An Expat’s Guide to Chinese New Year Food in Singapore
Chinese New Year (CNY) in Singapore is a time of celebration, family reunions, and feasting. The island’s multicultural society has influenced the variety and creativity of the CNY foods, blending traditional Chinese dishes with local flavors. As an expat in Singapore, embracing the food of Chinese New Year is a wonderful way to connect with the culture and enjoy some of the most delectable dishes the country has to offer. Here's a guide to understanding and enjoying Chinese New Year food in Singapore.
1. Yu Sheng (鱼生) – Prosperity Toss Salad
What it is: A colorful dish made with thinly sliced raw fish (usually salmon or tuna), shredded vegetables like carrots, radish, and cucumber, along with condiments such as peanuts, sesame seeds, and a sweet plum sauce.
Meaning: Yu Sheng symbolizes prosperity, good luck, and wealth. The act of tossing the salad together is called “Lo Hei,” where participants wish for success and abundance in the new year.
How to enjoy: This dish is typically served on the 7th day of Chinese New Year, known as "Renri" or "the day of all human beings." Everyone gathers around the table and tosses the salad together, shouting auspicious phrases.
Where to try: Yu Sheng can be found in most restaurants during Chinese New Year, from upscale hotels to local eateries, often with various levels of quality and ingredients.
2. Pineapple Tarts (黄梨饼)
What it is: A popular snack during CNY, these are buttery, crumbly pastries topped with a sweet and tangy pineapple jam.
Meaning: The word "pineapple" (黄梨, huang li) sounds like "prosperity" in Cantonese, making this treat a symbol of good fortune.
How to enjoy: Pineapple tarts are usually served as a snack or dessert during CNY visits. They’re enjoyed with tea and are often shared with guests.
Where to try: Available at bakeries and supermarkets across Singapore, especially during the CNY period. You can also find artisanal versions in specialty stores or from home bakers.
3. Bak Kwa (肉干)
What it is: A type of sweet and savory dried meat, usually made from pork, marinated in a sugary, soy-based glaze and then grilled to perfection.
Meaning: Bak Kwa is a favorite CNY snack and is often gifted to family and friends. Its savory-sweet flavor makes it a highly sought-after delicacy during the holiday.
How to enjoy: Traditionally eaten as a snack, but it’s also commonly exchanged as gifts. Many people buy it in bulk, and it’s often seen as a symbol of prosperity.
Where to try: You can find bak kwa in specialty stores like Lim Chee Guan or Bee Cheng Hiang, both of which are renowned for their quality during CNY.
4. Steamboat (火锅)
What it is: A communal hotpot meal where various ingredients such as meat, seafood, tofu, vegetables, and noodles are cooked in a simmering pot of broth.
Meaning: The shared nature of steamboat symbolizes togetherness and unity, making it a popular choice for family gatherings during CNY.
How to enjoy: Families and friends gather around the pot, cooking and enjoying the food together. It’s a fun and interactive dining experience.
Where to try: While steamboat can be enjoyed year-round, it’s particularly popular during CNY, especially in restaurants offering hotpot sets. For a traditional experience, you can also host your own steamboat dinner at home with family or friends.
5. Longevity Noodles (长寿面)
What it is: Long noodles served with broth or stir-fried, often accompanied by vegetables, eggs, and meat.
Meaning: The long noodles symbolize a long life and good health, making it a must-have dish during CNY, especially on birthdays or the second day of the holiday.
How to enjoy: The noodles are meant to be eaten without being cut, as cutting the noodles is believed to shorten life.
Where to try: Many restaurants and eateries offer longevity noodles during CNY, with some serving them as part of set menus. You may also find it in food courts and local diners.
6. Kueh Lapis (Layer Cake)
What it is: A rich, multi-layered cake made from butter, eggs, and spices. It is carefully baked layer by layer, creating a dense, colorful cake with a beautiful pattern.
Meaning: Kueh Lapis is a favorite for special occasions, symbolizing layers of blessings and good fortune. It is a symbol of happiness and success in the coming year.
How to enjoy: Served as a festive snack or dessert. Kueh Lapis is often offered to guests during CNY gatherings.
Where to try: You can find Kueh Lapis in bakeries or from specialized shops during CNY. Many local home bakers also make this cake in various flavors, including chocolate and pandan.
7. Chwee Kueh (水粿)
What it is: A type of steamed rice cake topped with savory preserved radish (chye poh) and served with chili sauce.
Meaning: Chwee Kueh is a popular dish in Singapore’s CNY celebrations, especially in Chinese dialect communities.
How to enjoy: These bite-sized rice cakes are often enjoyed as breakfast or a snack during CNY. The sweet-salty topping adds a unique flavor, perfect with a dash of chili.
Where to try: Chwee Kueh can be found at local hawker stalls, especially in neighborhoods like Bedok and Tiong Bahru, where this dish is a local favorite.
8. Dumplings (饺子)
What it is: Dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood, often served in broth or pan-fried.
Meaning: Dumplings are symbolic of wealth and prosperity because their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots.
How to enjoy: Dumplings are usually eaten on Chinese New Year’s Eve as part of the reunion dinner. They can be boiled, steamed, or fried, and are often served with a dipping sauce.
Where to try: Dumplings are available in Chinese restaurants, particularly during CNY. You can also find them in frozen form in supermarkets, ready to be steamed at home.
9. Sweet Soup (汤圆)
What it is: Small, round rice dumplings filled with sweet fillings like sesame paste or red bean paste, served in a warm, sweet broth.
Meaning: The round shape symbolizes unity and completeness, and the sweetness represents a smooth, sweet life ahead. These are commonly eaten during the Lantern Festival but are also enjoyed during CNY.
How to enjoy: Sweet soup is a comforting dessert, especially after a heavy CNY meal.
Where to try: Available at dessert shops, hawker centers, or Chinese restaurants, particularly towards the end of the CNY celebrations.
10. Ngoh Hiang (五香)
What it is: A savory dish made from minced pork or chicken, mixed with spices, wrapped in bean curd skin, and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown.
Meaning: Ngoh Hiang is often served during CNY gatherings and symbolizes prosperity and the filling of one’s life with flavor.
How to enjoy: It is typically served as an appetizer or snack during CNY celebrations, often with chili sauce.
Where to try: Ngoh Hiang can be found in local hawker stalls or specialty shops during the Chinese New Year period.
Chinese New Year in Singapore is a time for family, tradition, and feasting, and the food is an essential part of the celebration. Whether you're trying the prosperity salad Yu Sheng, indulging in bak kwa, or enjoying the sweetness of pineapple tarts, each dish has its own unique meaning and role in welcoming a new year of happiness and success. As an expat, embracing these delicious foods will help you connect with local traditions, and add a flavorful touch to your celebration of Chinese New Year.
