New Dragon Asian Food Market

12/17/2024

The Chinese New Year is Coming Soon in 2025

by Chef Ronomundo

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is determined by the lunisolar Chinese calendar. Its date varies each year between January 21 and February 20.

In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake.

The festival traditionally lasts 16 days, starting on Chinese New Year's Eve and culminating on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival.

In 2025, the public holiday in China is observed from January 28 to February 4, providing an 8-day break for festivities.

The most notable dates of the Chinese New Year 2025 are:

~ January 28: Chinese New Year's Eve

~ January 29: Chinese New Year's Day

~ February 12: Lantern Festival

Each year in the Chinese zodiac is associated with an animal sign; 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, traditional ceremonies, and various cultural activities to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.

Chinese New Year is celebrated with various traditional foods, each carrying symbolic meanings for prosperity, health, happiness, and good fortune. Here are some of the most important foods eaten during Chinese New Year:

1. Dumplings (饺子, Jiǎozi)

~ Symbolism: Wealth and prosperity.

~ The shape resembles ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots, symbolizing wealth.

~ Eating dumplings at midnight or New Year’s Eve is common, especially in Northern China.

2. Spring Rolls (春卷, Chūnjuǎn)

~ Symbolism: Wealth.

~ Golden, crispy spring rolls resemble gold bars, representing wealth and prosperity.

3. Nian Gao (年糕, Sticky Rice Cake)

~ Symbolism: Progress and a higher year (年年高, Niánnián Gāo).

~ This sweet, sticky rice cake signifies growth, improvement, and success in the new year.

4. Fish (鱼, Yú)

~ Symbolism: Surplus and abundance.

~ The word "fish" (鱼, Yú) sounds like "surplus" (余, Yú), representing an abundance of prosperity.

~ The fish is usually served whole to symbolize completeness.

5. Longevity Noodles (长寿面, Chángshòu Miàn)

~ Symbolism: Longevity and a long life.

~ These unbroken noodles represent long life and are often served fried or boiled.

6. Tangyuan (汤圆, Sweet Rice Balls)

~ Symbolism: Family unity and togetherness.

~ These round, glutinous rice balls symbolize reunion and harmony and are eaten during the Lantern Festival.

7. Whole Chicken

~ Symbolism: Family unity and completeness.

~ Serving a whole chicken (including the head and tail) represents unity, completeness, and prosperity.

8. Mandarins and Oranges (桔子, Júzi)

~ Symbolism: Luck and fortune.

~ Oranges are believed to bring luck because their pronunciation resembles "success" (吉, Jí).

9. Glutinous Rice Balls (八宝饭, Bābǎofàn)

~ Symbolism: Sweetness, unity, and a prosperous life.

~ This rice pudding includes ingredients like red bean paste, nuts, and dried fruits, which are perfect for a sweet and prosperous year.
10. Bamboo Shoots

~ Symbolism: Growth, wealth, and good fortune.

~ Bamboo shoots are believed to bring upward growth and wealth for the new year.

11. Steamed Buns with Sweet Fillings (包子, Bāozi)

~ Symbolism: Fortune and happiness.

~ Filled with sweet pastes or savory ingredients, buns symbolize contentment and blessings.

12. Tray of Togetherness (全盒, Quánhé)

~ A platter with 8 (a lucky number) symbolic snacks like lotus seeds, candied fruits, peanuts, and melon seeds, representing happiness, longevity, and fertility.

These special foods are rich in symbolism and traditions, often reflecting hopes for prosperity, health, and unity in the new year. Each region in China might have variations, but these foods are the most widely recognized for Chinese New Year celebrations.

12/08/2024

"Wrap It Up with Egg Noodles, Lo Mein: 10 Crispy Creations to Wow Your Taste Buds"

by Chef Ronomundo

Got a 10-ounce package of Egg Noodles, Lo Mein, sitting in your pantry? You’re just a few lumpia wrappers away from a culinary adventure! The chewy, savory goodness of lo mein pairs perfectly with the crisp versatility of lumpia wrappers to create dishes that are fun to make and even better to eat. Here are ten creative ways to make magic happen in your kitchen.

