Nian gao or sticky rice cake, is a mainstay of the Lunar New Year celebrations – beloved not just for its taste but also its symbolism representing prosperity and longevity. Here’s where to find a range of traditional and modern nian gao, pineapple tarts and other festive gifts for Chinese New Year 2024 to usher in good luck and prosperity.
Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore
Man Fu Yuan is pulling out all the stops with its selection of meticulously crafted goodies and takeaways. New this year is the Baked Purple Sweet Potatoes Nian Gao Tart, a unique take on the traditional treat, featuring sweet potato filling topped with shredded coconut and edible gold leaf encased within a crispy tart. Another must-try is the Ingots Nian Gao Tart, delicately shaped into gold ingots to represent prosperity and growth. Both sets come with a Man Fu Yuan Tea bag, so you can sip on aromatic tea as you munch on these moreish morsels. Back by popular demand is Prosperity Pineapple Balls – buttery pastries enveloping a rich and tangy pineapple paste – plus other beloved new year treats like Danish cashew nut cookies, peanut cookies, green peas cookies, and almond slices. For more information, visit: https://intercontinetalsingaporefestivegoodies.oddle.me/en_SG/
Peach Blossoms, Parkroyal Collection Singapore Marina Bay, Singapore
Usher in prosperity with nian gao offerings from Peach Blossoms. The collection includes timeless favourites with unique flavour combinations, such as the Prosperous Reunion Happiness Trio-Layer Nian Gao, a visually striking creation filled with coconut milk, Japanese purple sweet potato, and water chestnut; the popular Harvest Japanese Purple Sweet Potato Nian Gao; and the Water Chestnut Nian Gao. For something savoury, indulge in Executive Chef Edward Chong’s signature Radish Cake with Hokkaido Premium Dried Scallop and Trio Shrimps. Those looking to gift can opt for premium hampers, available in two options. The Prosperity Hamper comes filled with a bottle of champagne, abalone, bird’s nest, osmanthus tea, homemade sakura ebi chilli sauce, as well as golden pineapple balls, cashew nut cookies, and spicy prawn rolls. There is also the Wealthy Hamper, which contains a bottle of house red wine, abalone, Imperial Pu Er Tea, nian gao, golden pineapple balls, and a jar of love letters. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/eshop-jubilant-abundance
Goodwood Park Hotel
Whether you prefer the classics or crave something unique, Goodwood Park delivers with a slew of auspicious festive goodies, available for takeaway or delivery from Min Jiang and The Deli. Go the traditional route with timeless classics like traditional charcoal-grilled love letters, prepared using a time-honoured recipe that sees the batter being slow-cooked over a charcoal fire using an iron mould press. Or embrace modern offerings that put a spin on familiar flavours, such as the Pandan Pineapple ‘Huat’ Tarts, filled with homemade pineapple chutney and aromatic pandan flavoured almond cream nestled within a crumbly tart crust. The Chilled D24 Durian ‘Nian Gao’ Roll is also back by popular demand, featuring a nian gao ‘sheet’ made from glutinous rice flour, rice flour, gula melaka, and rock sugar that is steamed before it is rolled with a blend of D24 durian puree, kaya, and coated with freshly grated coconut. You can also spruce up your festive table with delicious cakes like the Auspicious Firecracker (‘Mao Shan Wang’ Durian Roll Cake) – a soft and fluffy vermillion chiffon cake brimming with luscious Mao Shan Wang puree – or the Lucky Fortune Bamboo (Orange Pound Cake), infused with orange zest, buttercream, and intricately crafted to resemble a lucky bamboo plant. For more information, visit: https://goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me/en_SG/
Wah Lok, Carlton Hotel, Singapore
The ever popular Wah Lok Cantonese restaurant unveils an assortment of sweets this year, crafted in collaboration with the hotel’s pastry team. Koi is a popular symbol that represents prosperity, growth, and progress – a figure that the restaurant’s Koi Fish Nian Gao draws inspiration from. Of course, no Lunar New Year celebration would be complete without the customary pineapple tarts. Choose from two versions: the handcrafted open-faced Carlton Pineapple Tarts, or the generous golf-ball sized Premium Pineapple Tarts that are perfect for gifting and sure to impress your friends and family. For more information, visit: https://celebrations.carltonhotel.sg
Shangri-La Singapore
Made from fresh, premium ingredients, this year’s handcrafted nian gao selection from Shangri-La Singapore boasts five scrumptious flavours. New on the list is the Trehalose, Peach Gum, Rose and Coconut Milk, which provides a healthier alternative to the traditional white or cane sugar by replacing it with trehalose. The nian gao comes with delicate rose petals on its surface and is housed in a vibrant red box, making it ideal for gifting as well. Another noteworthy creation is the Mung Bean and Dhal Nian Gao, which undergoes meticulous preparation involving overnight soaking and simmering until the green beans become infused with the essence of tangerine peel. Making a return is crowd favourite Three Layers Nian Gao, comprising purple sweet potato, pumpkin, and coconut milk; and the ever popular Brown Sugar Nian Gao. Pineapple tarts are another must-have, whether you prefer the classic version or the yuzu pineapple tarts with added zing. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/shangrilacny24
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Hotel Singapore’s sweet and savoury Lunar New Year treats are thoughtfully crafted to elevate celebrations at home. Shaped to look like ingots for good luck, the Homemade ‘Yuan Bao’ Water Chestnut Cake features a delightful softness and chewiness, with a sweet and tangy flavour complemented by the crunchiness of diced water chestnuts. The Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Cake impresses with its subtle fragrance, courtesy of Osmanthus tea leaves, and offers a perfect balance of sweetness and aromatic floral notes. Finish off the feast with a Radish Cake, a piquant creation that harmoniously blends premium Chinese sausage with Japanese conpoy and sakura shrimps. If you’re looking for luxe festive gifts, Raffles Boutique carries a curated selection of gift hampers packed with gourmet goodies, including the new Raffles Orh Nee cookies and Raffles bird’s nest nestled in elegant chest boxes. A bespoke gift set is also available, featuring an assortment of jasmine orange tea, traditional bak kwa, premium dried mushrooms and beloved treats such as love letters and truffle. For more information, visit: https://www.rafflescelebrations.com.sg/
Jiang-Nan Chun, Four Seasons Hotel
Four Seasons’ fine dining Cantonese restaurant Jiang-Nan Chun is rolling out handcrafted sweet and savoury delights until 8 February 2024. The signature Four Seasons Pineapple Tarts are beautifully crafted parcels of buttery, golden pastry encasing naturally sweet pineapple jam. Other seasonal creations to indulge in include the coconut nian gao, beetroot pastry with salted egg yolk and custard, and Pastry Chef Audrey Yee’s orh nee shortcake among others. For the ultimate gifting, curate a personalised hamper with a wide variety of house-made creations. For more information, visit: https://shop-fssingapore.myshopify.com/
Text by: Eris Choo and Amy Van
