Let’s prepare ourselves for the upcoming CNY as it is the time to do some shopping for the festive season foods. New this year: look for reinterpreting of traditional flavors of Chinese New Year treats as something entirely new and magical. With delicate apricot filling and Ethiopian java blended bak kwa, exotic fruit-infused artisanal bak kwa to Christmas pineapple tart spun with Matcha Malt, brewing up this list of eight sensational Chinese New Year snack flavors to joyfully flam and upgrade your snacking this festive season.
1. Durian Bak Kwa
Popular or not, durian has a strong, creamy taste, that is quickly becoming a trend in Chinese food. This artisanal bak kwa is sweet, savory dried meat with a durian-inspired flavor dubbed the “king of fruits.” In every slice of the succulent there is a tropical fragrance that provides a very good balance to the salty and smoky flavor of the jerky, moreover there is a combination of bittersweetness that enhance the whole flavor. For those who love the stinking fruit, it maybe a new addition to the list of new Year delicacies. Durian bak kwa is not hard to come by – you may even get street vendors in Chinatown that offer durian bak kwa freshly sliced to order.
2. Salted Egg Yolk Cookies
Remember those salted egg yolk wonders? It made its debut from the mooncakes, went to sauces, and now in CNY cookies! Delicate, creamy and salty homemade salted egg yolk jam and butter are mixed into the buttery shortbread dough then garnished with pretty pink fine salt crystals. These golden cookies are neither the crispy types you’d find in bakeries nor the typical Southeast Asian style sweet treats, but they’re essentially cafe cookies. We recommend eating them with coffee or tea as you talk with your friends and family this holidays.
3. Yuzu Pineapple Tarts
Enhance those pineapple tart taste with gourmet touch such as Yuzu – a Japanese citrus fruit with high amounts of juice vesicles. Its floral, tangerine and grapefruit flavours stand out boldly on a base of buttery pastry containing pleasantly sharp and sweet pineapple jam. That is why larger pieces of fruit make these tarts exceptionally sinful. It is best presented during the occasions such as open houses or relished with some fine Chinese tea in case the black-gold pastry packets are meant for you. They dress up any festive cookies jar and are a nice treat to have as a household sweet.
4. Salted Egg Custard Buns
Soft and fluffy buns, custard that is creamy and has a wobbly texture is infused with the taste of salted egg yolk. Every bite that you take unties the golden custard in your mouth to provide sweet and salty taste. And of course, these can be enjoyed with a cup of morning kopi or tea and are less filling than pineapple tarts and other thick Chinese New Year delicacies. You will find them at Bakeries including Bread Talk during the festive period to the New Year.
5. Miso Butter Cookies
If you have been a fan of Japanese snacks, you may spot miso butter cookies among your CNY snack tins. They are small and tender – a result of creamed butter and miso. White or red miso adds nutty, toasted soybean flavor and aroma that go well with vanilla and sugar. A modern take on old fashioned egg cookies they are perfect for gifting or for elevating the Sunday tea party.
6. Chicken Essence Bak Kwa
Traditional Chinese seasoning, particularly chicken essence has been witnessed to have a long history . Now, this savoury seasoning comes into the lime light in delicious chicken essence bak kwa. Soaking the dried meat in high levels of chicken stock enhances deep notes of meaty chops coronated with notes of caramelized bones and herbs. Enjoy your bak kwa cut to tender slices with a satisfying poultry kick ideal for chicken rice enthusiasts or those who want to jazz up their bak kwa fix.
7. Spiced Tangerine Peel Cookies
Chen Pi, dried tangerine peel is also considered a prosperity food and is typically consumed during New Year. Just one nibble into these fragrant tangerine flavoured cookies and luck seems to be following this recipe as well! Orange infused sweetmeats provide a touch of dark flavours enhanced by candied bitter peels and Chinese five- spice elevates orange zest for the short breads. They have an aromatic citrus flavor and a roasty aftertaste; they are perfect for gift giving or to serve as desserts.
8. Matcha Pineapple Love Letters
Sweet and sweet only – love letters become Japanese this Chinese New Year with a premium matcha green tea flavor. Powdered matcha is used for infusing gold love letter pastry with bitterness and grassy notes distinctive of the tea, which also holds pineapple jam. A geometric shape opens to many layers of buttery taste in your mouth, making them have a nutty, tropical flavor. This will add the much-needed bling to your love letter gift set when accompanied by these gorgeously fancy matcha pineapples.
Let’s NOT lose the excitement and fun for snacking this Chinese New Year with these level up snacking ideas we’re about to share.
Have your friends had a chance to taste these up-and-coming Chinese New Year snacks yet? If not, now’s the perfect time to introduce them to these exciting flavors and trends! Share your reviews, swap recommendations, and pick your favorites together. Whether it’s a modern twist on a traditional treat or a bold new flavor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
But that’s just the beginning! The world of modern Chinese New Year goodies is experiencing a rejuvenation like never before. From innovative flavor combinations to health-conscious options, these festive snacks are evolving to reflect the dynamic tastes and lifestyles of today’s generation. Each year, fresh ideas and exciting updates breathe new life into the traditional treats we know and love, giving you plenty of delicious reasons to look forward to this festive season.
So, gather your friends, explore the latest creations, and create new traditions together. These modern CNY goodies aren’t just about satisfying cravings—they’re about celebrating a rich cultural heritage with a fresh, innovative twist.
Looking for the latest and greatest treats? Check out cnydelights.com for a delectable selection of goodies that blend tradition with modern flair. Join the fun and be part of this exciting culinary revival!
