It’s that time of year again: your house is plastered in bright red Chinese New Year decorations, there’s your mother obsessively spring cleaning, and your grandmother busy tinkering in the kitchen preparing enough food to feed a small army.
Yup, Chinese New Year 2020 is arriving a little early this year, which means the feasting is about to begin!
As with every festive celebration, Chinese New Year is often loud, boisterous, filled with the sound of laughter and the resounding clack of mahjong tiles. One thing you can always look forward besides receiving those ang bao‘s has to be the seemingly endless snack tables—an obligatory pit stop at every house visit.
Indeed, there is nothing like catching up with your beloved cousins in between bites of fragrant, flaky love letters whilst fending off nosy uncles with jars of buttery pineapple tarts. Whether you are deflecting annoying questions from probing relatives or having a giggly time with said cousins, here are 9 Chinese New Year snacks to ensure you have a good time.
1. Ding Bakery
If you’re looking for freshly baked homemade pineapple tarts and Chinese New Year goodies, you can always count on Ding Bakery to deliver. Besides, they’ve been winning the hearts of those in Singapore and Malaysia with their highly-addictive treats since the launch of their home-based business.
This year, treat yourself and your loved ones to one of the bakery’s most celebrated goodies—their Award-winning Premium Melt-in-your-mouth Pineapple Ball (S$22.90). Wait, that’s not all, they also have three new melt-in-your-mouth flavours for you to choose from; Premium Charcoal Pineapple Ball (S$21.90), Premium Pandan Pineapple Ball (S$21.90), and Premium Buttery Pineapple Ball (S$20.90). Using only the best ingredients, Ding Bakery’s bite-sized Pineapple Balls are handmade and filled with a moreish pineapple centre wrapped around a rich buttery crust. Although my taste buds are used to the flavours of the traditional pineapple filling, the charcoal and pandan flavours will definitely fill your guests with awe.
Pineapple tarts aside, they also carry other festive treats like their Award-Winning Premium Melt-in-your-mouth Kueh Bangkit (S$18.90). The fragrant cookies are always the first to run out in my home during festive occasions, and Ding Bakery has arguably the best of its kind in Singapore. Trust me when I say these crumbly goodness’ to die for.
If you’re looking for something more indulgent with a spicy kick, don’t miss out on Ding Bakery’s all-new Crispy Mala Crab Stick (S$20.90). Not only will it remind you of a piping hot bowl of mala, the easy-to-eat, crunchy chips will also be a tongue-numbing hit among the crowd!
The Premium Spicy Hae Bee Hiam Roll (S$17.90), another festive delight to add on to the list is a concoction of spicy, salty and crunchy all wrapped in a thin and flaky pastry. These little rolls exude an intense umami flavour, and are so addictive, one bottle is definitely not enough.
Ding Bakery’s Chinese New Year confectionaries are made without any additives or preservatives. Free delivery is available for orders above S$100, and walk-ins will be available from 15 December 2021, so feel free to grab these tasty treats and feast to your heart’s content.
140 Paya Lebar Rd, AZ @ Paya Lebar, #03-13, Singapore 409015
+65 8890 9055 (WhatsApp)
Daily: 11am – 6pm
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2. Pineapple Tarts Singapore
If you’re an absolute purist and pineapple tarts are all you’ll eat then Pineapple Tarts Singapore might be perfect for you. Their pineapple tarts are fragrant, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth with the perfect balance of that tangy golden pineapple paste.
Not to mention, Pineapple Tarts Singapore purports to have found the golden ratio of buttery crust and pineapple paste. You’ll have to try them to believe them!
A flavour that is sure to spice up Chinese New Year has to be their Siao La Mala Pineapple Tarts (S$27.90). The unique combination of those tongue-numbing spices with the sweet pineapple paste is sure to be an exciting addition to any snack table.
For a safer but equally delicious option, the Cheezylicious Cheese Pineapple Tarts (S$24.90) will be a good bet. A little parmesan cheese is mixed in with with the crust, so you get little hints of nutty parm’ with each bite.
If you’re like me and can’t resist anything salted egg then, Pineapple Tarts Singapore’s YOlkLo Salted Egg Pineapple Tarts (S$26.90)will be a godsend. Similar to the Cheezylicious Pineapple Tarts, these ones have salted egg baked into the crust so you’ll get that tantalising salted egg with every mouthful.
Pineapple Tarts Singapore pride themselves on making everything from scratch and using high-quality premium ingredients. So, you’ll get nothing but the best this Chinese New Year.
Not to mention, Pineapple Tarts Singapore also offers a whole smorgasbord of other Chinese New Year Goodies to truly amp up your snack table.