1. Lo Mein Spring Rolls

Roll up cooked lo mein, shredded carrots, and cabbage in lumpia wrappers for a crispy, satisfying appetizer. Dip in sweet chili sauce or soy-based dressing for the perfect bite.

2. Noodle Dumplings

Mix your lo mein with minced pork or shrimp, wrapped in lumpia sheets, and steam or fry. These dumplings pack a noodle bowl's flavor into a neat little package.

3. Crispy Lo Mein Bites

Twist a few forkfuls of lo mein into small nests, wrap in lumpia sheets, and fry. They’re crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and impossible to eat just one.

4. Lo Mein Nachos

Cut lumpia wrappers into triangles, fry until crispy, and top with lo mein, a drizzle of hoisin sauce, and chopped scallions. Asian-inspired nachos that are perfect for sharing (or not).

5. Cheesy Noodle Rolls

Add shredded cheese to your lo mein before wrapping it in lumpia sheets and frying until golden. The gooey, cheesy surprise inside will make these a family favorite.

6. Lo Mein Taco Shells

Crisp lumpia wrappers in the oven or skillet to create taco shells. Fill with lo mein, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of sesame dressing for a crunchy, noodle-packed twist on tacos.

7. Noodle Salad Cups

Bake lumpia wrappers in muffin tins to create edible cups. Fill with lo mein, shredded lettuce, and a tangy vinaigrette. These are perfect for parties or a light lunch.

8. Lo Mein Pancake Wraps

Mix cooked lo mein with a beaten egg, fry it into a pancake, then wrap it in a lumpia sheet and pan-fry again for a double-layered crispy treat.

9. Sweet and Savory Noodle Rolls

Add a touch of honey and sesame seeds to your lo mein before wrapping and frying. This sweet-savory combo is unexpectedly addictive.

10. Lo Mein Leftover Rolls

Got leftover lo mein from last night’s dinner? Wrap it in lumpia wrappers and fry for a quick, crispy makeover. No one will ever guess it’s yesterday’s meal.

Why Egg Noodles, Lo Mein, and Lumpia Wrappers Are a Perfect Pair

Egg Noodles and Lo-Mein bring that savory, chewy noodle goodness to every dish, while lumpia wrappers add crunch and versatility. Together, they’re a culinary dream team that turns ordinary ingredients into extraordinary creations.

So grab a pack of lumpia wrappers and Egg Noodles, Lo Mein, and let your creativity flow. Your taste buds will thank you!

What’s your first creation? Share your ideas or noodle-wrapped experiments in the comments and inspire the next wave of crispy, noodle-filled delights!

12/08/2024

"Wrap It Up with DAIEI Loading Chuka Salad: 10 Fresh Ways to Create Food Magic"

by Chef Ronomundo

Got a 3.87-ounce container of DAIEI Loading Chuka Salad in your fridge? You’re holding a treasure trove of tangy, sesame-infused deliciousness that’s perfect for transforming ordinary dishes into culinary wonders. Pair it with lumpia wrappers; you’ve got the ultimate kitchen duo for whipping up creative, mouthwatering meals. Here are ten ways to make this combo shine.

1. Chuka Spring Rolls

Take a scoop of DAIEI Loading Chuka Salad, add shredded carrots and Persian cucumbers, and roll them up in lumpia wrappers. Fry or bake for a crunchy, tangy appetizer that disappears fast!

2. Seaweed Salad Bites

Wrap the chuka salad with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, then fry until golden. It's perfect for snacking or as a party starter that’ll make everyone think you moonlight as a chef.

3. Fusion Dumplings

Mix Chuka salad with minced shrimp or tofu, wrap it in lumpia sheets, and steam or fry it. The umami-packed salad elevates these dumplings to the next level.

4. Chuka Sushi Rolls

Skip the nori and use lumpia wrappers instead! Wrap up Chuka Salad, avocado, and thinly sliced Persian cucumber, then fry lightly for a crunchy twist on sushi rolls.

5. Crispy Chuka Nachos

Cut lumpia wrappers into triangles, fry until crispy, and top with DAIEI Loading Chuka Salad, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These Asian-inspired nachos are the snack you didn’t know you needed.

