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 survived the queues at the bank for your red packet gift money, and you’ve booked the 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. Here’s where to rush out for those last-minute Chinese New Year snacks and goodies…
Janice Wong
From edible chocolate crayons to Chinese New Year confections, we can never resist goodies from homegrown pastry chef Janice Wong. Order an assortment of six or nine cookie jars that comes with a sinful portion of chocolate pineapple tarts, the familial favourite kueh bangkit, the sweet and savoury dark chocolate bak kwa cookies and more. The distinguished chef also has adorable rat-shaped chocolates that are too cute to eat, but we’re sure the kids will gobble them up! Alternatively, with plenty of options offered, you can pick and choose which snacks you prefer.
Where: Online and in stores islandwide
Antoinette
The French patisserie Antoinette is serving up a fusion of flavours this Chinese New Year. Try the Hong Bao, a bread infused with red dragonfruit and filled with homemade nian gao or black sugar mochi, fried shallots, candied yam, sweet potato, fluffy pork floss and salted egg. Alternatively, opt for the bite-sized Purplette macarons which are infused with purple sweet potato with a salty cheese centre. We’d personally recommend the mala chips or traditional bestsellers such as the chocolate love letters, honeycomb fried honey cracker with sesame and pork floss meringue. Yum!
Where: Antoinette, at 30 Penhas Rd, Singapore 208188, or at 9 Raffles Boulevard #01-28 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Oh Seng Choong
For traditional bakes and cakes, pop in to Oh Seng Choong to purchase your festive goodies. We had the privilege of trying its Herbal Chicken cookies, a savoury and flavourful treat that reminded us of a warm bowl of soup Grandma would always make. Fair warning, it’s not for everyone, though. 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.
Where: Online, or in store at 171 Kampong Ampat, #05-04 KA Foodlink, Singapore 368330
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 roll, aptly named Forbidden. 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
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. Don’t be put off by the long queues: it’s worth the wait.
Where: Online and in stores islandwide
Goodwood Park Hotel
If you’re looking for decadent goodies, The Deli at Goodwood Park Hotel is serving up some treats. Those with a sweet tooth will love its Spring Blossom cake – a beautifully decorated moist butter cake, topped with handcrafted peonies, or its gula melaka cookies with festive icing. If you’re a fan of savoury snacks, get your hands on The Deli’s crispy kangkong chips with cheese and sour cream or golden rat pineapple tarts instead.
Where: The Deli at Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228221
Fullerton Hotel
Don’t rat us out to the kids, but we’ll definitely be having a box of golden rat-shaped pineapple cookies. 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 newest creation, the signature rose water chestnut cake, or koi fish jelly cake – a refreshing and sweet treat.
Where: Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
The Marmalade Pantry
This Chinese New Year, fans of The Marmalade Pantry can celebrate at home with The Grandeur Collection, a specially curated hamper with decadent treats. The collection comes with three classic goodies: pineapple tarts, cashew nut cookies and sambal shrimp rolls, a bottle of De Bortoli Emeri pink Moscato, gold Moscato tea leaves by Gryphon, limited-edition red packets and a gift card. The best part? You can purchase each of these items separately, so you can spread the joy (and calories) to the rest of your family.
Where: Online and at restaurants islandwide
BreadTalk
For a bun-tiful selection of seriously cute cookies, cakes and snacks, BreadTalk has you covered. Along with its rendition of the traditional nian gao and Berry Sweet Success, there’s an all new adorable golden mouse bun (pictured above) with a rich chocolate cream filling. We’re not sure how we can bring ourselves to eat it though…
Where: In stores islandwide
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 kueh bangkit, kueh bolu, shrimp rolls and other classic snacks, but we especially love their kueh lapis and love letters – which are both extremely popular Chinese New Year. Hot tip: if your kids are fans of them too, be sure to order in advance to avoid disappointments.
Where: In stores islandwide
Happy snacking!