To make your Chinese New Year extra huat this year, there will be a 5% discount when you use the code SETHL5 upon checkout. Plus, if you intend on gifting all your relatives a tasty tub of pineapple tarts, Pineapple Tarts Singapore is offering free delivery above S$100.
352 Clementi Ave 2, #01-109, Singapore 120352
+65 8481 5596
Mon to Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat: 10am – 4pm (Sat)
Closed on Sun & PH
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3. Pan Pacific Singapore
From Pan Pacific Singapore’s Hai Tien Lo and Pacific Marketplace, here is an assortment of mouthwatering Chinese New Year goodies that are not only great for gifting but also make a lovely centrepiece.
Or if you would like to impress the in-laws this Chinese New Year, the Chinese New Year Prosperity Hamper (S$328) filled with tasty fares such as handcrafted Homemade Chinese Pork Sausages and Traditional Stewed Chicken are sure to win them over.
A little twist on the beloved Pineapple Tart is Pan Pacific Singapore’s Pineapple Prosperity Pound Cake (S$62) that comes with sweet pineapple jam and creamy buttercream. A rendition that is sure to bring oohs and aahs when you present this at the dining table.
For something a little more avant-garde this Chinese New Year, the Cantonese Sponge Cake with Truffle and Pumpkin Seeds (S$22.80) is sure to turn a few heads and tastebuds.
Of course, for all the traditionalists out there, fret not, Pan Pacific Singapore has got you covered. You definitely won’t go wrong with favourites such as the Rainbow Kueh Lapis (S$62 for 1kg) and delightfully crunchy Homemade Caramel Walnuts with Sesame Seeds (S$32).
These snacks are available for pre-order from 30 December 2019 from their here, and you may collect these treats from 9 January – 8 February 2020 at Hai Tien Lo.
I’ve merely scratched the surface of what Pan Pacific Singapore has to offer for their Chinese New Year goodies. You can view their entire collection of delicious takeaway treats here.
7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039595
+65 6826 8240
Order Online | Website
4. Baker’s Brew
For a fond trip down memory lane, Baker’s Brew’s Peranakan-inspired goodies are sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside this Chinese New Year.
These cookies come in charming, colourful tins that are reminiscent of old-school biscuit tins—they’re sure to bring back those long-forgotten childhood memories.
An item that is sure to delight young and old alike has to be Baker’s Brew Ondeh Ondeh Cookies (S$26.80). This crumbly green orb is made with pandan-infused dough and filled with gula melaka coconut filling.
Just like an actual ondeh ondeh, this was fragrant with all the expected coconutty goodness.
It just isn’t Chinese New Year without the quintessential pineapple tarts. Baker’s Brew brings us the Peranakan Pineapple Tart (S$26.80) which promises to taste just as good. It goes a little lighter on the sugar so you won’t have to hit the gym so hard once the festivities are over.
Iced gems are undoubtedly everyone’s favourite childhood biscuit—I still remember biting off the sugary swirl and leaving a mountain of half-eaten biscuits. Well, for Baker’s Brew their iced gems get a yummy update. Baker’s Brew Cheddar Spiced Gems (S$26.80) are made with savoury cheddar cheese in the biscuit and topped off with a tangy royal icing ‘gem’.
If you can’t decide between which delectable Chinese New Year’s snacks you’d like to adorn your table, Baker’s Brew are offering them as a bundle of five as their Peranakan Nostalgia Collection (S$125).
Plus, the deal only gets better. Enjoy 8% off when you place your orders before 12 January 2019 with a minimum of three tins per order.
Not only that, the first 188 online orders for the Peranakan Nostalgia Collection will receive a set of Baker’s Brew ang baos. The first 88 in-store purchases of the set will also receive a complete set of Baker’s Brew ang bao.
Also, from now till 23 January 2020, Baker’s Brew will have booths in Suntec City, Takashimaya, Vivo City, Serangoon Nex, Tangs, Tampines Mall and Causeway Point from 10 am to 10 pm daily.
So, keep your eyes peeled to snag some of Baker’s Brew delectable tins for yourself.
It’s a happy Chinese New Year, indeed.
290 Orchard Road, Paragon Shopping Centre, #05-46, Singapore 238859
+65 6909 0669
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 10.30am – 9pm
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4. SunnyHills
In the realm of pineapple tarts, SunnyHills has to be one of the most recognisable out there. Their trademark oblong-shaped pineapple tarts are quite the star at any snack table. They are big enough to share and are rather satisfying as a snack.
