortals' earthy savouriness, Saicho recommends pairing with traditional Chinese New Year dishes including Chinese steamed fish and tang yang (glutinous rice dumplings). You can shop Saicho's Chinese New Year selection here.

Smith & Sinclair

Candy box fillings will be extra exciting with the addition of Smith & Sinclair treats, they're made after your favourite tipples! The UK-based brand crafts vegan-friendly gummies — or "Edible Cocktails" — from anything, including classic Gin & Tonic to special concoctions like Passionfruit Mojito. For the Year of the Tiger, the brand has designed a special red, tiger-printed sleeve as a symbol of good luck and fortune. These can be fitted over any of Smith & Sinclair's nine signature sets, from spirit-based "Gin Obsessed" or "Tequila Time" to themed "Love Box" or "Night In". You can order and find out more here.

Sugarfina

Sugarfina's candy cubes are a delight, both to give and receive. For this Chinese New Year, the confectioner has crafted a series of Candy Bento Boxes for easy gifting (and enjoying!) — with anything from a single cube to a lucky set of eight, featuring the brand's sweet creations in fun, auspicious names. There's the Lotus Flowers flavoured with lychee, Tangerine Bears, berried-flavoured Royal Roses and Golden Pearls. If not for the sweets within, get this set for the beautifully artistic packaging: a hand-crafted shadow box of red and gold decor motifs of lanterns, flowers and a temple to mark new beginnings.

Sugarfina, various locations across Hong Kong

The Peninsula Boutique & Café

One of the traditional elements of the Year of the Tiger is the big cat's head, symbolising strength and good health. Inspired by traditional Chinese "tiger head shoes" worn by children, the Peninsula Boutique & Café is celebrating the new year with plenty of tiger head-decorated gift sets — you can hang the box up as a Chinese New Year decoration! Pick up the festive "Robust Tiger Gift Set" (with cookies, candies, chocolate, tea and more), and any of the Chinese New Year puddings. You can find out more here.

The Peninsula Boutique & Café, The Peninsula Arcade, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 2696 6969

Venchi

You may be spoilt for choice with Venchi's range of Chinese New Year gift boxes, but one thing's for sure: the range of lucky red and gold packaging all feature the Italian brand's signature 140-years, Piedmont Master Chocolatiers-approved sweets. Pick up The Chinese New Year Double Layer Hexagon Gift Box, an extensive collection of the brand's favourite chocolates: Cremini, Chocoviar, Truffles, and Dubledoni. Or consider the Chinese New Year Round Hamper, which features Venchi's latest creation Gianduja N.3 with Hazelnut, and is a close replica of the traditional chuen hup with the rounded exterior and organised sections within.

Venchi, various locations across Hong Kong

Yat Tung Heen

Led by celebrated chef Tam Tung, Michelin-starred Yat Tung Heen is celebrating the new year by bringing back its highly sought-after turnip pudding, classic Chinese New Year pudding and the restaurant's signature gift box (which includes housemade premium XO sauce, candied walnuts and hand-selected Ginseng Oolong tea leaves). And to minimise the environmental impact of the gifting season, each pudding is thoughtfully packaged in a 100% recyclable eco-friendly paper box. You can find out more here.

Yat Tung Heen, Level B2, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2710 1093

Ying Jee Club

Two Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Ying Jee Club is serving the finest delectable pastry duo, a savoury turnip pudding with conpoy and air-dried meat and a sweet coconut milk pudding with red bean and Ceylon tea. Both are handcrafted daily by executive chef Siu Hin-Chi, who has amassed 20 Michelin stars over the past decade alone — rest assured, the preservative-free puddings epitomise the highest standard of Cantonese cuisine in both texture and flavour. You can order in-person at the restaurant, or by calling 2801 6882 or emailing reservation@yingjeeclub.hk — find out more here.

