Chinese New Year is the best time of the year to pig out, and being the year of the pig, we have all the more reason to do so. Snacking is a huge part of the celebrations and often we find ourselves emptying entire boxes of pineapple tarts, bak kwa, love letters and cookies faster than our arteries can handle.

Sure, these classic favourites hold a special place in our hearts but perhaps it is time to step away from tradition and go for something a little more unconventional this upcoming Chinese New Year.

We explored the streets of Chinatown and found a couple of oddities—some are creative, while some are just plain exotic. Feeling ballsy? Here are 6 unconventional snacks to get this CNY.

UNIQUELY FLAVOURED JELLIES

Roam the streets of Chinatown and you’d find several stalls selling these individually packed jellies—a great substitute for the usual sweets we often see lying around in baskets. Coming in unique flavours such as Cherry Blossom and Coffee, these treats will definitely be a hit among children and adults alike!

GREEN BEAN PASTE PASTRY

Lunar New Year Snacks should not just stop at pineapple tarts and almond cookies. The aforementioned snacks are definitely must-haves in a Chinese household during the festive period, but do also make it a point to try out other pastries such as Green Bean Paste Pastry! Some may shun the idea of it, but we’re sure that this might become a new-found favourite amongst many.

PEANUT PUFF

Also known as Kok Chai, peanut puffs are actually traditional Malaysian snacks that are essentially made with sweet ground peanut encased within a crisp, buttery shell. Shaped like mini curry puffs, these goodies symbolizes abundant wealth for the year ahead and are extremely popular in Malaysia. Try these out this coming New Year!

DURIAN KUEH LAPIS

Love the pungent smell of the King of Fruits and the buttery textures of the various layers of kueh lapis? Imagine the two combined! It may sound like just another a calorie-loaded snack, but this sinful yet decadent cake might just be worth it!

LOBSTER BAK KWA

Feeling like a king? Ditch the pork slices and opt for something more premium to treat both yourself and your guests. There are several stalls serving Lobster Bak Kwa, and while the slices bear a huge resemblance to the usual pork slices, the prices sure speak for the difference in ingredients. 500 grams of Lobster Bak Kwa can set you back by S$40.

EXOTIC FLAVOURED BAK KWA

Yes, our foodie nation is always bursting with creativity when it comes to food trends, but to come up with Crocodile Meat Bak Kwa and Coffee Fusion Meat Bak Kwa is truly #nextlevel.

For the adventurous who are constantly on a lookout for something unconventional to try (or to prank someone), these would be it. To say that these flavours are exotic is truly an understatement!

The Chinese Lunar New Year is an annual festival where many traditions culminate from exchanging of oranges to the receiving of red packets and more. Still, as far as the Chinese New Year goes, the iconic yu sheng toss remains at the helm of all things festive.

Yu Sheng, otherwise known as lo-hei or prosperity toss, is something that we’ve grown terribly fond of. A vibrant centrepiece dish comprising various elements, each boasting its own unique flavour and meaning behind it, the yu sheng is always the first order of business at any family gathering.

Yet, as we find ourselves going through the motion of this tradition year in year out, how many of us millennials can actually say that we truly understand this practice and its significance? To a season dedicated to good fortune, family reunion and feasting, here is our guide on lo hei, what it is and what it represents.

HOW THE MODERN INTERPRETATION CAME TO BE

Since its origins as a simple raw fish dish back in the 1930s, the recipe has undergone a series of transformations, and even until today, people are still finding innovative ways to present this dish. The dish was brought to Singapore in the late 19th century by the migration of Cantonese and Teochew migrants from China.

“Lo Hei”, in Cantonese literally translates to “tossing up good fortune”, and it refers to the ritual adopted in Singapore that involves a group of people gathered around a massive plate, tossing its contents violently while saying out auspicious phrases before eating it—it is popularly believed that the higher the toss, the better your prospects and fortune in the year ahead.

At the very beginning, the salad itself consisted merely of raw fish slices, some vegetables and seasoning to taste. It was only much later on in 1964, where a quartet of chefs—known affectionately as the ‘Four Heavenly Kings’—reinvented the dish and served it at the then, newly opened Lai Wah restaurant. The new salad saw an improvement in texture, colour, and flavour.