Well, for this Chinese New Year, Sunny Hills has a few new items that are sure to spice up your Chinese New Year snack table.
Joining Sunny Hills’ repertoire of tasty delights would be their Apple PingAn Cake (available in a set) and their Pineapple Fortune Cake (available in a set). These cakes are available as a set and appropriately called 平安旺来礼盒 (S$45) (meaning peace and prosperity), to ensure all the good fortune rolls in.
This rather dainty number is made with a sweet Japanese Kougyoku apple compote enveloped in tender pastry. An elegant and light goodie I can get behind.
Their Pineapple Fortune Cake gets a little glow-up this year, with a savoury outer layer of salted egg custard (yum!) mingling with the classic sweet and tangy flavours of SunnyHill’s signature pineapple. Plus, this pastry is shaped like an adorable little pineapple. What’s not to love?
This has to be the ultimate treat for durian lovers; SunnyHills is also the team behind FORBIDDEN Durian. As far as durian-flavoured goodies go, FORBIDDEN is a favourite amongst durian fanatics for their aromatic and intensely flavoured treats.
Their D24 Durian Rolls are made using premium D24 durians all rolled up into a thick and buttery French-inspired egg white crepe. A little denser and more substantial than your average love letter, coupled with the fragrant D24 durians, this cigar has to be the ultimate love letter to durians.
The true king of this collection has to be the Maoshan Wang Durian Roulade (S$47), this gorgeous roll uses an entire medium-sized Mao Shan Wang durian to make and is finished with a fragrant pandan castella cake.
The dense pandan castella cake made an excellent companion to rich and creamy durian centre. This is a dessert that is simply irresistible for any hardcore durian lover.
Whether it’s SunnyHills’ quintessential pineapple tarts or their luxurious durian creations, you know Chinese New Year is going to be a finger-licking good one.
3 Seah Street, #01-03, Singapore 188379
+65 8522 9605
Daily: 10.30am – 7.30pm (Daily)
Website
391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #B2-27A, Singapore 238872
+65 85229605
Daily: 11am – 9pm (Daily)
Website
5. Antoinette
The French patisserie, Antoinette always dazzles with their innovative and gorgeous creations. This Lunar New Year is no different; you can look forward to familiar treats with that signature Antoinette twist.
A goodie that is sure to charm both the young and old has to be Abundantly (财源滚滚) (S$38). As its name suggests, this luscious chiffon cake is infused with creamy purple sweet potato and filled with a wealth of delicious toppings.
A real cornucopia of treats, there are tapioca bubbles steeped in black sugar, lightly candied sweet potato and yam cubes, to a gold-covered chocolate coin, ingot and fish. Undoubtedly, quite pretty to look at, too.
Here is where it gets a little fun, slide the partition off and that releases a salty cheese cream that drapes over the cake. The salty cheese cream might sound a bit unorthodox, but balances out all those colourful sweeties.
Abundantly is Antoinette’s tongue-in-cheek way of inviting windfalls of wealth and luck into your life. A meaningful and entertaining treat to usher in the new year.
Chips are an absolute must during Chinese New Year, what else will you be on munching to pass the time when partaking in friendly games of Black Jack.
Mala came in 2019 and looks like it is here to stay throughout 2020. These Mala Chips are made with seven different peppers including Sichuan lantern peppers (灯笼椒) and Sichuan bullet head peppers (子弹头) so this no weak sauce—prepare some tissues and a tall glass of water nearby.
For all the sweet tooth in all us, Antoinette’s best-selling Chocolate Love Letters will set up quite nicely for the Year of the Rat.
Antoinette is a literal candy store when it comes to Chinese New Year delights, so do check out their website to find out more.
30 Penhas Road, Singapore 208188
+65 6293 312
Mon to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & PH Eve: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 10am – 11pm
Sun & PH: 10am – 10pm
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9 Raffles Boulevard, Millenia Walk #01-28, Singapore 039596
+65 6235 5109
Daily: 10am – 10pm (Daily)
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6. Old Seng Choong
Chef Daniel Tay of Old Seng Choong never fails to amaze me with his inventive and unexpected flavours. Old Seng Choong has reimagined our Chinese New Year treats, and these ingenious wares are sure to fascinate and delight.
Presenting Taste of Fortune: Fatt Choy Cookies 花开富贵 (S$23.80 for 180g)—yes, you read that right—these cookies are baked with dried moss or better known as Fatty Choy into the cookie. I was a little sceptical at first, but these little discs are an absolute umami bomb.
