Given that traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients are so intertwined with Chinese culinary culture, most people of Chinese descent firmly believe in the healing and health properties of Chinese soups, herbal tonics and health foods that incorporate traditional herbal ingredients in their configurations.

Dr Chua Hock Khoon for example is a respected Penang dentist who is a firm believer in the therapeutic properties of traditional Chinese medicine. Consequently, Chua makes and consumes herbal soups to ensure optimal health.

“I also regularly consume wolfberries and both red and black dates as in-between meal snacks to boost vitality and enhance eye-sight,” he says.

While sharing his uncle’s opinion, Chua’s nephew Ong Kai Sheng admits that he has a rather limited knowledge on the use of herbal remedies and trusts his mother to prepare concoctions that help ensure his sustained well-being.

“This year, however, I resolve to be more independent by acquiring the necessary cooking skills. They will surely prove useful when I get a place on my own in future,” the engineer who works in Bayan Lepas concludes.

Chinese herbal soups are part of Chinese culinary culture and often contain ingredients like red dates and cordyceps flowers.

Even during the Chinese New Year period, traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients are typically included in home-cooked reunion meals and CNY gatherings – whether at home or at restaurants.

At the St Giles Wembley Penang hotel, Chinese chef Fabian Ow says most modern Chinese families are looking for contemporary dishes but still want tradition to play a big part in their meals.

Which is why even though he might incorporate more trendy dishes like fried udon noodles with venison in XO chilli sauce or steamed cod fish with dried orange skin – the fundamentals of traditional medicinal cuisine still play a big part in his CNY menu.

His Poon Choi for instance, contains stewed dried oysters, abalone, sea cucumber and black mushroom with Chinese cabbage in a golden broth. Dried abalone is thought to promote eye health and nourish the liver while the antioxidant and protein rich sea cucumber is believed to prevent chronic diseases and promotes weight loss.

Ow’s double boiled free range chicken soup generously filled with dried conch and sun-dried scallops - feature traditional health enhancing Chinese herbs and nutritious delicacies. The sea conch and cordyceps flowers are therapeutic ingredients attributed to improved eyesight and heightened immunity, respectively.