KEY INGREDIENTS & WHAT THEY REPRESENT

• Carrots – Represents good luck.
• Green Radish – Represents eternal youth.
• White Radish – Represents good job opportunities in the coming year.
• Raw Fish – symbolises abundance and prosperity.
• Pomelo – Represents luck.
• Crushed Peanuts – Is a sign that your home will be filled with many valuable possessions.
• Sesame Seeds – Represent the hope that your business will flourish.
• Golden Crackers – Symbolises wealth.
• Plum Sauce – A key component that binds the salad together, it represents stronger ties among family and friends.
• Pepper & Cinnamon Powder – signify the wish for wealth
• Oil – Often drizzled onto the salad in a circular motion rather than poured over. This is to symbolise that money will come from all directions.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Before the tossing begins, the dish needs to be prepared, usually by one individual who adds the ingredients one by one in a specific order, while the reciting wishes of luck and prosperity at the same time.

With the plate placed in the middle, friends and family members stand around the table to toss the ingredients whilst exchanging blessings and words of prosperity—although, more often than not, people tend to just shout them out.

9 INTEGRAL STEPS & WHAT TO SAY

Step: Yu Sheng platter is placed at the centre of the dining table.
What To Say: “Gong Xi Fa Cai” meaning, “Congratulations for your wealth”.

Step: Raw sliced fish is added.
What To Say: “Nian Nian You Yu” meaning, “Abundance throughout the year”.

Step: Pomelo or lime is added.
What To Say: “Da Ji Da Li” meaning, “good luck and great prosperity”.

Step: Spice sachets are sprinkled over.
What To Say: “Zhao Cai Jin Bao” meaning, “May you attract wealth and treasures”.

Step: Oil and plum sauce are poured over ingredients.
What To Say: “Yi Ben Wan Li” meaning “Make 10,000 times of profit with your capital”

Step: Peanut crumbs are poured over.
What To Say: “Jin Yin Man Wu” meaning, “May your home be filled with lots of gold and silver.”

Step: Sesame seeds sprinkled over.
What To Say: “Sheng Yi Xing Long” meaning, “Wishing you prosperity for the business.”

Step: Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows are then added.
What To Say: “Man Di Huang Jin” literally translating to, “May the whole floor be filled with gold.”

Step: The toss commences.
What To Say: “Lo Hei” literally translating to tossing luck.

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10 at Claymore at Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore is a popular name when it comes to value-for-money buffet spreads and this Lunar New Year, it is no exception. Capturing the flavours of both new and traditional favourites, you can expect a lavish myriad of gourmet delicacies, diners with an affinity for gourmet delicacies that capture the essence of traditionally cooked dishes are bound to be spoilt for choice.

Indulge in a selection of auspicious delicacies that have been specially curated and masterfully executed. Luxurious as the line-up is, we are giving you an opportunity to experience it all without breaking the bank. Simply quote ‘LIC-CNY’ to enjoy the indulgent feast at S$42++ for two for the à la carte set lunch and S$108++ for two for the dinner buffet.

This exclusive promotion is valid from 22 January to 28 February 2018 from Monday to Sunday and especially just for our loyal supporters, we will also be giving you 25% savings on all other à la carte dishes for lunch on weekdays.

Locals and holidaymakers will be pleased to know that while most restaurants will be closed during the Lunar New Year, 10 at Claymore will be operating as per normal—and with a bigger and better menu comprising fresh seafood on ice, a divine dessert spread as well as an array of delicious international and Chinese New Year dishes. Now, have we got your attention yet?

STEAMED COD IN SUPERIOR SOY SAUCE

Fish is often associated with wealth and abundance, which is why it is not uncommon to see fish dishes in Chinese New Year reunion meals.

Cooked and served whole, the colossal fillet of Cod is definitely one dish you should look forward to at the dinner buffet. Perfectly steamed, the fish remains delicately moist. Topped with a savoury-sweet soy sauce and garnished with a mixture of mushrooms, wolfberries and chai po (preserved turnips), we simply loved how the silky meat practically melted in our mouths.

