Suriname’s Soeng Ngie Oriental Market transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration on Sunday as it welcomed the Lunar New Year with a series of community-focused events. The weekly street market adjacent to the establishment became the stage for an immersive Chinese New Year experience, blending culinary traditions, family values, and cross-cultural exchange.
Entrepreneur and chef Micle Fung You Kee, the driving force behind Soeng Ngie & Co, orchestrated the festivities as what he describes as “our way of giving back.” Attendees were treated to an array of traditional Chinese delicacies, complimentary candied fruit samples, and the opportunity to participate in a lighthearted ‘horse race’ game within the store premises. “I do this with all my love,” Fung You Kee told Starnieuws, emphasizing the personal significance of the event.
The celebration notably incorporated Korean culinary elements through a market vendor who distributed containers of kimchi made with Chinese vegetables. Visitor Françoise Redout expressed enthusiastic appreciation for the intercultural experience: “It was delicious and different. I’m not accustomed to it, but it was quite spicy. I sampled both the chicken and pork dishes – perfect for a quick snack.”
Beyond its culinary dimensions, the event served as a poignant tribute to Fung You Kee’s late brother, Robby Fung-You-Kee, the former general director who passed away in December. “If I may say so, this is a double ode to him,” the emotional chef shared. “He was truly the engine behind many things, and we are grateful to him.” Despite recently concluding the mourning period, the family consciously chose to proceed with the celebration, knowing Robby’s affection for such community gatherings.
The symbolic ‘horse race’ activity allowed customers to compete against Fung You Kee himself, though the entrepreneur clarified that the focus remained on camaraderie and public interaction rather than competition. Meanwhile, products like spicy amalan and new year sauces were introduced to customers, with Henny Madan and his daughters among those sampling the offerings. “The products here are better, especially the sauces are delicious,” noted Madan, whose family regularly travels from Wanica District to shop at the market.
The celebration extended beyond single-day activities, with many attendees planning to continue their Lunar New Year observance at Tuesday’s Temple Fair in the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall. Organized by the Suriname Chinese United Association and the Chinese Embassy in Suriname, the event promises a full day of bazaar activities, musical performances, and cultural shows starting from 10:00 AM.
Redout, who plans to attend with friends, highlighted the broader significance of such cultural exchanges: “The atmosphere and culture are simply different and very pleasant to experience. You also meet other people,” reflecting the event’s success in fostering community connections across cultural boundaries.