The Best CNY Goodies 2023

During Chinese New Year, it’s customary to gather with loved ones and feast on the best treats. If you’re unsure of what to buy, use our list of the top Chinese New Year treats in Singapore to guide your selection. As we’re closing in on the Lunar New Year, we’ve come up with the top 10 best Chinese New Year goodies to have for your family gatherings in 2023.

The ‘snacks table’ filled with Chinese New Year goodies and highly addictive snacks is the second most anticipated table after the reunion dinner table. Maintain the appearance of prosperity and abundance on your holiday platters with a variety of sweet and savory nibbles. 

You aren’t fully prepared for Chinese New Year unless you have all your CNY snacks planned out. It can be challenging to choose among the huge variety of options that you have to pick from. 

Here are some of the best snacks to satisfy your sweet tooth during this holiday season, whether you like to adhere to classic delights or search for unusual ones to surprise your guests. 

1. Pineapple Tarts 

Serving sweet treats like pineapple tarts during Chinese New Year is essential for wishing the new year a sweet one. During lunar festivals, giving pineapple tarts as gifts is a wonderful way to wish the recipients luck and prosperity. The word “pineapple” is “ong lai” in Cantonese and Hokkien, which means “fortune come.” Pineapple tarts are basically a cookie with a pineapple filling, in a buttery and crumbly pastry. 

2. Kuih Bangkit 

Light and exquisite coconut cream cookies known as “Kuih bangkit” melt in your mouth. These cookies, which are created with tapioca flour and have a creamy, rich coconut flavor, are typically savored throughout the festive season.  

In Singapore and Malaysia, “Kuih bangkit” (tapioca biscuits) are frequently consumed during festive times like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya. These tiny coconut cookies are light, airy, and delicate since they are baked with tapioca flour. Kuih, which means “bite-sized” in Malay, is a name for sweet or savory sweets. On the other side, the word “bangkit” signifies “to rise.” We  imagine the name came from the fact that the cookies rose while baking.

3. Love Letters

These delicious little wafers, which are a favorite snack during CNY, were once used by lovers to communicate covertly. The edible words would then be consigned to the lover’s heart for all time after the message had been delivered and devoured. 

4. Almond Cookies

These traditional Chinese almond cookies are said to bring luck in the New Year. They have the most delicious almond flavor, and they are also aromatic and buttery! The cookies, also known as Chinese almond moon cakes, are typically baked during Chinese New Year since it’s thought they’ll bring good fortune to homes. 

5. Cashew Nut Cookies 

Given that they resemble gold ingots, cashew nuts are typically served at Chinese festivals. A buttery pastry is combined with ground, toasted cashew nuts for extra flavor in cashew nut cookies. 

6. Kueh Lapis 

Especially symbolic during Chinese New Year is kueh lapis. Kueh Lapis, being multi-layered, symbolizes longevity and suggests a sense of advancement and wealth in the upcoming year due to its intricate but delicate layering process. Richly layered in its flavor, kueh lapis has been a must-have for Chinese New Year and is no exception this year! 

7. Fried Crab Sticks 

One of our favorite Chinese New Year snacks is the fried crab sticks. It improves the flavor of the crab stick by frying it. You can consume a whole bottle in a matter of hours since it is so addictive. Nowadays, it comes in a variety of flavors such as salted egg and mala for those who prefer something a little different. 

8. Honeycomb Cookies

Fresh, fragrant and highly addictive, honeycomb cookies are our go-to snack for every CNY! The universally adored snack. Even though it appears straightforward, this buttery biscuit is incredibly rich in smoky flavor and has a melt-in-your-mouth feel.

9. Sugee Biscuits 

Sugee Cookies are well-liked CNY goodies that are typically baked with melted butter and ground almonds and are renowned for their delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. For those who enjoy almonds, these are a great option to have in your home! 

10. Prawn Rolls 

Prawn rolls are unquestionably a popular Chinese New Year food! No one can resist these tasty appetizers, especially during gatherings with family and friends, as they feature a crispy covering and fragrant fillings.