❤️ My grandfather used to buy lor mai gai for me when I was a kid. It still remains one of my favourite foods.
Lor Mai Gai, or sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, is a traditional Chinese delicacy often associated with family, comfort, and nostalgia. My experience at my Ah Gong's wake was especially moving because, despite the sadness of the occasion, the familiar and distinct aroma of lor mai gai unexpectedly appeared around 3:00 am. My friends and I couldn't pinpoint the source of the fragrance, which felt almost like a comforting sign from my grandfather himself. In Chinese culture, food plays a significant role in honoring ancestors and maintaining family bonds. The scent of lor mai gai that mysteriously filled the air reminded me of how such traditions are preserved and cherished over generations. It's not uncommon for families to leave favorite dishes near an ancestor during wakes or funerals as a gesture of respect or love. My 三舅妈 arriving with lor mai gai for breakfast later that morning felt like a continuation of this beautiful tradition—that even in times of grief, food serves as a medium for connection and solace. This story highlights how sensory experiences, like smell, can evoke powerful memories and emotions, reinforcing our ties to those we love and to cultural practices.





























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