Ring In Lunar New Year with a Visit to a Local Asian Market

olympia asian market
Beautiful produce is displayed at KN Halal market in Lacey.
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By Lynn West

indian summer logoAfter visiting Hong Kong, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore during the long celebration of the Chinese New Year three years ago, we were inspired to create a celebration when it was our turn to host a dinner group. We knew we couldn’t replicate the amazing displays in the Malls in Hong Kong, the red lanterns and the acres of yellow chrysanthemums in Viet Nam, or the Dragon and Lion dances through the streets of China Town in Singapore. However, we made an attempt by searching for recipes similar to dishes we enjoyed at restaurants and market stalls, looking for fresh produce and herbs, and selecting traditional decorations.

Recently I revisited Thurston County Asian markets where we purchased our ingredients and have often shopped. I chatted with the owners about their preparations for the Lunar New Year, 4713. Celebrations for the year of the Goat could last from Wednesday, February 18 (New Year’s Eve) to February 24 (the sixth day of Chinese New Year), but most likely will only be a one-day event for most celebrants in our local community.

Hong Phat Market

1107 College Street SE in Lacey

asian market olympia
A special selection of Lunar New Year gifts are available at Hong Phat Market in Lacey.

Nghic Vuong, owner of Hong Phat Market, told me, “One of the reasons the Vietnamese who live locally like to return to Viet Nam during the Lunar New Year is because of the celebrations you saw.”

He went on to say that most families in the South Sound have to work or go to school during what would be a week-long holiday in their home countries. “We try to keep the important traditions alive, especially for the younger members of the family. We go to the temple and bring food for the monks and offerings for our ancestors,” Nghic explained.

When asked about traditional foods for the holiday, he said, “People usually just make their favorite dishes, which are often vegetarian.” Pointing out a nearby display of beautifully wrapped baskets, trays of dried fruits, and little containers of various candies, he acknowledged, “We do order special gift items for the holiday.” Along with giving small red envelopes with money to friends and relatives for good luck, he said the candies are also considered lucky.

“Ten or fifteen years ago, we had Dragon parades in town, but now, with all the permits we would need and the busy lives people live, we no longer do that,” Nghic told me. “Just imagine if every Asian in the area called in sick on February 19,” he said. We shared a laugh considering that possibility.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without a bag full of ginger, eggplant, garlic, noodles and much more. I ultimately persuaded my husband to make Thai Prawn, Ginger and Spring Onion Stir Fry for an early celebration. After all, fish is a staple of Chinese New Year’s celebrations.

 

KN Halal Market

7255 Martin Way E in Lacey

olympia asian market
Beautiful produce is displayed at KN Halal market in Lacey.

Down the road, at the KN Halal Market, I picked up the ingredients for the Hot and Sour Broth with Prawns recipe, which had been a hit with our dinner group. Our friends have since adapted the simple recipe using vegetables and various meats.

Zally Mouhamath, who owns the KN Halal Market, with her husband, Esa, paused from adding cucumbers to the beautiful display of fresh produce to echo Nghic’s words. She stressed the importance of the temple, family and good-luck gifts in New Year’s celebrations.

However, she added, “Since I am Cambodian, we and the Thai and Lao people will celebrate our New Year on April 14, but we do share the Lunar New Year celebrations with our families because many of our ancestors came from China.” Celebrations never end.

As I was waiting by the KN Halal’s smaller display of gift items, I envisioned all the wonderful meals the couple ahead of me in line would make with their two huge baskets of groceries. I wondered if they offered cooking classes.

 

Capital Market

2419 Harrison Avenue in Olympia

chinese new year
Shopping in Singapore during Chinese New Year is a colorful, festive atmosphere.

Later I stopped at Capital Market in West Olympia, where I had purchased red lanterns and small envelopes for our dinner party.

Kim Thai, the owner, showed me a tray of Banh Tet, a traditional Vietnamese sweet and savory cake, which Kim said they have on hand now. She added, “People are also shopping for ingredients for special holiday stir fries and chow mien dishes.”

 

Olympia Timberland Libraries

After creating your New Year’s dinner menu, you may be in the mood to join the Olympia Tai-Chi and Kung-Fu Club to watch their performance of the traditional Lion Dance and demonstration of the martial art of Kung-Fu.

Olympia Timberland Library, Tuesday, February 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Tumwater Timberland Library, Tuesday, March 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Lacey Timberland Library, Saturday, March 7, noon to 1 p.m.

 

Set the table with red and gold, find some yellow mums, and make succulent Asian dishes on February 19 to welcome in the year of the Goat!

 

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