BRAISED PORK BELLY

One of our favourites on this year’s menu is the Braised Pork Belly. Braised over a low flame for a considerable amount of time in a thick and dark soy-based sauce, the pork belly achieves pull-apart tenderness.

Boasting a plentitude of flavours from savoury, sweet and subtly spiced, this is a sure-fire winner that we guarantee you will enjoy. The meat literally melts in your mouth while the gelatine-like layer of fat adds another dimension of texture and flavour. Eaten with their charcoal bun, there really is nothing that can beat this.

EIGHT TREASURE LOTUS LEAF BROWN RICE

If you are a fan of bold flavours, we highly recommend trying the Eight Treasure Lotus Leaf Brown Rice: a traditional Chinese New Year dish.

Steamed in a massive lotus leaf, the brown rice was infused with the lotus flavour that made it incredibly fragrant. The assortment of Chinese sausages and waxed duck provided more depth and savoury taste to the dish.

DRIED OYSTER WITH FATT CHOY

For those unfamiliar with Chinese delicacies, one of the few oriental classics that is eaten almost exclusively during Chinese New Year—and one that you can look forward to on the buffet line—is fatt choy, which for the uninitiated, is basically a braised vegetable dish that typically comprises black moss (fatt choy) and dried oysters (ho see).

The name ‘Ho See Fatt Choy’ itself means to prosper in wealth in Cantonese, which is why this dish is commonly served as a symbol of good fortune at many restaurants and households.

Braised in soy and oyster sauce, the ingredients were exceptionally soft and tender.

CRABMEAT SOUP

Conceptually similar to shark fin soup, this Crabmeat Soup and Superior Fish Maw is a hearty soup to look out for in the buffet line-up.

Cooked with pumpkins and carrots—which explains the soup’s yellowish hue—this tasty soup boasts savoury and subtly sweet qualities. Expect to find premium ingredients such as crab meat, fish lips and for good measure, scallops as well.

NIAN GAO

The Sticky Rice Cake—otherwise known as nian gao in Mandarin—is an oriental sweet treat that Chinese people eat every Chinese New Year. This glutinous rice-based cake is commonly deep-fried with an egg wash (much like French toast) and the end result is an incredibly chewy cake encased in a golden crisp.

At 10 at Claymore, the chefs turn it up a notch by sandwiching the Nian Gao between a layer of regular sweet potato and purple sweet potato, to which the layered dish is battered and fried to golden perfection. Pleasantly crisp and mildly sweet, this makes for a pretty spot-on dessert item.

PROSPERITY PACIFIC YUSHENG

Keeping with the tradition of ushering in the Lunar New Year with a prosperity toss, 10 at Claymore’s Prosperity Pacific Lo Hei makes for a perfect entrée with its bed of fresh julienned carrots, radish, lettuce, cucumber and pomelo. A sweet plum sauce is drizzled over the “Chinese salad” and chunks of crispy fish skin topped the dish for a medley of flavours and textures.

Every table is entitled to a complimentary serving of the Prosperity Pacific Lo Hei for both lunch and dinner with servings tailored to your party of family and friends.

BOSTON LOBSTER ON ICE

Regulars to 10 at Claymore will always look out for the Boston Lobster on Ice. Now, who can resist unlimited fresh Boston lobsters?

CANTONESE ROAST DELIGHTS & MORE

Besides Chinese New Year dishes, there is also a mouth-watering selection of Asian and Western delights to be had at the dinner buffet line-up. We are talking about authentic Chinese roast meats, fresh seafood on ice, the highly acclaimed Baked Oysters in Chillies and even our all-time-guilty-pleasure, prosciutto.

These items are on rotation and are subjected to the change and availability of seasonal produce but the quality remains consistent throughout.

À LA CARTE SET LUNCHES

Diners will get to enjoy weekday à la carte set lunches (S$28++ per adult) that comprise the Steamed Lotus ‘Lap Mei’ Brown Rice, Double Boiled Golden Fishmaw Crabmeat Broth as well as one main dish of which you have the option to choose out of a selection of 3.

