HUAT A Treat! Best CNY Snacks To Munch On
Written by Deng Xiang • Updated January 2026
It's that time of the year again! The air is filled with the scent of smoky bak kwa and the crinkle of red packets. Chinese New Year isn't complete without a table overflowing with jars of festive goodies.
From traditional staples inherited from grandma's kitchen to modern twists on classic flavors, we've rounded up the absolute best CNY snacks you need to stock up on this year. Huat ah!
Pineapple Tarts
The King of CNY Snacks
No CNY is complete without the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pineapple tarts. The tangy jam paired with a rich, crumbly crust is the ultimate combination. Whether you like them spiked with cheese or kept strictly traditional, they are a must-have.
Where to Buy:
- • Ding Bakery: Famous for their multi-award-winning melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- • Kele Confectionery: A heritage brand with over 30 years of experience.
- • Bengawan Solo: The reliable household go-to for traditional flavors.
Bak Kwa
Smoky, Sweet, and Savory Pork Slices
The legendary queues for bak kwa in Chinatown are proof of its popularity. This jerky-like snack is prized for its smoky aroma and sticky honey glaze. It's often the most expensive item on the table, but one slice is never enough.
Where to Buy:
- • Lim Chee Guan: Known for their incredibly tender and moist sliced pork.
- • Bee Cheng Hiang: The most accessible brand with outlets islandwide.
- • Kim Joo Guan: Uses 100% grain-fed fresh pork for a premium bite.
Love Letters
Crispy Ego Rolls
Delicate and light, love letters are dangerously addictive. Traditionally rolled over a charcoal fire, these wafers crumble at the lightest touch and leave a persistent coconut fragrance. They are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea.
Where to Buy:
- • Mdm Ling Bakery: Offers traditional Nanyang love letters with pure coconut milk.
- • Wang Lai Bakery: Known for their chocolate and peanut butter filled versions.
- • Pineappletarts.sg: Handmade charcoal-cooked waffles for authentic taste.
Kueh Bangkit
Coconut Tapioca Cookies
Wait for it... and it's gone! A good kueh bangkit should dissolve the moment it touches your tongue. These snow-white cookies are shaped into flowers or animals and represent purity and a smooth year ahead.
Where to Buy:
- • Ding Bakery: Their award-winning recipe is lauded for being incredibly airy.
- • HarriAnns Nonya Table: Authentic Peranakan-style kueh with deep coconut notes.
- • Mdm Ling Bakery: A popular choice for their delicately shaped pieces.
Prawn Rolls (Hae Bee Hiam)
Mini Spicy Shrimp Rolls
These crunchy cylinders are packed with spicy dried shrimp sambal. They are the ultimate "movie snack" during CNY house visits. Warning: once you start popping these, it's impossible to stop.
Where to Buy:
- • Wang Lai Bakery: Known for a very consistent and fiery shrimp filling.
- • Fragrance: Their "Prawn Rolls" are a staple found in almost every mall.
- • Old Seng Choong: For a more premium, hand-crafted version.
Almond Cookies
The Fragrant Nutty Classic
Almond cookies are a staple for those who love a bit of saltiness with their sweets. These light brown gems are often bite-sized and packed with ground almonds, giving them a distinctively grainy and satisfying texture.
Where to Buy:
- • Mdm Ling Bakery: Known for their large, generous tubs and intense nutty flavor.
- • Gin Thye: A traditional bakery offering large quantities for families.
- • Bengawan Solo: Highly consistent quality with a perfect salt-to-sweet ratio.
Arrowhead Chips (Ngaku)
Hand-sliced Golden Crisps
Forget potato chips; arrowhead chips are the real star of CNY. Sliced painstakingly by hand and fried until deeply golden, they have a unique earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness that keeps you reaching for more.
Where to Buy:
- • Fragrance: One of the most popular mass-market sources with high-quality jars.
- • Home's Favourite: Famous for their extra-thin and non-greasy slices.
- • Local Wet Markets: Many home-based businesses sell these fresh during the festive month.
Cashew Nut Cookies
Symbol of Golden Nuggets
Looking like little golden nuggets, cashew nut cookies symbolize prosperity. They are richer and more buttery than almond cookies, featuring a whole crunchy cashew nut embedded on top of each piece.
Where to Buy:
- • Wang Lai Bakery: Known for their signature "Melt-in-mouth" base.
- • Ding Bakery: Uses premium cashews for an extra nutty punch.
- • Kele: Their version has a lovely glazed finish that makes them irresistible.
Festive Tip: Order Early!
The best CNY snacks are often sold out weeks before the first day of the New Year. Most of the popular bakeries listed above offer early bird discounts if you order in December or early January. Don't wait until the last minute, or you'll be left with empty jars! Wishing everyone a prosperous and "Huat" New Year ahead!