Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival is one of the most important holidays among Chinese people. The time of happiness so families can reunite, enjoy various culturally significant productions, and have exquisite Chinese food. Food is instrumental on this occasion; many traditional local foods and tit-bits are prepared so as to usher in the New Year with plenty of luck, prosperity and happiness. Instead, brighten up your celebrations this year and spread the love with these must-bake Chinese New Year goodies for friends and families.
1. Nian Gao (Tang Yuan)
Chinese New Year cannot complete without Nian Gao or more specifically called sticky rice cake. It is actually called “year high” and consuming it will supposedly elevate one’s year next year in terms of professionalism and growth. Conventionally, the sticky rice cake is made from glutinous rice flour with sugar coating, and occasionally with any other fillings as red beans, peanuts or sesame seeds. Then the cake is steamed, sliced and can be served without any garnishing or may be garnished with sesame seeds or similar such stuff. There are many different and familiar forms, for example, Tang Yuan – a New Year’s dish which consist a small dumpling from stickey rice with filling of sesame paste, red bean paste or peanut paste. The tradition of Tang Yuan embodies family reunion with reference to the fact that a sphere is called ‘perfect’ in Chinese, Tang Yuan signifies family reunion.
2. Bak Kwa – Barbecue Pork Jerky
Bak Kwa is a famous pork jerky snack which is associated with Chinese New Year festival time. From lean pork meat is made this kind of treats called barbecue pork jerky which is marinated in sugar, soy sauce and spices and than grilled till it is sweet, spicy and crispy. Bak Kwa is very soft in texture and packed with intense flavours and that is why people can simply grab it and share it with everyone.
It is believed that consuming Bak KWA will bring about prosperity because the words ‘ba’ (八) and ‘kwa’ (片) sounds like the words ‘blessing’ (宝利) in Cantonese. Therefore, it is often a favorite during the holiday season being put in shiny red or gold boxes.
3. Pineapple Tarts – Butterscotch Pineapple Pastries
Pineapple tarts are the traditional Chinese New Year snack, revered for its meaning of prosperity and happiness. These sweet and buttery pastries contain a biscuit base, and a filling of pineapple jam and has a chunky to a smooth texture. The converted Pineapple Jam is Golden, the color of the Chinese Dragon; the taste is sweet, which symbolizes prosperity in Chinese culture.
Pineapple tarts come in two major types, which include the pineapple bun, and the pineapple ball tarts. Popular in Anglo Singapore, pineapple buns are made of a sweet, soft dough consisting of rolled small pieces of balls which are flattened and sprinkled with pineapple jam and baked until golden brown. Pineapple balls however its made from a small ball of pineapple jam and then a layer of pastry dough is wrapped around it and baked until crispy and golden.
4. Ang Ku Kueh – Love Letters
Ang Ku Kueh, which translates to Love Letters is a traditional Chinese cookie being consumed during CNY. This colorful and tasty snack consists of a smooth gel-like skin from the glutinous rice flour a starchy vegetable and a tasty filling of green bean, boiled sweet potatoes or even shrimp. Subsequently Ang Ku Kueh is shaped like an umbrella or folded into the form resembling a wallet and thus earned the name ‘Red Tortoise Cake’.
The Chinese considers the Ang Ku Kueh as token of prosperity and wealth as the shape of the biscuit looks like a gold nugget or an ancient coin. People do not buy Ang Ku Kueh so that when they give it to their family and friends during CNY they will enjoy prosperity and happiness.
5. The Huat Kueh
Huat Kueh or Prosperity Rice Cakes is an also a must-bake food item to be consumed during Chinese New Year celebration. These small round and golden colored cakes are derived from glutinous rice flour which has been sweetened with coconut sugar they are then cooked in banana leaves so that they eventually take on a mildly fragrant aroma. Round in shape, Huat Kueh represents prosperity and when the colour chosen is gold, it corresponds to the principles of luck and wealth.
These sweets are usually served with Chinese tea and give people warmth and a festive mood as the New Year comes. Consuming Huat Kueh during Chinese New Year when it’s being shared among family and friends is said to usher people with lots of luck and prosperity.
6. Moon Cakes
Moon cakes are also are also favorite during CNY season though not really a sweets like the Puto. These kind of breads are spherical, and can contain sweet or salty fillings, including lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or even salted egg yolk. Moon cakes are fried or boiled and then baked until they are golden brown to be eaten with tea.
Moon cakes are round which means happiness and prosperity as for the yolk filled moon cakes, they represent the moon when it is fully illuminated. Eating of moon cakes during CNY is considered to symbolize togetherness and prosperity for the families that consume [it].
7. Popiah – Fresh Spring Rolls
Popiah is a tasty external food which best consumed during Chinese New Year or any other occasions where people gather. These fresh spring rolls also contain jicama, turnip, shredded chinese cabbage; crispy fried shallots; peanuts and a spoon of sweet sauce enclosed in a thin crepe derived from rice flour.
Popiah is a lightly processed food and it can be served alongside other Chinese New Year snacks which are oily but is a good way to balance the foods served during the festive occasion. The reverse is said to occur if one shares popiah during CNY; thus, many would prepare to make everyone around their family happy during the lion dance festival.
8. Love Letters – Sesame Seed Crackers
Love Letters, also called sesame seed crackers, are crunchy snack that should be consumed during Chinese New Year since they can be shared with others. These thin, crisp biscuits are made from wheat flour, and are covered with black and white sesame seeds, which is how they got their name.
The sesame seeds on Love Letters are symbolic of longevity and blessings and therefore is ever popular during the CNY. It is thought that by offering these tasty treats to dear ones, their wellbeing, joy, and success in the following year will be guaranteed.
Chinese New Year is a festival of joy, reunion, and cherished moments with family, friends, relatives, and loved ones. It’s a time to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness through food, traditions, and heartfelt connections. Central to this celebration are traditional CNY goodies like Nian Gao, Bak Kwa, Pineapple Tarts, Ang Ku Kueh, Huat Kueh, Mooncakes, Popiah, and Love Letters. These delightful treats are not only enjoyed for their taste but also serve as carriers of cultural stories and symbolism.
As you prepare and share these traditional CNY goodies, take a moment to remind your loved ones of the rich heritage behind each delicacy. Whether it’s the prosperity symbolized by Pineapple Tarts or the good fortune represented by Nian Gao, these snacks bring layers of meaning to your festive table.
So, gather around with your family and friends, indulge in these special delights, and celebrate the spirit of unity and joy that the Lunar New Year brings. Wishing you a Happy Chinese New Year filled with warmth, laughter, and prosperity!