These cookies had all the savoury notes of a pen cai but still had the crumbly, buttery texture of a cookie. How Chef Daniel managed to transform pen cai into these cute little cookies is but the work of Willy Wonka himself.
The Imperial Recipes: Herbal Chicken Cookies 富贵帝皇鸡 (S$23.80 for 180g) was one that impressed as well. Just like the Fatty Choy Cookies, these Herbal Chicken Cookies has the richness and essence of well-boiled chicken soup all without drinking a single drop.
You’ll detect the prominent flavour of Chinese angelica or dang gui, hints of ginseng and star anise with each bite. While those herbal notes were strong, they weren’t overpowering and were dangerously addictive.
Old Seng Choong’s Pineapple Tarts are no plain Jane’s as well. Their Figs Pineapple Tart茶香无花果黄梨挞 (S$29.80 for ten pieces) are made with sundried figs infused with premium jasmine green tea, along with that characteristic buttery crust.
Fruitier and coupled with a pleasant floral aroma, these elegant pineapple tarts were a refreshing change to usual pineapple tarts that dominate the snack tables.
Old Seng Choong’s Yuzu Pineapple Tarts (S$29.80 for ten pieces) are not be missed as well. With the addition of Shikoku Japanese yuzu juice and pulp, these pineapple tarts are brighter and lighter. Those citrusy notes cut the buttery crust quite nicely.
With such an inventive array of snacks from Old Seng Choong, it’s going to be one gastronomical journey from Old Seng Choong.
2 Bayfront Avenue, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Bay Level, #01-72, Singapore 018972
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 11.30pm
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7. Mr Bae
With a witty and millennial-esque name like Mr Bae, these gold-rimmed boxes are a must-have this season. Mr Bae specialises in bak kwa, but not just any old bak kwa, these individually wrapped bak kwa squares aim to be your new snack bae this Chinese New Year.
You have to admit, we relish anything that has a spicy-tongue-burning-sweat-bullets kind of flavour. If you’re like me and the burn just hurts too good then Spicy Bae (S$68.80)and you would be the ultimate OTP (one true pairing).
These bak kwa slices come in conveniently wrapped in gold so you can feel a little more luxurious when nibbling on these. Mr Bae uses both Chinese and Japanese mala ingredients before marinating the month for a month before barbecuing it.
These bak kwa slices are infused with those Sichuan peppercorns that we are all too familiar with. Each bite delivered those piquant peppery notes and after a couple of bites that numbing sensation that makes mala oh-so-satisfying.
It’s a wonder why no one has thought of this sooner. The fattiness of the bak kwa pairs so well with those aromatic peppers, this is one of my favourites for sure.
If you are a little bit of traditionalist, then Honey Bae (S$68.80) with their honey-glazed bak kwa will be your new darling.
To get your hands on these tasty treats, you can place your orders here.
71A Geylang Road, Singapore 389194
+65 8259 4689
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8. Seriously Keto
For those in exceptionally form-fitting outfits this Chinese New Year, Seriously Keto will let you satisfy your cravings while not busting out of your clothes.
As Singapore’s first wholly ketogenic bakery, these snacks are carb and gluten-free, so feel free to snack as much as you want.
Seriously Keto bakes are made with French butter, almond flour and psyllium husk so you can rest assured while these are low-card you are also eating the only the good stuff. One snack you can look forward to is their Cashew Cookies (S$28.80 for 30 pieces).
These nutty biscuits are best enjoyed with a toasty cup of pu’er and gossiping about who has the better dress this Lunar New Year.
For those with a penchant for cakes and sweets, you have to try Seriosuly Keto’s dainty Kueh Buloh (S$18.80 for 22 pieces)—all the nostalgia and goodness minus the sugar crash and calories.
If you are hankering for something a little savoury, these crunchy Cheese Crisps (S$20.80 for 27 pieces) will be your new favourite thing. You know you can’t just stop at one with these keto-friendly snacks.
For those celebrating a keto-friendly Lunar New Year, you can pre-order these snacks online now or get them in-store at Seriosuly Keto from 6 January till 8 February 202o.
For a gratifying New Year, Seriosuly Keto is offering three of their snacks in a bundle at the special price of S$58. Additionally, for larger fun keto parties, order a minimum value of S$100 and enjoy 20% off delivery.
181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, #10-01, Singapore 238896
+65 85229605
Mon to Sat: 10am – 6pm
Closed on Sun
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*This post contains branded content.
This Chinese New Year is a little special this year, with The Year of the Rat representing the start of a new zodiac cycle and the start of the new decade. With a whole host of new beginnings thrust upon us, what better way to appreciate the sentiment than with some moreish and tasty snacks.
