Lily Khor Teck Neo and Lily Chow

Lily Khor Teck Neo:

I learnt how to cook from three strong and inspirational nonya women. My grandmother, my mother and my mother-in-law.

I got married to my baba husband Tan Imm Hock. He loved my cooking. His favourite dishes were mee siam, laksa and kuay pie tee.

In 1970 I accompanied him to live in Washington D.C. as a Singapore diplomat for three years. I learnt about American food through our cultural exchanges. I love their steak sandwich. In return, I also teach them how to cook our Singapore food.

Upon returning to Singapore, I sometimes miss American food. My husband enjoy the oxtail stew and I enjoy the ribeye steak with baked potatoes and fresh salad in Jack’s Place.

I am now 89 years old. What brings me great joy is cooking for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I will cook for them my signature dish nonya birthday mee on their birthday.

Lily Chow:

My name is Lily Chow and I share the same name as my great-grandmother-in-law. I am a fourth-generation Canadian but made my way to Singapore when I married my husband Daryl Chow.

I first visited Singapore in 2004. I was greeted by Grandma’s delicious savoury home-made Nonya dishes alongside sweet desserts. I could taste the love that she infused in her cooking to feed her family and I instantly felt like home away from home.

My favourite is the Nonya jelly. Not only is it easy to make but something we can do together as a family with my daughter (Calla) - her great-granddaughter.

We all share the enjoyment of cooking and eating together. What also ties us together are our names - Calla Lily (x2); A tropical flower popular for weddings and anniversaries.

Calla is 2 ½ years old. Her best friend is Chor Chor. They are 87 years difference in age but share so much more in common. Calla can’t wait to cook Nonya mee and jelly for Chor Chor’s 90th birthday!