How to Choose Dried Goods for CNY Cooking

It can feel intimidating to work into a dried goods shop. Where do you even start to pick out what you need? Until now, it may be your mother, mother-in-law or grandmother's 'job' to buy them. These may include lap cheong, scallops and sea cucumbers for creating traditional Chinese dishes.

This Chinese New Year, impress your elders (and the dried goods shopkeepers!) by choosing these delicacies on your own (don't forget the lucky CNY foods too!). While it is not as simple as picking out a Yu Sheng platter or making CNY cookies, you can easily learn how to shop for dried goods with some expert advice.

From picking out the most flavourful dried scallops to the right sea cucmbers, lap cheong, mushrooms and the fish maw with the best bite, we speak to top Chinese cuisine chefs, namely from Golden Peony, Li Bai and Cherry Garden. Here are their best tips to help you ace your dried goods shopping and your Chinese New Year reunion feasts.