Ying Jee Club, Shop G05, 107 & 108, Nexxus Building, 41 Connaught Road Central; +852 2801 6882

(Hero image courtesy of Yat Tung Heen, featured image courtesy of Duddell's, image 1 courtesy of China Tang)

The post The Best Chinese New Year Luxury Puddings & Treats appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

There's no better way to mark the occasion than with good food — and lots of it. Here's our pick of the best Chinese New Year luxury puddings and treats.

With the start of the new lunar year just around the corner, stock up on the best desserts on offer. Turnip puddings (also called radish cakes) are traditional Chinese dim sum snacks, commonly served in Cantonese yum cha. Don't underestimate the small dish — in Cantonese, its name “leen goh” or “loh bak goh” is a homophone for “year higher”, ushering in new heights of prosperity for the coming year.

And we adore the Chinese New Year chuen hup, or traditional candy box, portion of the holiday. A bright red circular box set enticingly open upon coffee tables, filled with all kinds of sweet and savoury treats — it's a time-honoured custom, along with the coconut and turnip puddings. Each neat little segment houses a treat with an auspicious meaning of its own: lotus seeds are symbolic signs of improved fertility; lotus root, of love; tangerines and kumquats sound phonetically similar to "gold"; melon seeds to money and wealth. Chocolate coins, well, are coins.

To celebrate new beginnings and the new year, we've compiled the best Chinese New Year luxury puddings and treats for you and your loved ones to welcome the Year of the Tiger with.

The Best Chinese New Year Luxury Puddings and Treats

China Tang

China Tang's artisan Chinese New Year puddings are a modern take on the classic recipe, serving up two whole new flavours to welcome the Year of the Tiger: a turnip pudding with dried tiger prawn and local preserved meat and a handmade rice pudding with Taiwanese brown sugar and purple rice. Both are crafted by executive chef Menex Cheung and dim sum chef Mok Wing Kwai, and come in these stunning gift boxes decorated with China Tang’s signature Narcissus pattern — symbolizing grace and fortune. You can order the puddings and pick them up from the restaurant.

China Tang Landmark, Shop 411-413, 4/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2522 2148

Duddell’s

Michelin-starred Duddell's selection of Chinese New Year puddings is a trio of classic favourite flavours: turnip (HK$348), taro (HK$348) and a "New Year" Pudding (HK$298). Pick up one, all three, or a gift set including the restaurant's signature X.O. Sauce. It's all packaged in a specially designed gift box created in collaboration with G.O.D. (Goods of Desire), with an ornate hand-drawn pattern typical of the embellishments found on Chinese teacups and soup bowls, a nod to its Hong Kong heritage. You can purchase at the restaurant or order online for delivery — find out more here.

We also love the look of the "Prosperous New Year Hamper", stocked with six traditional delicacies: a new year pudding; braised South African 5 head abalone with Duddell’s Abalone Sauce; a signature X.O. Sauce; homemade walnut cookies; Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Yellow Label Brut, Champagne; and Fook Ming Tong Fuding Jasmine Mao Feng Tea.

Duddell’s, 1 Duddell Street, Central; +852 2525 9191

Godiva

To no one's surprise, it's all about the chocolates at Godiva. The Belgian chocolatier has drawn up a new motif for the Year of the Tiger, auspicious red and gold packaging printed with swimming koi and a tiger portrait set amongst crackling fireworks as a symbolic image of wealth. For the chocolates, the bijou creations feature the same lucky tiger motif over the surface and are packed in three distinct flavours: Raspberry Orange White chocolate, Pecan Praliné Milk chocolate and 85% Dark Ganache chocolate. Order before 31 January to enjoy special offers including free gifts, including a complimentary box of chocolates, or 10% off any purchase of HK$688. Find out more and order here.

Godiva, various locations across Hong Kong

Little Bao

Little Bao is paying tribute to lucky colour red with a beetroot turnip cake, replacing turnip with fresh beetroot for a natural bold red cake. Ingredients include Sam Hing Lung rose wine sausages, Thai dried shrimp and natural seasoning for extra-healthy eating. You can also opt for the taro cake, made with Okinawan sweet potato and fresh taro for an extra soft and pillowy texture, and also to help boost the immune system. You can order them and more here.

