If sticking to traditional goodies and feasts every Chinese New Year is boring, try switching it up with some worthy alternatives we found.
For those who sick of getting stuffed on the same old steamboat soups, pineapple tarts, and Bakkwa jerky, indulge in something unconventional when the celebration begins Feb. 1.
Instead of prawn crackers, go for Mala crawfish crackers, or have pineapple tarts in the form of a lava cake. Throw things to the next level with uni and caviar at your Yusheng, the traditional prosperity toss, or munch on dried sweet pork jerky atop pizzas and cookies.
Whatever it is, better empty your tummies to make room for some of these new goodies, for a change.
Santi’s Singapore
Santi’s Singapore, an extension and neighbor of popular cafe Sarnies in Telok Ayer, is serving a limited edition Bakkwa sourdough pizza (S$28) this year.
The salty-sweet dried meat pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes, smoked Scamorza cheese, homemade Bakkwa, sauteed leeks, fresh lychee and spicy chili oil. Spice it up further with the Chilli Crunch (S$15) sauce’s fiery blend of crunchy garlic, onion, and arbol chillies. There’s also Jalapeno Hot Sauce (S$12.90) and Mild Tomato Sauce (S$12.90) for that gentle heat.
They’ve also crafted a cocktail along with the folks at Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall. Perfect for the season is the Nosy Aunt (S$19), made with oolong calvados, clarified peach puree, fresh sage cordial, soda, and sage leaves.
The specials are available till Feb. 13. for dine in and delivery.
Luke’s Lobster x Park Bench Deli
You got Bak Kwa pizzas but why not complete the feast with lobster rolls in XO sauce?
Luke’s Lobster has teamed up with Park Bench Deli for the XO Smoked Duck Lobster Roll (S$30.50). It’s dressed in mayonnaise infused with homemade XO sauce, and topped with smoked duck ham, dried shrimp, yellow onions, ginger, fried shallots, and more charred XO sauce bits.
The roll is available till Feb. 15 at its outlets and for delivery.
Uni Gallery
For that yearly prosperity toss to bring good luck and fortune to the new year, why not go with something more luxurious?
Uni Gallery is bringing back its Sashimi Yusheng Platter (S$38) and Uni & Caviar Sashimi Yusheng Platter (S$128) after customers raved about it.
The sashimi platter will include salmon, amberjack, and swordfish sashimi presented in roses while the grander platter will have the premium seafood grocer’s selection of sea treasures such as Canadian Uni, Hokkaido Ikura pearls, and the Polanco Caviar.
The platters are available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery.
Golden Moments
Known for durian snowskin mooncakes, homegrown brand Golden Moments launched sister-brand Long Da Ge to bring fiery crawfish crackers to Mala fans.
The Mala Xiao Long Xia Crackers (S$9.80) incorporate an authentic Sichuan Mala recipe with dried Sichuan red chili pepper and peppercorn seasoned over crackers made with crawfish – more favorably referred to as “small lobsters.”
They are now available at FairPrice Finest stores and online.
Creamery Boutique Ice Creams
Pineapple tarts are a staple snack for the new year and Bangkok’s Creamery Boutique Ice Creams is experimenting with their own version that makes it even sweeter.
The Pineapple Lava Cookie (S$12.90) is stuffed with homemade pineapple curd and topped with the ice cream parlor’s handmade ice cream. They are also offering the Honey Kumquat Chrysanthemum Tea (S$4.90).
The items will be available in their store at Tyrwhitt Road until Feb. 15.
Seriously Keto
Ketogenic bakery Seriously Keto is changing the game with healthier goodies including “No Pineapple” Pineapple Tarts.
This homegrown brand wants you to gorge guilt-free this coming holiday with goodies that have no added sugar and are tweaked to low carb, keto- and diabetic-friendly diets.
Their “No Pineapple” Pineapple Tarts (S$18.80) feature a flaky buttery pastry filled with caramelized wintermelon instead of high in fructose pineapple. They say it gives the same tangy-sweet taste and jammy texture as a traditional pineapple tart.
They also have a Pecan Coconut Tart (S$88.80) and Cashew Cookies (S$11.80) which are Keto-friendly, gluten-free, and low-carb. The cookies use almond flour, pink Himalayan salt and keto-approved sweeteners.
Get all of them in their hamper bundles starting at S$108. All goodies are available till Feb. 6 at its cafe on Seah Street and by delivery.
The Fat Kid Bakery
The Fat Kid Bakery known for bombolonis has new exclusive flavors such as a Roasted Sesame made with homemade sesame praline, Peanut Crunch inspired by Muah Chee, or peanut mochi. There’s also one in Oolong Milk Tea and tangy Yuzu Creme that has returned to the menu.
Besides bombolonis, try seasonal treats such as Butter Cookies, Blackout Dark Chocolate Cookies and Bak Kwa Cookies made with Char Siew pork glaze.
The specials run till Feb. 27. at its store in Ang Mo Kio and for delivery. Pre-orders are also available online.
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