10 Must-Try CNY Goodies to Make Your Festivities Unforgettable

CNY is one of the most significant events in China and the Chinese communities globally as the people celebrate the beginning of a new year. This festival also known as the Spring Festival, lasts for 15 days in which people rejuvenate relationships with their families, ancestors and relatives, as well as share sumptuous foods and other symbolic goodies. Part and parcel of CNY celebration is the numerous varieties of traditional sweets and snacks known as “CNY goodies,” which are consumed during the CNY season. Below are 10 CNY good that should not miss your table this season out of which you can choose from and make your celebration special.

1. Nian Gao

Sticky Rice Cake known in Chinese as Nian Gao, is another traditional and widely celebrated CNY delicacy it is made with glutinous rice flour, sugar and flavorings including red bean, sesame or peanut. In China it is customary to consume it in the first days of the new year as a symbol of growth, happiness and sweetness of the upcoming year. Nian Gao comes in different types; the Nian Gao bars, cubes and even in the form of a moon cake. It can be eaten without breading but can also be prepared fried, to get a crusty surface and tender sweet meat inside.

2. Pineapple Tarts

Pineapple tarts are a traditional CNY bakery product that actually has its roots in Hong Kong. They include a type of pastry dough that has layers and is made using butter rolled and filled with a pineapple jam. These tarts are available in various shapes such as half-moon shape and star shapes and is probably the most iconic pastry of the season which represents prosperity. Pineapple tarts are common in most households during CNY and are always considered as gifts being share.

3. Love Letters

Love Letters or Rose Cookies are fine, very thin, crisp at the same time as they are quite tender in texture, and their shape resembles a scroll or a rose petal. This cookie is made from flour, sugar and eggs with some forms having rosewater or osmanthus flavoring. They are a popular snack in CNY and its name explains that a log of these cookies means a long lasting love in Chinese culture.

4. Bak Kwa

Bak Kwa or the Chinese barbeque meat is a specially prepared snack well known in Singapore and Malaysia. Available in two variants; the original sweet version which is made from sliced and spiced meat (partially made of pork and beef), it is slow cooked and dried until caramelized. It is sweet and I find that it can be eaten with anyone,rather when it is taken during CNY,it is believed to help one get strength.

5. Tang Yuan

Tang Yuan or sometimes known as ‘soup balls’ is a special delicacy which is usually consumed on the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of celebration of CNY. ­Mochi are the small round rice dumplings made out of glutinous rice flour and typically stuffed with a sweet or a savory filling such as black sesame paste, red bean paste or ground peanuts. Tang Yuan represents family reunion, the Chinese word “团” (tuán) means to gather or binding. They are normally offered accompanied by a soup made from ginger and sugar.

6. Jin Deui

Jin Deui, which literally means ‘Golden Melon Bread’ is one of the traditions of the CNY pastries well-known in Taiwan. These buns cooked out of bread are sweet in nature and in the shape of a pineapples or melon; they can have sesame seeds or coconut on top. Inside it it is filled with red bean paste that is sweet or custard. Many Chinese people like Jin Deui and it is regarded as something that may help to become wealthy.

7. Osmanthus Cake

Osmanthus Cake is a light and aromatic cake, which is preferred during the CNY season. This cake is tasty and significant as it is constructed from a soft sponge cake base filled and coated with osmanthus honey buttercream. Osmanthus flower symbolizes reunion, therefore having this kind of cake during the festive season conveys the message about the need to reunite with family members.

8. Pulut Hitam

Pulut Hitam or Black Glutinous Rice is one Famiy favourite delight served commonly during the CNY celebration in Singapore and Malaysia. This dessert is made from black glutinous rice, which is simmered with sweetened coconut milk, sugar and pandan leaves. The beverage tastes best when taken hot and that makes it a popular drink during winter.

9. Its Chinese name, the ‘Longan Sweet Potato Balls’ (栗子糖球), works very well as a translation of the English name for this brown raisin.

This is another classic Chinese New Year feast that I really like to have. These are little, spherical whole food items that are derived from sweet potato and tapioca starch which contain a sweet jelly made from longan fruits. THIRST QUENCHERS They are a tasty and juicy fruit consumed mainly during summer and they are also accompanied with a sweet ginger preserve.

10. Sesame Seed Balls

Sesame Seed Balls, also called Jian Dui, is one of the much-loved Chinese snacks which can be easily found on a street during CNY and is best enjoyed with friends and family. These dough balls are fried externally and come with a red bean paste or lotus seed paste filling and sesame seeds. Nonetheless, they are crunchy and sweet, or at least the apples they cover are, something that makes them oh-so-delicious.

These top 10 CNY goodies are a must-try for anyone who wants to savor the essence of Chinese New Year and immerse themselves in Chinese culture. Among these festive delights are mouth-watering Bak Kwa, sweet Tang Yuan, buttery Pineapple Tarts, and other traditional Chinese snacks and sweets that bring an extra layer of joy to the celebrations. These treats are more than just snacks—they’re a way to experience the spirit of the festival with every bite.

So, gather in the kitchen, pick up those chopsticks, and indulge in these tasty goodies to kickstart a delicious Lunar New Year. Wishing you a joyful celebration and a Happy Chinese New Year!

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