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 for Chinese New Year 2023...
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. Mdm Ling Bakery
The popular cookies and snacks from Mdm Ling Bakery are back! From the top-selling New Zealand’s Premium Anchor Butter Cookies and Molten Chocolate Cookies, to the new Nostalgic Nyonya Coconut Cookies and Hojicha Butter Cookies, this is definitely one of the go-to places to order Chinese New Year snacks. You can also pick any six cookie flavours and get them in a fun-sized bundle – because why choose only one when you can have more?
Where: Online
2. Pineapple Tarts Singapore
Are you a huge pineapple tart fan? Then you should definitely try the ones from Pineapple Tarts Singapore. Named after the popular Chinese New Year goodie itself, this bakery bakes some of the best ones in Singapore. This bakery doesn’t just use the freshest and choicest ingredients, but bakes its pineapple tarts as per order. This ensures that you taste the tarts at their best – freshly baked and as soon as they’ve been brought out of the oven! Whether you prefer the jam on top or within the pastry, Pineapple Tarts Singapore has both types. It also has unique flavours like mala, cheese, and even charcoal truffle. Plus, this bakery doesn’t just produce pineapple tarts; it offers a variety of all-time favourites like kueh lapis, love letters, prawn rolls, and more.
Where: Pre-order online, or in-store at 22 New Industrial Road, Primax, #03-15, Singapore 536208
3. Wang Lai Bakery
Wang Lai Bakery is no stranger to avid Chinatown goers. Established in 1968, this bakery has been producing popular Chinese New Year snacks using a family recipe that has been passed down for four generations. Each snack is made using only premium ingredients (mostly made from scratch) and lovingly handcrafted. Despite that, Wang Lai Bakery is committed to keeping its snacks affordable so that more people can experience the joy of Chinese New Year. From the quintessential pineapple tarts, to the nougat-like snow cubes, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this bakery. As the snacks are all handmade and require large amounts of effort, Wang Lai Bakery limits its orders every year to preserve its products’ quality. So be sure to place your order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! Delivery is free for orders above $100.
Where: Pre-order online, or in-store at 20 Sin Ming Lane, Midview City, #03-58, Singapore 573968
Keep an eye out for delicious updates on 2024 Chinese New Year Snacks from these stores!
4. Da Paolo Gastronomia
Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with Da Paolo Gastronomia‘s White Rabbit Bread – a fluffy, marbled citrus-flavoured sourdough milk bread with a hint of carrot, coated in a candy glaze made from one of our fave childhood snack, White Rabbit candy. There’s also the tangy Cranberry Orange Butter Cake, as well as the locally-inspired Gula Melaka Butter Cake that’s topped with toasted coconut flakes. Green tea fans won’t want to miss its Matcha Amaretti (soft Italian almond cookies) too!
Where: Pre-order online; or purchase in stores islandwide
5. The Marmalade Pantry
This Chinese New Year, try out The Marmalade Pantry‘s new creation, the buttery and floral Osmanthus Cranberry Cookies. Fans will also not be disappointed as the bistro brings back classic favourites like Golden Pineapple Tarts, Sambal Shrimp Rolls, and Traditional Petite Chicken Bak Kwa. A big plus? The stylish reusable packaging that these yummies come in! Great for gifting too!
Where: Pre-order online and at restaurants islandwide
6. Yàn
For traditionalists, you can’t go wrong with Cantonese restaurant Yàn‘s offerings. On top of the must-have Pineapple Tarts, you can find sweet treats including Crispy Caramelised Walnuts and Prosperity Nian Gao (sweet Chinese rice cake). Another great option for gifting (or for your own snacking) is the restaurant’s signature in-house XO Spicy Sauce, which goes well with almost every dish.
Where: Pre-order online and at Yàn in National Gallery Singapore
7. Janice Wong
From hand-painted Chocolate Koi Fish to delicious cookies, we can never resist goodies from homegrown pastry chef Janice Wong. Order familial favourite kueh bangkit, chocolate coated pineapple tarts, or go for the assorted cookie tin if you simply can’t decide. The distinguished chef also has limited edition Rabbit Chocolate Sculptures (loaded with chocolate-coated nuts) that are too cute to eat, but we’re sure the kids will gobble them up!
Where: Pre-order online, in stores islandwide, or via Grabmart.
8. SunnyHills
If you haven’t already tried these delectable little pineapple cakes from Taiwanese brand SunnyHills, you’re missing out. These crumbly Pineapple Cakes and Apple Cakes sweet treats are so tasty, you might just find yourself reaching for more. Kids will also love the playfully-shaped Banana Waffle Cookies. For a taste of something a little bit more local, try the D24 durian roll. Durian: definitely a love it or hate it situation.
Where: Pre-order online
9. 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
10. Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Looking for something fancy? Check out Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s range of Lunar New Year takeaway goodies! We love the dainty Kumquat Oolong Mousse Cake and the all-time favourite pineapple tarts. For those looking for some nostalgic taste, try the Carrot Cake with Chinese Sausage or Coconut Nian Gao. And if you’re a green tea fan – the Matcha Pastry with Red Bean Paste is perfect for snacking!