6. Chuka Caesar Cups

Bake lumpia wrappers in muffin tins to make crispy cups, then fill them with Chuka Salad, shredded lettuce, and a sesame-miso dressing. Edible plates? Yes, please.

7. Savory Chuka Pancakes

Fill the Chuka Salad with scrambled eggs, wrap it in lumpia sheets, and pan-fry. Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea.

8. Chuka Dessert Dumplings

Yes, you can have dessert with Chuka salad! Before wrapping and frying, add a drizzle of honey and a dash of sesame seeds. The sweet-salty combo is unexpectedly delightful.

9. Leftover Makeover Rolls

Combine leftover grilled meat or veggies with Chuka Salad, wrap them in lumpia sheets, and fry. It’s the perfect way to turn yesterday’s dinner into a fresh, crispy masterpiece.

10. Chuka Salad Crispy Bowls

Baked lumpia wrappers are the base for a colorful salad bowl filled with Chuka Salad, shredded carrots, and sliced radishes. It’s healthy, Instagram-worthy, and utterly satisfying.

Why DAIEI Loading Chuka Salad and Lumpia Wrappers Are a Dream Team

DAIEI Loading Chuka Salad has tangy, savory flavors and a delightful sesame kick. Paired with the crisp, versatile lumpia wrapper, it opens up a world of culinary possibilities that are as easy to make as they are to eat.

So grab a pack of lumpia wrappers and a container of DAIEI Loading Chuka Salad, and get ready to impress your taste buds—and maybe your friends, too.

Could you let me know what you'll wrap up first? Please share your ideas in the comments, and let’s inspire a new wave of creative eats!

12/08/2024

Chef Ronomundo will add interesting ways to spark your dining-at-home life, entertain guests, and please the palates of those you treat with your extraordinary inventions.

12/08/2024

"Wrap It Up with Munouyaku Natto Zanmai: 10 Creative Foods to Roll, Fold, and Fry"

by Chef Ronomundo

If you’ve got a pack of Munouyaku Natto Zanmai (yes, the one with 3 servings per package) sitting in your pantry, congratulations—you’re holding a key ingredient to culinary creativity! While natto is already celebrated for its sticky, nutritious goodness, have you ever thought about pairing it with the magic of lumpia wrappers? Together, they’re a power duo that can revolutionize snack time, meal prep, and dessert. Here are ten fun, crispy, and unexpected ways to use lumpia wrappers with natto.

1. Natto Breakfast Wraps

Spoon out some natto, scramble an egg, and sprinkle green onions. Roll it up in a lumpia wrapper and pan-fry it until golden. Breakfast just got a protein-packed upgrade.

2. Crunchy Natto Sushi Rolls

Who says sushi needs seaweed? Wrap natto, avocado, and cucumber in a lumpia wrapper, fry it lightly, and slice it into bite-sized pieces. It’s fusion cuisine at its best.

3. Natto Dumplings

Mix your natto with minced pork or mushrooms, wrap it in lumpia sheets, and steam or fry it. These bite-sized treats are perfect for dipping with soy sauce and vinegar.

4. Sweet Natto Bites

Yes, natto can go sweet! Add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, wrap it up, and fry. The result? A unique dessert that balances sweet and savory like a champ.

5. Natto Spring Rolls

Combine natto, shredded carrots, and vermicelli noodles for a fresh take on spring rolls. Use lumpia wrappers instead of rice paper for extra crunch, and pair them with a tangy dipping sauce.

6. Natto Nachos

Cut lumpia wrappers into triangles, fry them crispy, and top with natto, melted cheese, green onions, and a dollop of spicy mayo. Who said nachos couldn’t be classy?

7. Natto Tempura Sticks

Wrap a spoonful of natto in lumpia sheets, roll tightly, and dip in tempura batter before frying. These crunchy, savory sticks are the perfect appetizer for adventurous eaters.

8. Natto Pie Pockets

Mix natto with shredded cheese and a bit of miso paste to turn it into a savory pastry filling. Wrap it in a lumpia sheet, seal the edges, and bake or fry it for golden perfection.

