10 Classic Chinese New Year Snacks in Singapore

Chinese New Year, is a time for celebration and feasting in many parts of Asia, including Singapore. One of the holiday’s most beloved traditions is indulging in various delicious snacks and treats. From sweet to savory, these treats are an integral part of the celebrations and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

In this article, we will introduce you to 10 classic Chinese New Year snacks that are particularly popular in Singapore. Whether you are looking to try something new or simply want to indulge in some of your favorites, these snacks are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Have You Tried These Chinese New Year Snacks in Singapore?

Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and tradition in Singapore, and one of the most beloved traditions is the abundance of delicious snacks that can be found throughout the holiday season. During this time, it is traditional to eat certain foods that are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

So sit back, grab a snack, and get ready to learn about the tasty treats that are an integral part of the Chinese New Year in Singapore. Here are some classic and popular Chinese New Year snacks in Singapore:

1. Bak Kwa
   

   Bak kwa, also known as “barbecued meat” or “dried meat,” is a popular snack in Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is made from thin slices of marinated and grilled pork and has a sweet and savory flavor. Bak kwa is traditionally enjoyed during Chinese New Year and given as a gift to friends and family during the holiday.

2. Chinese Almond Cookies
   

   

   Chinese almond cookies are made with a mixture of flour, sugar, and almond meal, and are often flavored with almond extract. They are typically shaped into small, round balls and coated with granulated sugar before being baked until they are golden brown. Chinese almond cookies are believed to bring good luck and prosperity, which is why they are often given as gifts during Chinese New Year.

3. Egg Rolls

   Egg rolls are made by wrapping a filling, typically made of vegetables and meat, in a thin sheet of dough and deep frying it until it is crispy and golden brown. The filling can vary and may include ingredients such as cabbage, carrots, onions, and pork or shrimp. Egg rolls are usually served as a side dish or snack and are often accompanied by dipping sauces such as soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce.

4. Taro Balls

   Taro balls, also known as yu tou in Chinese, are a traditional Chinese snack that is often served during the Chinese New Year celebration in Singapore. They are made from taro, a starchy root vegetable that is mashed and mixed with tapioca starch to form a dough. The dough is then shaped into small balls and cooked until they are soft and chewy. Taro balls are often served in sweet ginger syrup or in a savory broth as a dessert or snack.

5. Turnip Cake

   

   Turnip cake, also known as radish cake or lo bak go, is made by grating turnips and then mixing them with rice flour to form a dough. The dough is then steamed and sliced into small squares or rectangles. The turnip cake is often pan-fried and served as a savory snack or as a side dish with a meal.

   It can be served plain, or it can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, and green onions. Some people also like to serve turnip cake with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste. Turnip cake is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.

6. Peanut Candy

   Peanut candy is a type of hard candy made with peanuts, sugar, and other ingredients such as sesame seeds and coconut. The peanuts are usually roasted and ground up before being mixed with the sugar syrup to create a thick, sticky dough.

   The dough is then shaped into small balls or flattened into thin discs and left to harden. Peanut candy is often served during Chinese New Year as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.

7. Spring Rolls

   

   Spring rolls are thin, cylindrical rolls filled with a variety of ingredients, such as shredded vegetables, noodles, and meat. They are typically served as an appetizer or snack and can be served with a variety of dips or sauces.

   Spring rolls can be deep-fried or served as a cold appetizer, known as fresh spring rolls. In Singapore, spring rolls are often made with a combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, thin noodles, and a protein, such as shrimp or pork.

   The ingredients are wrapped in a thin, rice paper wrapper and then deep-fried until crispy. They are served hot and are often accompanied by a dipping sauce, such as hoisin or soy sauce. During Chinese New Year, spring rolls are often served as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

8. Red Bean Soup

   

   Red bean soup is a traditional dish made with red beans (also known as adzuki beans), which are simmered with water and sugar to create a sweet and flavorful soup. The soup is often served hot and is considered to be a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture.

9. Kueh Lapis

   Kueh lapis, also known as “thousand layer cake,” is a traditional Indonesian and Singaporean dessert. It is made by stacking thin layers of a spiced, sweet batter made from rice flour and coconut milk, which are baked one by one until a thick, layered cake is formed. Kueh lapis is typically served in small slices, and is often garnished with nuts or coconut flakes.

10. Fried Yam Sticks

    Fried yam sticks, also known as yam fries or yam wedges, are a popular snack in Singapore that is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. They are made by cutting yams into thin, long wedges and deep frying them until they are crispy and golden brown.

Chinese New Year is celebrated with a variety of traditional snacks. These treats are enjoyed by people of all ages and are an integral part of the celebrations. Whether you are a fan of sweet or savory treats, there is a Chinese New Year snack in Singapore that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Although, if you are interested in combining more modern snacks during Chinese New Year, you can simply order a modern-style cake from FlowerAdvisor Singapore, such as fresh fruit gateau or ondeh-ondeh cake.

You can also send CNY hampers, gift baskets, or flowers from FlowerAdvisor Singapore for your friends and family during the Chinese New Year. We provide various types of well-curated CNY hampers and exquisite flowers for the big day.