The air feels different when Chinese New Year arrives. Streets glow in red and gold, laughter spills from open doors, and homes brim with the sweet scent of freshly baked tarts and fried rolls. For many, the celebration isn’t complete without a tray of goodies—each one carrying not just flavor but also fortune.

Let’s take a stroll through ten must-have Chinese New Year treats, the stories behind them, and why they’ve earned a permanent place in our hearts (and on our tables).

1. Pineapple Tarts — The Golden Symbol of Prosperity

If there’s one treat that defines Chinese New Year in Singapore and Malaysia, it’s the humble pineapple tart. The word “pineapple” sounds like ong lai in Hokkien, meaning “fortune comes.” That explains why these bite-sized pastries practically fly off shelves every January.

Every family has its favorite version—open-faced, enclosed, or shaped like little pineapples. No matter how you prefer them, their buttery base and sweet-tangy jam make them the star of the cookie jar.

2. Love Letters — Crisp Rolls of Affection and Luck

Also known as kuih kapit, these delicate rolled wafers are both nostalgic and symbolic. Back in the day, families made them with patterned irons over charcoal flames, a labor of love shared across generations.

The folded or rolled form represents letters of affection—wishes sent to loved ones. When you bite into one, it shatters beautifully, releasing a fragrant whisper of coconut and joy.

3. Bak Kwa — The Smoky Scent of Prosperity

That unmistakable smoky aroma drifting through Chinatown? Bak kwa season has arrived. This sweet-savory barbecued pork jerky is believed to bring prosperity because of its rich red hue, the color of wealth and celebration.

Modern versions now come in truffle, chili, or even beef renditions, but the classic pork slice, grilled over charcoal, remains the undisputed favorite.

4. Peanut Cookies — Tiny Rounds of Togetherness

Simple, nutty, and melt-in-the-mouth, peanut cookies have a way of reminding us that the best things are often the simplest. Peanuts symbolize longevity and vitality, and their round shape represents reunion.

They’re also dangerously addictive—you pop one in your mouth and suddenly realize you’ve finished half the jar. No regrets.

5. Nian Gao — The Sticky Cake of Rising Fortune

“Nian gao” translates to “year cake,” but it also sounds like “higher year,” symbolizing progress and promotion. Made from glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, it’s sweet, chewy, and sticky enough to hold blessings together for the coming year.

Eaten steamed or pan-fried with egg, it’s more than a dessert—it’s a reminder to climb higher, do better, and keep traditions alive.

6. Mandarin Oranges — Gold in Disguise

Every visit during Chinese New Year comes with a polite exchange: two mandarin oranges, offered with both hands. Their round, golden color resembles wealth, while their Cantonese name, kam, sounds like “gold.”

They’re not just fruit—they’re fortune in peelable form. And when piled high in a bowl, they bring both brightness and balance to the festive décor.

7. Shrimp Rolls — Tiny Rolls of Celebration

Crunchy, spicy, and packed with dried shrimp fragrance, these miniature rolls (hae bee hiam rolls) are small but mighty. “Shrimp” sounds like laughter in Cantonese (ha ha), making these golden rolls symbols of joy and good times.

They’re the perfect snack for guests who say, “Just one,” but end up refilling the bowl—again and again.

8. Almond Cookies — Fragrance of Peace and Good Fortune

These crumbly cookies, light and nutty, are often arranged in pretty tins beside the peanut ones. The almond’s fragrance is said to attract good fortune, and its white color symbolizes purity.

The first bite is soft, the second crumbles, and before you know it, the whole cookie melts into a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with hot tea.

9. Dried Longans and Red Dates — Sweet Health and Harmony

Not all Chinese New Year goodies come from the oven. Dried fruits, especially longans and red dates, are staples in festive teas and soups. Together, they represent sweetness in relationships and harmony in families.

Their natural sweetness feels like a quiet counterbalance to the season’s sugary overload—a reminder that good fortune also means good health.

10. Cashew Cookies — Crescent Moons of Renewal

Cashew cookies might look modern, but their shape tells an ancient story. The crescent shape mirrors the waxing moon—symbolizing renewal, beginnings, and growth.

Their buttery texture and nutty aroma make them both comforting and celebratory, perfect for ushering in new hopes with every crunchy bite.

Beyond the Table: What These Goodies Really Mean

Chinese New Year goodies are more than snacks. They’re edible blessings—each bite loaded with meaning. Sweetness represents smooth relationships. Roundness means unity. Stickiness holds families together. Even the colors matter—gold for wealth, red for luck, white for purity.

When families bake, fry, or gift these treats, they’re passing down more than recipes. They’re passing on identity, generosity, and warmth. The act of sharing a tart or offering oranges is a quiet ritual of love and connection that says, “May this year treat you kindly.”

How to Build Your Own Perfect CNY Goodies Tray

Here’s a little trick to create balance and intention on your table:

• Start with a base of golds and reds: Pineapple tarts and bak kwa set the tone.
• Add crisp textures: Love letters and shrimp rolls keep it fun.
• Include something sticky or soft: Nian gao or red dates for good fortune.
• Finish with nuts and fruits: Peanut or almond cookies for harmony and longevity.

And if you’re gifting, mix textures and meanings. A jar of tarts says “May wealth come your way.” A tin of cookies says “May life be sweet.” Pair them with oranges, and you’ve just sent a complete blessing in edible form.

The Scent of Home

Perhaps the most beautiful part of these goodies isn’t the taste at all. It’s the memory they stir. The smell of pineapple jam simmering in the kitchen. The sound of love letters crisping over a pan. The laughter of children sneaking one too many shrimp rolls before dinner.

Chinese New Year goodies remind us that fortune isn’t always measured in gold. Sometimes, it’s in the warmth of a full table and the joy of sharing what we have—sweet, savory, or somewhere in between.

Final Thought

As the red lanterns light up and the reunion dinner draws near, fill your jars not just with treats, but with intention. Every tart, cookie, and candy tells a story of resilience, renewal, and reunion.

So when you next bite into that buttery pineapple tart, take a moment. Smile. Because luck doesn’t just arrive—it’s baked, rolled, and shared from one heart to another.

Ready to Taste the New Year?

Make your celebrations shine with CNY Delights — your one-stop shop for handcrafted Chinese New Year goodies. From buttery pineapple tarts to fragrant love letters, every bite carries the joy, tradition, and luck of the season.

Pre-order now at cnydelights.com and fill your home with sweetness, prosperity, and the scent of celebration.