One of the things that are remarkable is that many Chinese establishments have decorated their shops/companies with red lampoons. And all the locations for the celebration activities are branded with them. It really look like as if you're walking on the red lampoon lane.
For this event, I had to think up some of the remarkable Chinese culture that I could use as part of an advertisement and I had to admit that however the Chinese have been here for so many years, but we did not really imbedded many of our cultural aspects. However not many, but these are the most remarkable ones from the Chinese culture in Suriname:
1. Omoe (uncle) from the corner
times when I was calles Omoe. For many locals, Omoe is the term for the Chinese behind the
counter. However the Chinese have different establishments now, but somehow the idea of
Chinese people behind the counter of a restaurant, bar or supermarket remains.
2. Matjok ( Mahjong)
However it's a game I still don't seem to grasp ( I know, what kind of Chinese am I, right?), but it
is one of the games most locals seems to have learned from the Chinese. The stories about
mahjong games bring up mixed feelings. Maybe it only happened once and long time ago, but
whenever I hear Matjok, I can only think about those stories where Chinese men gambled away
their shop and family. Nevertheless, don't blame the game, blame the player, right?
3. Chinese market
For some years now, the Chinese market is a must for Chinese locals and a nice morning visit for
others. Here you will see all kinds of Chinese products. It ranges from garden-grown veggies to
restaurant holders selling their roasted meat to imported fruits. Many locals and tourists come here
score some Chinese snacks for an affordable price. But for those who are interested, there are two:
- The one at the corner of Grote Combeweg and Sommelsdijkstraat.
This one have a great similarity with the normal market.
- The one at Soeng Ngie Oriental Market
This one looks neat and seems better organized. They even make it look like a happening with the
blow-up gate and colorful stands.
4. Dim Sum
One thing that CAN'T be left out in this post is of course the food. And we start with the most
important meal of the day: breakfast. Dim Sum literally means 'touch the heart'. I think the old
Chinese geniuses were eating some great breakfast and you know when you eat something really
good and kinda melts,,,,i think it's then that they came up with that word ' Oh, this really hits the
spot! It touched my heart!' I think it happened kinda like that. It goes without saying that those
acquainted with dim sum will know the usual snacks like dumplings, siu mai and wonton. In
Suriname, there are several Chinese establishments opened only for this. My two favorite shops
are:
- Kong Nam (Location: Weg naar Ma Retraite)
This establishment is known by many as the one next to the big tree. The setting won't make you
feel special and the environment does not even seem that well maintained, but it's one with the
better tasting dim sum.
- Fu Nga ( Location: Plutostraat)
This establishment has a way better interior. The paint look new, there are TV's on the wall and
even the lighting seems a bit more suitable. If I really think of a dining atmosphere for dim sum,
I'll go there. It's also a bit more appealing if I'd invite friends for dim sum. Next to that, they have
more menu options than most other dim sum places. And last but not least......they are open till
3pm!! Talking about late breakfast!
5. Chinese cuisine
Save the best for last! However Chinese food can be found everywhere (even though some are
posing to have Chinese food), but Suriname Chinese food differs from the rest. It tastes totally
different. Some weeks ago I mentioned it to a foreign acquaintance and she asked why. I can only
tell her that it probably is the water quality we have here, the fresh ingredients that are within
reach. Like every restaurant has its specialties, I have my favorites in different restaurants:
For my tjauwmin ( fried noodle) I most definitely will visit Lian Fa at the anamoestraat. The
noodle itself has so much more flavor and their fa chong (chinese sausage) is the best! And believe
me if I say that, because normally I don't eat fa chong since it's so fatty, but I'm willing to sin for it.
Another dish that's not healthy yet so tempting is the Eggplant stew from Fa Tai. All other
restaurants has it, but there the salty fish really has a great aroma. You'll smell whenever you have
it in front of you. Then there is also the egg tofu from Kwan Tai. They have other dishes, but
whenever I'm there, you can bet that it's one of the dishes I've ordered!
Lian Fa- Anamoestraat 12
Fa Tai- Maagdenstraat 64
Kwan Tai - Kwattaweg 428
For those of you who have missed all the activities till now, tomorrow you'll see the biggest group of Chinese together walking from the Chinese school (wanicastraat) to Independence Square. After the walk, there will also be performances from different Chinese associations and groups. There will also be stands selling all different kinds of Chinese goodies.
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