9. Natto Caesar Cups

Bake lumpia wrappers in muffin tins to create edible cups. Fill with natto, shredded lettuce, and Caesar dressing for a quirky twist on a classic salad.

10. Natto Dessert Dumplings

Mix natto with sweet red bean paste, wrap it up, and fry or steam. This dessert is unexpected, delightful, and a guaranteed conversation starter.

Why Munouyaku Natto Zanmai and Lumpia Wrappers Are a Match Made in Heaven

Munouyaku Natto Zanmai brings that irresistible umami flavor and sticky texture, while lumpia wrappers add a crisp, flaky bite to every creation. Together, they open up a world of fun, innovative recipes that your taste buds—and Instagram followers—will thank you for.

So grab a pack of Munouyaku Natto Zanmai and some lumpia wrappers, and let your culinary creativity run wild. Who knew natto could be this versatile?

Ready to try one of these ideas? Could you share your creations in the comments or pass this along to your foodie friends? Let’s turn natto and lumpia wrappers into the stars of your next meal!

12/08/2024

"Wrap It Up! 10 Delicious Ways to Use Lumpia Wrappers Beyond Lumpia"

Let’s dive into the magical world of lumpia wrappers—those thin, versatile sheets that can turn any meal into a masterpiece. Sure, they’re famous for cradling that crispy, savory goodness we call lumpia, but these wrappers are the ultimate kitchen multitaskers. Here are ten ways to use lumpia wrappers to make your taste buds dance, and your guests wonder if you’ve gone complete culinary genius.

1. DIY Mini Pizza Pockets

Who needs a pizza crust when you’ve got lumpia wrappers? Slather on some marinara, sprinkle mozzarella, toss in a pepperoni, fold it up, and bake or fry. Voilà—personalized pizza pockets with extra crunch!

2. Breakfast Burrito Bites

Got leftover scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese? Roll them in lumpia wrappers, give them a quick fry, and call it breakfast to-go. Bonus: You can eat them one-handed while scrolling through your morning emails.

3. Dessert Rolls (a.k.a. Sweet Dreams in Wrapper Form)

Fill these bad boys with Nutella and bananas or cream cheese and strawberries. Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce, and you have a dessert that screams, "Why haven’t I done this before?"

4. Cheesy Sticks of Joy

Cut some string cheese, wrap it snugly, fry it golden, and prepare to fend off snack thieves. It’s mozzarella sticks, but make it fashionable.

5. Taco Shell Hack

Crisp lumpia wrappers in the oven or skillet, and you’ve got a delicate, flaky taco shell. Fill it with your favorite taco fixings, and enjoy the best taco Tuesday ever.

6. Asian Nachos

Cut wrappers into triangles, fry until crispy, and top with your favorite nacho toppings: sriracha mayo, shredded chicken, scallions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Taco Bell wishes it had thought of this.

7. Apple Pie Rolls

Do you have apples, sugar, and cinnamon lying around? Cook up some apple pie filling, roll it in lumpia wrappers, and fry or bake for portable apple pie perfection. Grandma would approve.

8. Soup Dumpling Cheats
Are you too lazy to make traditional dumpling dough? Lumpia wrappers are here to save the day. Fill them with seasoned ground meat, steam them, and serve with soy sauce and chili oil. Your taste buds won’t know the difference.

9. Crispy Salad Cups

Bake lumpia wrappers in muffin tins to create edible bowls. Fill them with Caesar salad, coleslaw, or even shrimp cocktail. It’s fancy, Instagram-worthy, and 100% edible. Who needs plates?

10. Leftover Makeover Rolls

Do you have a fridge full of random leftovers? Lumpia wrappers are the blank canvas for your culinary Picasso. Stuff, roll, fry, and turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s feast.

Final Thoughts: Wrap It Your Way

Lumpia wrappers aren’t just for lumpia—they’re the Swiss Army knife of your pantry. Whether rolling up a savory snack, sweet treat, or creative experiment, these versatile sheets improve everything.

So, the next time you grab a pack of lumpia wrappers, think beyond lumpia. Because in the world of food, anything wrapped is automatically more fun—and tastier.

