过年How?: Packing Fat Hongbao With Farm 2 Neighbors Founder Erica Huang
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?
If you've ever found yourself wandering around the Grand Summit in Liangmaqiao on the weekend, chances are, you've stumbled upon the Farm 2 Neighbors market. Founded in 2015 by Erica Huang, the local market has quickly become a staple in the Beijing foodie and environmentalist community. Before she jets off to see her family, we caught Erica for a chat about how she spends Chinese New Year.
What does your average CNY entail?
CNY is the time of the year when I go back to Taiwan and see my family. For me, this is also a time of rest. My family in Taiwan is very laid back. Other than seeing my grandparents and eating together, because businesses are usually closed so I get to stay home and do a lot of reading, reflecting, hiking, and catching up on sleep!
Which dishes or drinks do you particularly look forward to gorging on every year?
My aunt makes this amazing chicken soup with cured ham and Chinese cabbage – it cures everything!
Any tips for avoiding the excesses of eating and drinking during Chinese New Year?
I don't eat so much meat on CNY. This makes my body feel a lot better even after being really full. I focus on eating the veggie dishes first and when I’m half-way full, I begin to enjoy the meat dishes in small portions.
Got any tips on how to deflect those awkward family questions?
My family is super chill. I don’t really get any hard questions from them!
Is there anybody deserving of a fat hongbao from you this year?
Ever since I started working, I always go home and pack a hongbao for my grandparents. They always pretend to reject it at first but are super happy in the end to receive it. So this year, both my grandparents are 99 years old, so I plan to pack a really big one for them.
What do you predict the Year of the Rat holds for you?
I predict the year of the Rat will be a year of personal growth, learning and maturing. I'm really looking forward to what lays ahead!
READ: Why 春运 Means Much More Than the "World's Largest Human Migration"
Images courtesy of Erica Huang
