Everyone cooks together in one simmering pot in the middle of the table. In Sichuan and Chongqing the broth is numbing and spicy (málà); Cantonese hot pot (da bin lou) uses a clear, light broth.
In northern China families make jiaozi together for Lunar New Year’s Eve. Their shape is said to look like old gold and silver ingots, a wish for a prosperous year.
In Cantonese, yum cha means “drink tea”: a morning or lunchtime outing for tea and dim sum, shared by the whole table.
Auspicious clouds (xiangyun) and window-lattice patterns are traditional symbols of good luck and a happy home.