Take your pick from the Traditional Steamed Cod Fish with Chicken Shredded Black Fungus, Braised Pork Belly ‘Dong Po Rou’ with Bun or Oven Roasted Chicken with Fragrant Garlic Almonds. But before your meal commences, you will first have the customary lo hei or prosperity toss that comes complimentary for each table regardless of the number of guests.

Don’t forget to quote ‘LIC-CNY’ to enjoy this all-you-can-eat indulgent feast at S$42++ for two for the à la carte set lunch and S$108++ for two for the dinner buffet. This exclusive promotion is valid from 22 January to 28 February 2018 from Monday to Sunday, and especially just for our loyal supporters, we will also be giving you 25% savings on all other à la carte dishes for lunch on weekdays.

For dining enquiries and reservations, please call +65 6831 6686 or email dining.ppsgo@panpacific.com.

**Not valid on any special occasions, the eve of public holidays or on public holidays.
**Not valid on Chinese New Year Eve, Chinese New Year Day 1 & 2.
**Not valid for any Lunch Buffets.
**Blackout and closed-out dates do apply.
**Not valid with any credit card discounts and promotions or any on-going promotions.
**Reservations are required and subject to availability.
**The hotel reserves the right to amend the promotional details without prior notice.
**The hotel reserves the right to change its seasonal items without prior notice.
**Price stated is subject to service charge and Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Dinner Buffet
22 January to 28 February 2018 (Mon to Sun)
6pm – 10.30pm: S$72++ (Adult), S$36++ (Child)

10 at Claymore
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
10 Claymore Road
Tel: +65 6831 6686
Daily: 6pm – 10.30pm
Lunch 12.00pm to 2.30pm
Dinner 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore.

One of the most highly anticipated festivals for the Chinese has to be the annual Chinese New Year. Based on the lunar calendar, the festival falls on the first day of the first month which is unlike the international New Year, and it differs every year.

Chinese New Year is the time when families get together, and for foreigners who make use of this holiday to travel back to their hometown for a family reunion. An important aspect of this festivity is also its traditions which have been kept for many generations.

If you have always been curious about the significance of spring cleaning and why are we told by our parents to stay up past midnight on the Eve of Chinese New Year, let us share with you 7 Chinese New Year Traditions And Their Significance.

Sorry to burst your bubble but everyone should know how much calories you are taking in every time you pop a pineapple tart into your mouth. Here’s a list of Calories in Popular Chinese New Year Snacks.

SPRING CLEANING

Before the Chinese New Year festivities begin, Chinese households usually make it a point to spring clean the entire house thoroughly. Besides making the house clean for guests to visit, it is also a way of “sweeping away bad luck”.

NEW YEAR’S EVE REUNION DINNER

Traditionally, reunion dinner falls on New Year’s Eve and it is considered to be one of the most important dinners for Chinese families. Family members who live apart after marriage make the most of this festival to spend time with their loved ones.

For families who are large in size, it can take weeks of planning as tables fill up fast at popular restaurants. Even those who are having their reunion dinner at home have to spare much effort in grocery shopping and preparation of the dishes.

Photo Credit: esteller

STAYING UP PAST MIDNIGHT

Parents usually urge their children to stay up until midnight after the reunion dinner to send away the old year and welcome the new. It is believed that the longer the children stay awake at night, the longer their parents will live in return.

FIREWORKS

While most people think that fireworks are just showstoppers for entertainment, there is actually meaning behind it. Fireworks were first introduced into the festival in China to drive away evil spirits.

It has been said that a mystical beast called Nian ate livestock on the eve of Chinese New Year. In order to chase it away, the people lit firecrackers in hopes that the machine gun-like sound from the firecrackers would scare it away.

EATING DUMPLINGS

Dumplings are a significance of good fortune and wealth as it resembles ingots, an ancient currency used by the Chinese during the old times. Hence, the more dumplings you eat, the more wealth you will accumulate for yourself!

Different stuffings in the dumplings have their own significance as well. The cabbage stuffing represents a well-off life for many years; having the mushroom stuffing supposedly increases your luck; beef stuffing is popular among stock investors as it symbolises strong economic growth and celery stuffing gives you wealth.

Photo Credit: China Tour

RED ENVELOPES

Red packets are a channel for sending good wishes and luck and it is given to bring happiness and blessing to those who are receiving it. It is considered rude to open your red packet in front of the giver.

