

During Chinese New Year, special emphasis are placed on the symbol represented by certain dishes. One of the common celebration dish is the turnip cake or loh bak gou.
Turnip cake, also called daikon cake, radish cake or carrot cake (in Singapore), is a Chinese dim sum dish made with shredded radish (Chinese or daikon) and rice flour. Once made, the radish/rice flour/water mixture can be mixed with dried shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp and Chinese sausage (lap cheong) for added flavor.
The batter is then poured into a steamer lined with foil or cellophane and steamed for 40-60 minutes, until it solidifies. The cake can be served right after steaming, or can be further cooked, usually pan-fried either whole or in pieces.
Turnip cakes are served at Chinese New Year (definitely for Cantonese celebrators) because they are associated with a phrase meaning “good luck.”
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