Little Bao, 1-3 Shin Hing Street, Central; +852 6794 8414

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is celebrating the new lunar year with traditional Chinese recipes, serving up three classic puddings — a savoury Chinese Turnip Cake with Conpoy made from Chinese sausage and Jinhua ham; a sweet Coconut Pudding with Gold Leaf decorated with golden leaf glutinous rice and coconut milk; and a Water Chestnut Cake filled with crunchy water chestnut pieces. Bottles of homemade XO Chilli Sauce are also available to order. You can find out more here.

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, No. 3 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 2118 7283

Ming Court

Located inside Cordis, Michelin-starred Ming Court is offering an array of festive treats to ring in the Lunar New Year. Executive Chef Li Yuet Faat has prepared three auspicious puddings: a coconut Chinese New Year Pudding; an abalone, conpoy, and air-dried preserved meat and turnip pudding; and a red date and coconut pudding. Go for the deluxe Chinese New Year hamper, with a coconut pudding, homemade XO sauce, South African premium 12 head abalone and more. You can order it here.

Ming Court, Level 6, 555 Shanghai Street, Cordis, Mong Kok, Kowloon; +852 3552 3301 

Rosewood Hong Kong

Rosewood Hong Kong is offering an array of Chinese New Year sets for gifting, featuring everything from traditional puddings to homemade XO sauce, festive candies, afternoon tea sets and more. Don't miss the well-wishes themed hampers: Harvest (HK$9,988), Fortune (HK$3,388), and Joy (HK$2,288) — for every CNY hamper purchased, Rosewood will donate 5% of the proceeds to support ImpactHK and their work to support those experiencing homelessness in Hong Kong. Find out more here.

We also love the clever Chinese New Year advent calendar from Rosewood — rather than counting down, you count on from the first day of the lunar calendar into the new Year of the Tiger. The whole set holds 15 special treats from the hotel, one for each day of the Chinese traditional holiday that lasts for two weeks. Tug open the jewel-toned drawers to discover a selection of delicious snacks from fortune cookies and egg rolls to XO sauce, palmiers, nougats, ginger candies and crunchy peanut bites. Much better than your usual melon seeds. You can order it here.

Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 3891 8732

Paul Lafayet

No crème brulée from Paul Lafayet this Chinese New Year. What you can get, though, is the patisserie's Lucky Tiger Gift Box with French illustrator Emilie Sarnel's hand drawing of two dancing tigers. The gift box set pulls open to reveal three different tiers featuring a whole afternoon experience: “Cookirons" — a cookie-based iteration of the brand's famous macaron; jasmine and hojicha tea tins with pots of honey in the second and a special fine bone china porcelain dish at the base to hold it all. The plate is specially tailored to the Year of the Tiger, featuring a sketch of two smiling tigers amongst a flowery meadow filled with macarons. You can order it online here.

Paul Lafayet, various locations across Hong Kong

Saicho

So this might not fit into traditional Chinese candy boxes, but it will still sit very prettily amongst red-adorned decor around the home. For the Year of the Tiger, Saicho has launched a very special creation of only 900 bottles — Eight Immortals — featuring the special Dan Cong Oolong tea grown atop Phoenix Mountain's Tian Liao village in Guangdong. From harvest to roast and rolling, the Dan Cong Oolong leaves are looked after by a qualified tea master. The result is a fragrant blend that adheres to the leaves' distinct complexity: bright notes of ginger mango and tangerine that rounds into a bitterness, then herbal, the likes of anise, fennel and tarragon. With Eight Immortals' earthy savouriness, Saicho recommends pairing with traditional Chinese New Year dishes including Chinese steamed fish and tang yang (glutinous rice dumplings). You can shop Saicho's Chinese New Year selection here.

