Lai Ci Kang is a cooling sweet lotus seed soup consisting of lotus seed (lean chee) and a variety of other dried fruits. Plus, Lai Ci Kang is a dessert consisting of a variety of pre-cooked ingredients mixed in a syrup. Considered to have “cooling” properties, it may be served warm or cold with ice cubes. Hence, it’s popularity in Malaysia and Singapore where the climate is hot and humid throughout the year. While it is not exactly a Chinese New Year dish, it is a favorite dessert for the many festivals and celebrations observed there. Dried persimmons is one of the key ingredients and since it is in abundance around the Chinese New Year