Ready to experiment? Drop your favorite lumpia-wrapper creation in the comments, or share this post with your foodie friends. Let’s spread the crispy, flaky love!

07/04/2024

Open 11 am to 7 pm

10/20/2023

10/03/2023

Recipe for Sinangag (Filipino Garlic Fried Rice)

Sinangag, or Filipino Garlic Fried Rice, is a popular and flavorful side dish in Filipino cuisine. It's often served alongside various Filipino viands, such as adobo, tocino, longganisa, or fried fish. Here's a simple recipe to make Sinangag at home:

Ingredients:
4 cups cooked cold rice (leftover rice works best)
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cooking oil (traditionally, you'd use garlic-infused oil, but regular cooking oil works too)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped scallions or green onions for garnish

Instructions:
Prepare the Rice: If you're using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a large tray or baking sheet and let it cool completely. For best results, use day-old rice that has been refrigerated overnight. Cold rice is less likely to become mushy when fried.

Heat the Oil: Heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. You can use more oil if you prefer a richer flavor.

Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté it until it becomes fragrant and turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. This process should take about 1-2 minutes.

Add the Rice: Once the garlic is golden brown, add the cold rice to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any clumps, and stir the rice with the garlic and oil until the rice is well-coated.

Seasoning: Season the rice with salt and pepper to taste. Be conservative with the salt first, as you can always add more later. You can add other seasonings like soy sauce or fish sauce for extra flavor, but these are optional.

Fry the Rice: Continue to stir-fry the rice for 5-7 minutes or until it's heated through and slightly crispy. Keep stirring to distribute the garlic and seasonings evenly. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

Garnish: Garnish the Sinangag with chopped scallions or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve: Transfer the Sinangag to a serving platter and serve hot as a side dish with your favorite Filipino dishes.

Sinangag is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy leftover rice. It's often served for breakfast with a fried egg on top or as a side dish for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste by adding other ingredients like diced vegetables or cooked meat. Enjoy your homemade Sinangag!

10/03/2023

How to Cook Kare Kare

Kare-Kare is a popular Filipino dish known for its rich and savory peanut sauce, often served with various vegetables and sometimes with meat, usually oxtail, tripe, and pork hock.

Here's a basic recipe for cooking Kare-Kare:

Ingredients:

For the Kare-Kare:

1 ½ to 2 pounds of oxtail, tripe, and pork hock, cut into serving pieces

1 eggplant, sliced

1 bundle of string beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch pieces

1 banana flower (blossom), sliced thinly and soaked in water

2-3 pieces of bok choy (pechay)

1-2 tablespoons cooking oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Shrimp paste (bagoong) for serving (optional)

For the Kare-Kare Sauce:

1 cup of ground peanuts (you can use peanut butter as a substitute)

1 medium-sized onion, minced

4-6 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons of annatto seeds (achuete seeds) soaked in 2 tablespoons of water (for coloring)

4-6 cups of water

Fish sauce (patis) or salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Meats:

Place the oxtail, tripe, and pork hock in a large pot. Add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the meats are tender. Depending on the meat, this can take 2-3 hours or more. You can also use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time significantly.

Cook the Vegetables:

While the meats are simmering, you can blanch the vegetables. Blanch the eggplant, string beans, banana flower, and bok choy in separate pots. To blanch, boil them in salted water for a few minutes until they become tender, then drain and set aside.

Make the Kare-Kare Sauce:

In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Saute the minced onion and garlic until they become aromatic and translucent. Add the ground peanuts (or peanut butter) and cook for a few minutes. Stir in the annatto water for color. Gradually add 4-6 cups of water while stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens. Could you season with fish sauce or salt to taste? ~ Yes!

Combine Everything:

Once the meats are tender, drain them and add to the Kare-Kare sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together. Adjust the consistency of the sauce with water if needed.

Serve: Serve the Kare-Kare hot with steamed rice.

You can also serve it with shrimp paste (bagoong) on the side for extra flavor. Some people like to mix a bit of bagoong into their Kare-Kare.

Kare-Kare is a delicious and hearty Filipino dish that's perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. Enjoy!

09/07/2023