Where: Pre-order online and in-store at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.
11. Rempapa x Sourbombe Artisanal Bakery
Sourbombes (a mashup of sourdough and Italian Bomboloni) may not sound like a Chinese New Year snack, but we guarantee you’ll be asking for more of these during the festive period. Rempapa and Sourbombe Artisanal Bakery collaborated to present modern Bombolonis in heritage Eurasian flavours. There’s the sweet and savoury Pang Susi (minced meat bun), spicy Prawn Bostador (green chilli sambal prawns), and creamy Mango Pomelo. All these come together with four types of kueh from Rempapa as well in an A-bun-dance Box!
Where: Pre-order online
12. Old Seng Choong
For traditional bakes and cakes, pop into Old Seng Choong to purchase your festive Chinese New Year snacks. If you’re looking for something sweet, opt for the Lychee Rose Pineapple Tarts, a flowery twist of the beloved Lunar New Year treat. All about savoury? There are options aplenty, especially the indulgent Truffle Bak Kwa!
Where: Online, and in-store at 171 Kampong Ampat, KA Foodlink #05-04, Singapore 368330; The Shoppes at Marina Bay, 2 Bayfront Avenue #01-72, Singapore 018972; or The Central @ Clarke Quay, 6 Eu Tong Sen St #01-48, Singapore 059817.
13. BreadTalk
Love bread? You’re in for a ‘hoppy’ time with BreadTalk‘s selection of seriously cute cookies and all-time favourite Chinese New Year snacks. Along with the traditional Mini Pineapple Pastry, BreadTalk also has treats like the fried carrot cake-inspired Hoppy Carrot, spicy Mala Pot, and cute Lucky Bunny bun. Not forgetting the equally adorable Prosperity Bunny cake, zesty Yuzu Roll, and perennial favourites like Yammy Treasures and Blissfully Prune. Our kids are always huge fans!
Where: Online and in stores islandwide
14. Bengawan Solo
Bengawan Solo is known for its variety of traditional snacks, not only offered during Chinese New Year, but all year round. Festive treats include classic pineapple tarts, through to love letters. Vegetarian options are available for selected cookies as well!
Where: Online and in stores islandwide
15. Pan Pacific Singapore
As well as some truly delicious reunion feasts, Pan Pacific Singapore also has it covered when it comes to much-needed CNY snacks. Stock up on various kueh lapis, a variety of pineapple pastries, and almond cookies! We say the zodiac-themed macarons and Chinese New Year-themed pralines are a must-have too! We could go on…
Where: Online or in-store at 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595
16. Straits Bakery
This newly launched Peranakan Restaurant and Bakery is dishing out what’s probably the first ever Buah Keluak Cookies, made from the ‘black gold’ of Peranakan cuisine itself. How will it taste like? Think savoury and an almost truffle-like flavour. Definitely something that will wow your guests! If you’re into cakes, try out Straits Bakery‘s Sweet and Savoury Pound Cake collection, from the familiar Citrus Lemon flavours, to unique ones like Smoked Salmon and Broccoli, and even the Peranakan dessert-inspired Pisang Pengat flavour!
Where: Pre-order online
17. Ree and Mummy
We bet you can’t get over how cute Ree and Mummy‘s Mini Ong Lai Tart Pineapple Cheesecakes are! Sink your teeth into creamy cheesecake with sweet pineapple filling on top of a buttery base. We can’t think of a sweeter way to ring in the Year of the Rabbit.
Where: Pre-order online
18. Thye Moh Chan
You can expect to sample delicious traditional Teochew pastries from heritage brand Thye Moh Chan. The bakery is ringing in its 80th year with the return of its popular Bak Kwa Tau Sar Piah, festive Golden Joy pastries, all-time favourites like Love Letters, Walnut Cookies, and the Fortune Yam and Prosperity Pumpkin cakes. To top it all off, these treats come in pretty hampers for perfect Chinese New Year gifting!
Where: In stores at Jewel Changi, Chinatown Point, Paragon, and NEX.
19. Goodwood Park Hotel
We cannot get over how cute the Bountiful Bunnies Nian Gao from Goodwood Park Hotel are! These sweet treats are made from sweet Chinese rice cake that are filled with black sesame, shaped to look like cute lil’ bunnies to commemorate the Year of the Rabbit. Besides this, the hotel is also introducing a decadent Mao Shan Wang Durian Kueh Lapis, Golden Pineapple Basque Tarts, and Lucky Fortune Orange cake that looks too good to be eaten!
Where: Pre-order online; or in-store at Goodwood Park Hotel; and Min Jiang @ Dempsey.
20. Butter Bean
The Year of the Rabbit is off to a bright start with Butter Bean‘s lineup of festive cookies! Treat yourself and your friends to melt-in-the-mouth butter cookies, available in three flavours: the cheesy Pineapple Golden Cheese Tarts, rich Hazelnut Chocolate, and sweet Strawberry Crème Rose.
Where: In stores at Funan, VivoCity, and The Seletar Mall.
Happy CNY snacking, folks!
