As Summer Fades, a Taste of Home Beckons
With the arrival of fall, I found myself back in New York City, leaving behind the comfort and safety of Taiwan. Many friends thought I was crazy to return to a country still grappling with the pandemic. I, too, had my doubts. What if I brought the virus back with me? What if my family reunion turned into a disaster? But as I stepped off the plane at JFK airport, a kind immigration officer’s warm “welcome home” calmed my nerves.
A Quiet Celebration
When I arrived at my parents’ apartment, we couldn’t hug or share a meal together due to social distancing protocols. But a thoughtful gesture spoke volumes: two plump, round pomelos sat on the windowsill, a symbol of their preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival. This special day, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, marks a time for family reunions and feasting.
A Time for Togetherness
As the full moon shines bright, families typically gather together to share in the joy of the occasion. However, with the ongoing pandemic, many are forced to celebrate apart. One way to still connect with loved ones is by ordering takeout from your local Chinese restaurant and enjoying a quiet evening of moon gazing together over Zoom.
Supporting Local Restaurants
Unfortunately, nearly 60% of Chinese restaurants were forced to shut down during the height of the pandemic. Many are still struggling to survive due to misinformation and xenophobia. By ordering from your favorite Chinese restaurant, you can help them stay afloat.
A Festive Feast
To make your Moon Festival celebration complete, here are some essential dishes and foods to try:
- Steamed crab, a delicacy often served as the centerpiece of the feast
- Roast duck, a classic dish with crispy skin and savory hoisin sauce
- Stir-fried lotus root, a staple in Chinese cuisine that symbolizes strong family bonds
- Braised pork ribs with taro, a comforting and flavorful dish
- Tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls that represent unity and togetherness
- Mooncakes, traditional pastries filled with lotus seed paste or modern flavors like lava custard
- Mango pomelo sago, a refreshing dessert that marks the end of the meal
These dishes can be enjoyed together or separately, and many can be easily ordered from your local Chinese restaurant. By supporting these businesses and sharing in the joy of the Moon Festival, we can come together despite the distance.
A Symbol of Unity
As I looked at the round pomelos on my parents’ windowsill, I was reminded of the true meaning of the Moon Festival: unity, togetherness, and the blessings of the full moon. Even in a time of separation, we can still share in the spirit of the holiday and look forward to a brighter future.
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