Smith & Sinclair

Candy box fillings will be extra exciting with the addition of Smith & Sinclair treats, they're made after your favourite tipples! The UK-based brand crafts vegan-friendly gummies — or "Edible Cocktails" — from anything, including classic Gin & Tonic to special concoctions like Passionfruit Mojito. For the Year of the Tiger, the brand has designed a special red, tiger-printed sleeve as a symbol of good luck and fortune. These can be fitted over any of Smith & Sinclair's nine signature sets, from spirit-based "Gin Obsessed" or "Tequila Time" to themed "Love Box" or "Night In". You can order and find out more here.

Sugarfina

Sugarfina's candy cubes are a delight, both to give and receive. For this Chinese New Year, the confectioner has crafted a series of Candy Bento Boxes for easy gifting (and enjoying!) — with anything from a single cube to a lucky set of eight, featuring the brand's sweet creations in fun, auspicious names. There's the Lotus Flowers flavoured with lychee, Tangerine Bears, berried-flavoured Royal Roses and Golden Pearls. If not for the sweets within, get this set for the beautifully artistic packaging: a hand-crafted shadow box of red and gold decor motifs of lanterns, flowers and a temple to mark new beginnings.

Sugarfina, various locations across Hong Kong

The Peninsula Boutique & Café

One of the traditional elements of the Year of the Tiger is the big cat's head, symbolising strength and good health. Inspired by traditional Chinese "tiger head shoes" worn by children, the Peninsula Boutique & Café is celebrating the new year with plenty of tiger head-decorated gift sets — you can hang the box up as a Chinese New Year decoration! Pick up the festive "Robust Tiger Gift Set" (with cookies, candies, chocolate, tea and more), and any of the Chinese New Year puddings. You can find out more here.

The Peninsula Boutique & Café, The Peninsula Arcade, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 2696 6969

Venchi

You may be spoilt for choice with Venchi's range of Chinese New Year gift boxes, but one thing's for sure: the range of lucky red and gold packaging all feature the Italian brand's signature 140-years, Piedmont Master Chocolatiers-approved sweets. Pick up The Chinese New Year Double Layer Hexagon Gift Box, an extensive collection of the brand's favourite chocolates: Cremini, Chocoviar, Truffles, and Dubledoni. Or consider the Chinese New Year Round Hamper, which features Venchi's latest creation Gianduja N.3 with Hazelnut, and is a close replica of the traditional chuen hup with the rounded exterior and organised sections within.

Venchi, various locations across Hong Kong

Yat Tung Heen

Led by celebrated chef Tam Tung, Michelin-starred Yat Tung Heen is celebrating the new year by bringing back its highly sought-after turnip pudding, classic Chinese New Year pudding and the restaurant's signature gift box (which includes housemade premium XO sauce, candied walnuts and hand-selected Ginseng Oolong tea leaves). And to minimise the environmental impact of the gifting season, each pudding is thoughtfully packaged in a 100% recyclable eco-friendly paper box. You can find out more here.

Yat Tung Heen, Level B2, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2710 1093

Ying Jee Club

Two Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Ying Jee Club is serving the finest delectable pastry duo, a savoury turnip pudding with conpoy and air-dried meat and a sweet coconut milk pudding with red bean and Ceylon tea. Both are handcrafted daily by executive chef Siu Hin-Chi, who has amassed 20 Michelin stars over the past decade alone — rest assured, the preservative-free puddings epitomise the highest standard of Cantonese cuisine in both texture and flavour. You can order in-person at the restaurant, or by calling 2801 6882 or emailing reservation@yingjeeclub.hk — find out more here.

Ying Jee Club, Shop G05, 107 & 108, Nexxus Building, 41 Connaught Road Central; +852 2801 6882

(Hero image courtesy of Yat Tung Heen, featured image courtesy of Duddell's, image 1 courtesy of China Tang)

The post The Best Chinese New Year Makeup Collections for the Year of the Tiger appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with these auspicious dishes for takeaway or dine-in.

The post Luxurious pen cai and yu sheng to order for the Lunar New Year appeared first on The Peak Magazine.