The ultimate guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore
Everything you need to know about what to see, eat and do this Chinese New Year
Every year, Singapore throws a massive bash to celebrate Chinese New Year. As the start of the new traditional Chinese calendar year is one of the most major events in Singapore, it's no surprise that the city is painting the town red to usher in the Year of the Pig this 2019. The festive period runs from the last day of the final month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th day of the first month. This year, celebrations take place from February 5 to 19.
Don't blink an eye as the city amps up the annual celebration with all your favourite festive tunes, family reunion dinners, colourful parades, stunning fireworks displays and plenty of lion dances. Read on to find out the best Chinese New Year activities happening around town, which performances to catch and the top restaurants to book for your family get-togethers.
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Where to watch Chinese New Year fireworks in Singapore
The stunning sights of giant lanterns, vibrant traditional Chinese decor and lion dance performances in Singapore can mean one thing: Chinese New Year. As the festive period draws near (mark your calendar for February 5), the city is buzzing with a plethora of enticing events, festivals and activities to revel in the glorious celebrations. But no cultural experience is completed without a dazzling fireworks display. Here are the best places to usher in the Year of the Pig with a bang – and a visual treat for all. RECOMMENDED: Guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore and the best Chinese New Year events in Singapore
The best Chinese New Year events for kids
Head to Chinatown and you'll be treated to massive lanterns, adorable pig-themed decorations and lion dances which can only mean that Chinese New Year festivities are in full swing. But Chinatown isn't the only place that's celebrating the Year of the Pig. Singapore is dotted with plenty of kid-friendly things to do, see and enjoy with the whole fam. After all, it's all about being together with your family. Gather the brood for these events that won't leave you feeling boar-ed. RECOMMENDED: Guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore and the best Chinese New Year events in Singapore
The best restaurants to celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore
Mum too swamped to cook up reunion dinner for the family this Chinese New Year? Have no fear, pen cai-loving people. We've rounded up eight Lunar New Year feasts from traditional Chinese at old school joints to modern Asian dishes at hip joints putting their own spin on that classics. Here's where to go to celebrate Chinese New Year with friends and family to start the year of the pig on the right note – huat ah! RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore and the best Chinese New Year events in Singapore
The best Chinese restaurants in Singapore
Throw a stone and it'll most likely land at the doorstep of one of the many Chinese restaurants in Singapore. We've got traditional outlets like Beng Hiang that have been around since our grandparents' youth as well as new digs like Birds of a Feather by young chefs looking to reinterpret their culinary history. Here are our picks on the Chinese restaurants to visit in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best traditional Chinese dialect restaurants in Singapore and the best modern Chinese restaurants in Singapore
The best pineapple tarts in Singapore
It's a fact. There is no Chinese New Year without pineapple tarts. And with one tart clocking in at 82 calories, we definitely don't want to be stuffing our faces with anything less than the best. We put 10 popular pineapple tart brands to the test and rank them from the best to the worst. You're welcome. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate ang pao guide for Chinese New Year and unique local snacks to try in Singapore
7 popular bak kwa brands ranked from best to worst
Beef jerky? Boring. Try bak kwa instead. This sweet and savoury snack typically made by combining preserved pork and spice gets particular popular around Chinese New Year because of its flaming red colour. Among pineapple tarts and other classic CNY snacks, bak kwa is probably one of the most coveted treats at the table so make sure you choose the best so you don't disappoint. Plus, 2019 is the Year of the Pig so what better way than to celebrate with sweet and salty porky goodness? RECOMMENDED: Unique local snacks to try and old-school childhood snacks for nostalgia
The best salted egg fish skin snacks
Typically, trends tend to die down after a while. However, in the case of the salted egg yolk – especially when combined with the crunchy crisp of fish skin – some things become too delicious to stop. Whether you like the treat for its mouth-watering flavors or for its addictive crunch, you’ll be glad we made a list ranking the most popular brands of salted egg yolk fish skins in Singapore for you to try out. Crunch away – just don’t forget to buy some mints too. RECOMMENDED: Unique local snacks to try and old-school childhood snacks for nostalgia
The beginner’s guide to Chinese New Year traditions and etiquette
Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) with its bright colours, is considered to be the most important event in Chinese calendar. It is marked by the arrival of spring and celebrates the end of one Chinese zodiac, and the beginning of the next. It's also the time where you gather with your family and friends and stuff yourself silly with snacks and goodies. There's a lot to Chinese New Year to know and learn about, from the legends to the traditions and etiquette, here's your comprehensive guide before we usher in the Year of the Pig. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate ang pao guide for Chinese New Year and where to donate clothes, books, furniture and toys in Singapore
The ultimate ang pao guide for Chinese New Year
There's no rule to how much you should give in a red packet – or ang pao – on Chinese New Year, as long as it is within the means. Or is it? Traditionally the ang pao is handed out by married couples to their parents, single adults and children as a token of good fortune and new year blessings. And it's also a big deal. We're in no authority to be dictating how many notes to stuff in that embossed red packet you selected so carefully for the special day, just remember to keep the amount even. But since you're unfortunately married and the burden of ang pao-giving befalls you, we'll try to keep it real – in this economy and all. RECOMMENDED: The best events in Singapore in 2019 and where to donate clothes, books, furniture and toys in Singapore
Where to get Chinese New Year decorations in Singapore
What is a festival without any decorations? Now that Christmas is done and dusted, it's time for the little piggies to come out. It is after all, the Year of The Pig. While you'll see the rotund little fella on most of the decor items like paper decals, banner, ang paos and more, it's possible to keep things classy, elegant and understated. Unless bold is what you're looking for... We've rounded up the stores in town for those last-minute decorations in Singapore. Quick stock up on all you can get or else you will never stop hearing that aunty you see once a year complain for hours. Huat are you waiting for – it's shopping time. RECOMMENDED: The best craft stores for all your DIY needs in Singapore and the best home decor and furniture stores in Singapore
The best Singapore events for you based on your Chinese Zodiac
Wonder which racing event horse people should gallop to? Or what art showcase a snake person should slither in to see? Or the best food event for those born in the Year of the Pig to pig out at? For starters, the Chinese Zodiac dates back to Buddha where he called on all animals to help mankind but only 12 responded. However, other versions include the Great Race which determined each animal’s position in the zodiac chart. Each animal comes with their very own unique set of traits which played a role in the race. Find out which of these is your spirit animal and race to the events based on your animal. RECOMMENDED: Guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore and the best Chinese New Year events in Singapore
The best Chinese New Year movies
Forget your usual tub of sweet and salted popcorn and grab some bak kwa and pineapple tarts. It's time to kick it with the good old Chinese classics, the hottest Hollywood blockbusters and even some light-hearted Singapore titles this Chinese New Year. Here are the ones we're binge-watching this festive season. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore films to watch and the best upcoming movies in Singapore
Where to buy a cheongsam for Chinese New Year
Get Chinese New Year ready by donning a cheongsam this year when you're visiting the fam or gathering for reunion dinner. And we're not talking about those old-timey cheongsams or the tacky ones they have in costume shops. We're talking bespoke, well-cut and timeless pieces that you can use time and time again, beyond the Lunar New Year. Thankfully, we have a handful of individuals and creatives in Singapore who are dedicated to making cheongsams on-trend again. Check in with them to see if you can get one made just in time for CNY. RECOMMENDED: Where to get Chinese New Year decorations in Singapore and the ultimate ang pao guide for Chinese New Year
