If you were one of the thousands who rushed to catch the hit Teochew-language tearjerker Dear You in theatres, you probably left the cinema with puffy eyes and a deep longing to call your grandparents.
The film’s beautifully raw depiction of qiaopi (remittance letters), cross-border sacrifice, and family devotion has sparked a massive wave of cultural pride across the global Teochew community. Watching the characters navigate life between Chaoshan and Nanyang reminded us all of the invisible threads that tie us to our roots.
But while the movie uses handwritten letters to connect generations, we believe our culture’s deepest love letters are written in our food.
The early Teochew migrants brought more than just their strong work ethic across the seas; they brought comfort recipes that have sustained our families for decades. If you are looking to process those post-movie emotions—or introduce the younger generation to the flavors of your ancestors—here are three symbolic Teochew dishes that feel exactly like a warm embrace from Ah Ma.
1. Authentic Teochew Braised Duck (卤鸭) – The Labor of Love
In Dear You, love is shown through patient, unyielding sacrifice over forty long years. In our kitchen, that same dedication lives in our traditional master stock (Lou Mei). Braised meticulously with soy sauce, cinnamon, star anise, and galangal, our Teochew Braised Duck requires hours of slow simmering to achieve its signature tender depth. It’s a dish born out of patience—just like the enduring love portrayed on screen.
2. Traditional Teochew Cold Crab (冻蟹) – Staying True to Our Roots
Originating as a clever preservation method for fishermen in the Chaoshan coastal region, Cold Crab represents the resilience and resourcefulness of our ancestors. Chilled to perfection to lock in the natural sweetness of the meat, it is served simply with a side of ginger-vinegar or plum sauce. It is raw, honest, and entirely authentic—mirroring the grassroots simplicity that made Dear You resonate so deeply with audiences worldwide.
3. Warm Yam Paste with Gingko Nuts (Orh Nee / 芋泥) – The Healing Sweet Finish
After navigating the emotional heartbreak of the film, you need something quietly healing. There is no dish more synonymous with Teochew hospitality and family gatherings than Orh Nee. Smooth, sweet, and comforting, our house-made yam paste is slow-stirred to perfection. It is a reminder that no matter how long the journey or how bitter the hardships, the final taste of home is always sweet.
From our kitchen
Food carries family stories in its own way. The dishes in this film reflection remind us to sit together, ask who taught the recipe, and make time for the people who shared it with us.
- Ask someone in your family which dish brings back home for them.
- Write down a detail you might otherwise forget: a name, an ingredient, or a moment around the table.
- Share that story over a meal.