Happy surprise birthday to my mother-in-law, but it’s a real surprise to everyone because he birthday is in june. Feeling confused. So was i.
The back story had to do with my nephew’s friend that is a fortune teller. He told my nephew that my mother-in-law was in danger and needed to get the whole family together and celebrate her. So my sister-in-law suggested a surprise birthday party. No one complained because we love family reunions and the delicious banquet.
First, let’s look at the traditional birthday food. The above is a sweet rice ball soup and below is a salty rice ball soup. The sweet is more traditional for birthdays, but the salty one is preferred with the Hakka ethnic group.
Next traditional dish is long noodles (really long) and eggs. These are 滷蛋 or braised eggs. The noodles represent a long life and the eggs are for health.
Pork knuckles are also traditional, but i don’t know why. But they are delicious.
This is the last of the traditional food that we had. These are steamed buns with a red bean paste inside. They are decorated as peaches. Usually these are bite sized, but for some reason, they are huge.
Not for the other food at the feast. Sashimi was an appetizer.
These are called “lionhead meatballs”. Due to the sauce, I’m not sure if it is made of beef or pork. And this feast, i didn’t help prepare.
This is chicken wine soup. Basically a simple chicken soup with a generous portion of rice wine.
Goose served cold with a special dipping sauce.
Here’s a beef, potato, and carrot dish. The beef is braised, moist and tender.
My favorite sweet and sour fish. My sister-in-law has the best sweet and sour sauce that she whips up in minutes. Amazing.
This is a snail dish with garlic, chili, and basil.
For dessert, we had
Guava!!
There was a birthday cake, but since i didn’t cook, i was on cleaning duty. After we sang happy birthday, boom! The family was playing tag with the frosting. A tradition in our family. Anyone is game, especially the birthday person.
Which food looks the best to you?
*all pictures taken by me with iPhone 14.