CHINESE NEW YEAR SNACKS

Of course, Chinese New Year is not the same without its calories loaded snacks we all love and enjoy. Surely, you will find the same kind of snacks in almost all the households you visit and that is not of random occurrence.

Each snack has its own symbolic meaning which brings about well wishes for the upcoming year. If you are planning to host relatives and friends for this Chinese New Year, it is important to keep in mind the snacks you have to prepare!

Read more about the auspicious meaning behind Chinese New Year Goodies.

The annual celebration of Chinese New Year sees endless baked treats and other savoury delights being sold, served and consumed by Chinese communities in Singapore throughout the 15-day festive period.

Ever wondered why the exchange of Mandarin Oranges is so important, and why there would always be pineapple tarts in each home?

The repetition of Chinese New Year Goodies is no random occurrence, as each snack is essentially symbolic of a meaningful purpose. The next time someone in the family asks, “Why do we always have to eat xxx during Chinese New Year?”, you will find the answer(s) to him/her here in our beginner’s guide to the Auspicious Meaning Behind 8 Chinese New Year Goodies.

Read: Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Market 2016 – Here’s What To Expect.

#1 BAK KWA

Bak Kwa, for the uninitiated, is a barbecued pork jerky that is extremely popular amongst Chinese ethnic communities; especially so during Lunar New Year. The dialect name Bak Kwa when translated means dried meat. The barbecued pork jerky’s deep red colour is considered auspicious in Chinese tradition, symbolising good luck and believed to ward off negative energies.

#2 JIAO ZI DUMPLINGS

Back in the olden days, ancient Chinese civilians used an age-old currency called Yuan Bao that are inherently dumpling-shaped ingots in silver or gold. Today, the Jiao Zi Dumplings we eat bear an uncanny resemblance to Yuan Bao, hence symbolising wealth and profit. The tasty appetisers are also commonly eaten on birthdays and even during a casual meal.

#3 MANDARIN ORANGES

Mandarin Oranges are believed to bring prosperity thanks to its Cantonese pronunciation, which sounds similar to gold. It is part of Chinese New Year tradition to offer a pair of Mandarin Oranges to respected seniors and hosts during house visiting. Note that you can only give a pair, nothing more or less; two pairs is a ultimate taboo. This is because the total number of four sounds like the Chinese word for death.

#4 NIAN GAO CAKES

Nian Gao is a sticky rice cake and the direct translation of it literally means “year cake”. However, the word ‘gao’ also sounds like ‘high’ in Mandarin, hence the Chinese believes in eating these sweet steamed glutinous rice cake for it is symbolic of going to greater heights each year.

#5 PINEAPPLE TARTS

We seem to take the presence of Pineapple Tarts at every household during Chinese New Year for granted. But besides the obvious fact that it tastes heavenly, this buttery treat is well-loved for its Hokkien pronunciation “Ong Lai” – which actually means prosperity is arriving. Clearly, puns are the inspiration behind all these Chinese New Year goodies.

#6 POMELO FRUIT

The huge Asian citrus’ Cantonese name is similar to words related to prosperity and status, hence thought as a fruit that takes one on a prosperous journey. It is also symbolic of good health, fertility and family unity.

#7 TRAY OF TOGETHERNESS

A Tray Of Togetherness refers to the snack platter laid out at homes for visitors to munch on. It is usually a pentagon-shaped container with eight compartments – though many different forms are available too. The tray is filled with an assortment of sweets and savouries such as red melon seeds, bite-size candies or even preserved dry fruits.

Eight is believed to be an auspicious number among the Chinese and each snack symbolises a different meaning, i.e. red melon seeds represent happiness and longans are believed to bring one many sons.

#8 YU SHENG

Yu Sheng, otherwise known as Lo Hei, is an extremely popular Chinese New Year dish in Singapore. The raw fish salad is typically set up on a communal table and each ingredient constituting the yusheng is symbolic of their respective meaning(s). For example, the fish is seen as abundance aka wealth while shredded green radish represent eternal youth.

Read: Guide to Calories in 12 Popular Chinese New Year Goodies.