Pineapple tarts, traditional love letters, little squares of meaty delights and the cookies that melt in the mouth: we've been snacking our way around Singapore...
You’ve got your cheongsams and Mandarin collar outfits sorted for the kids, you’ve done the red packet gift money, and booked a Chinese New Year reunion dinner, or ordered takeaways from your favourite restaurants. But you know what else you’re going to need? Snacks! Because even with all the other stuff ticked off, if you haven’t got the cupboards packed to breaking point with pineapple tarts and bak kwa, well, it’s not really Chinese New Year at all. So here’s where to get those last-minute Chinese New Year snacks and goodies right here in Singapore…
WHERE TO BUY CHINESE NEW YEAR SNACKS IN SINGAPORE
1. Goodwood Park Hotel
If you’re looking for decadent Chinese New Year snacks, The Deli at Goodwood Park Hotel is serving up some delish treats. Those with a sweet tooth will love its buttery pineapple crumble tart (pictured). If you’re a fan of savoury snacks, get your hands on The Deli’s maple butter and garlic almond lotus root chips or Goodwood’s ‘bak kwa’ instead!
Where: Online and at The Deli at Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228221
2. Janice Wong
From edible chocolate crayons to Chinese New Year confections, we can never resist goodies from homegrown pastry chef Janice Wong. Order familial favourite kueh bangkit, the sweet and savoury dark chocolate pineapple tarts, or go for the assorted cookie tin if you simply can’t decide. The distinguished chef also has beautiful, hand-painted chocolate koi that are too cute to eat, but we’re sure the kids will gobble them up!
Where: Online and in stores islandwide
3. Oh Seng Choong
For traditional bakes and cakes, pop into Oh Seng Choong to purchase your festive Chinese New Year snacks. If you’re looking for something sweet, opt for the red dates cake or yuzu pineapple tart, a zesty blend on the original (and beloved) Lunar New Year treat. All about savoury? There are options aplenty, including cereal prawn cookies or if you’re feeling adventurous, Marmite chicken floss cookies!
Where: Online, or in-store at 171 Kampong Ampat, #05-04 KA Foodlink, Singapore 368330
4. Sunny Hills
If you haven’t already tried these delectable little pineapple cakes from Taiwanese brand Sunny Hills, you’re missing out. These crumbly pineapple sweet treats are so tasty, you might just find yourself reaching for more. For a taste of something a little bit more local, try the D24 durian love letter. Durian: definitely a love it or hate it situation.
Where: Online, or in-store at 391 Orchard Rd B2-27A, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
5. Bee Cheng Hiang
Home-grown favourite Bee Cheng Hiang is definitely one of the most popular choices for sweet little squares of meaty deliciousness, and is practically a household name when it comes to bak kwa. No queues at stores this year with online ordering, yay!
Where: Online and in stores islandwide
6. Fullerton Hotel
You can bet that your kids will be hounding you for a bite of the Fullerton Hotel’s mini-pineapple tarts as soon as they get their beady eyes on them! We also can’t wait to try the hotel’s rose-infused sweetheart cakes either, or the koi fish jelly cake – a refreshing and sweet treat.
Where: Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
7. The Marmalade Pantry
This Chinese New Year, fans of The Marmalade Pantry can celebrate at home with their curated gift sets with decadent treats. Opt for the Traditional Classics set complete with all-time favourite goodies: golden pineapple tarts, honey mustard roast crackers, and sambal shrimp rolls. Or, go all out with The Grand Treasures collection including the above, as well as Sandara Chardonnay and Sake, and traditional petite chicken bak kwa too!
Where: Online and at restaurants islandwide
8. BreadTalk
For a bun-tiful selection of seriously cute cookies, cakes and snacks, BreadTalk has you covered for Chinese New Year snacks. Along with its rendition of the traditional Prosperity Pineapple Pastry, there’s plenty of new additions like Prosperity Floss Cookie, and all the usual classics. Our kids are always huge fans!
Where: In stores islandwide and online.
9. Bengawan Solo
Bengawan Solo is known for its variety of traditional goodies not only offered during the festive season, but all year round. Festive treats include classics pineapple tarts, through to mini peanut puffs (which are delicious). Hot tip: if your kids are fans of them too, be sure to order in advance to avoid disappointments.
Where: In stores islandwide
10. Pan Pacific
As well as some truly delicious reunion feasts, Pan Pacific also has it covered when it comes to much-needed CNY snacks. Stock up on various kueh lapis, from rainbow (which the kids are sure to love) to pandan flavour. And don’t forget to add the family-favourite pineapple tarts to your basket! We say the zodiac-themed macarons are a must-have too! We could go on…
Where: 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595
Happy snacking, folks!
