With each passing day, people all over the world prepare themselves for the moment they will celebrate the happiness that usher in the Chinese New Year. Most of us will be looking for an outstanding and beautiful set of gifts that will be presented to our families, friends, and ourselves with the aim of making this occasion special.
Unlike previous years where we rushed from one familiar stall back to the other for another packet of bak kwa or nian gao, adding flavours to the festivity can so easily be accomplished this Lunar New Year. Below, we bring to you a carefully selected list of Chinese New Year goodies for that added luxury to your festivities.
Artisanal Bak Kwa
One of the most famous traditional Chinese snacks especially in Singapore and Malaysia, which is Bak kwa, has to be consumed during chinese new year. Well, why not splurge for some high quality bak kwa from great brands such as Haidel, Jumbo and Swee Heng instead of buying those low quality imitations. The two premium bak kwa types offer even thicker cuts of the meat, and the traditional spices, albeit with slightly more contemporary interpretations.
Haidel, a famous bak kwa brand in Singapore, minimal new types of seasoning like honey pepper and yuzu and the pork and beef used are the finest. At the same time, Jumbo and Swee Heng use traditional recipes to make their traditional bak kwa types but use new techniques to make their specialties.
Gold-Dusted Nian Gao
Nian gao, also known as the Chinese sticky rice cake, represent growth, prosperity and harmony in the coming new year. Make this festive affair even more special with a box of nian gao that has been coated with gold dust from Swee Chiow, Lee Huat or Tong Heng. Pictured are high-end gelato imitations of the Filipino favorite that uses good quality rice flour mixed with genuine gold flake to give a rich crust to the dessert, perfect to make your dear ones swoon.
Matcha Nian Gao
For the individuals who would not require the conventional yet elegant dish, the matcha-flavored nian gao. These faddish snacks are produced from the incorporation of high quality matcha powder from Japan, with the glutinous rice flour to have a subtle sweetness and bitterness which complements the usual sweetness of nian gao. Doya and Fu Xing are some of the best places where matcha nian gao can be procured to add some glamour to this health beneficial confectionery.
Truffle Bak Kwa
For the foodie who dares to indulge, there is no better indulgence than truffle bak kwa and this had me literally salivating for more. This is one of the most exclusive foods in the market, where the delectable pork or beef toppings are flavored with spicy black truffles to give bak kwa a more delicious taste. Indulge in this luxurious type of snack purchased from truffle retailers such as Truffle Hog or Koko Bak Kwa selling better batches and fresh meats.
Luxe Orh Nee
Orh Nee is a dessert made from mashed peanuts and yam and it is taken most often during festive occasions. To go for a more fancier version of this traditional meal, opt for Meng Kee or ABC Bak Chang prolonging orh nee line that offers better and more sophisticated ingredients. The premium types include supplied with really tender yam paste, fresh pandan leaves and premium peanuts to give you memorably tasty experience.
Pineapple Tarts
Obviously, no Chinese New Year celebration is perfect without the famous pineapple tart. Take your festivities up a notch with pineapple tarts from the likes of Flavour Flings, Pine Garden, and Snowflake. These high end products have thick, rich buttery crusts and generously stuffed with a sharp, chunky pineapple preserve. Big and bold with elaborate and well-sculpted patterns, these specialty pineapple tarts have all the makings of a hot topic during the reunion dinner.
Kaya Coconut Bun
Another is kaya, also known as coconut jam that must be served during the Chinese New Year feast. Taste artisanal kaya coconut buns from the engaging bakeries including Killiney Kopitiam and Cedele. These delicious buns are made of soft bread that carries aromatic kaya, and takes this favorite treat to another level.
Fortune Cookies
Even if fortune cookies are not originally Chinese, they have entered the Chinese New Year traditions in many countries of the West. Replace your average messages with Fortunes Cookies from Joy Hing’s Seafood or The Chinese Chef that has flavoured fortune cookies and offer shrimp, beef, chicken, and even vegetarian fillings for your fortunes.
Conclusion
Beyond the culinary delight, sharing these CNY goodies with loved ones transforms your gathering into a heartfelt celebration of connection and joy. As you savor these elegant treats together, you create memories that bind you closer to the people you care about most. So, why not organize a party that reflects the true essence of Chinese New Year? With carefully selected CNY goodies at the heart of your celebration, you’re sure to host an event that is as rich in meaning as it is in flavor.