Get ready to indulge in a feast of flavors this Chinese New Year! With the festivities just around the corner, it's time to explore the delectable array of sweet and savory treats that will make your celebrations truly memorable. But here's where it gets exciting: 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, and confectioners across Singapore are pulling out all the stops to honor this majestic creature in the most mouthwatering ways imaginable.
From Chocolate Masterpieces to Adorable Pony Treats
Renowned pastry chef Janice Wong leads the charge with her stunning Chinese New Year collection. The undisputed star is a life-like dark chocolate horse sculpture ($48), meticulously crafted to serve as a breathtaking centerpiece. But it's not just about looks – this equine masterpiece conceals a decadent creamy chocolate cashew praline sea salt ganache within its hollow body. Wong's collection also features Dark Chocolate Mandarin Oranges ($28 for eight) and the ever-popular Chocolate Koi Fish ($38 for three), filled with praline feuilletine and candied orange. These treats are also available in gift hampers, perfect for spreading festive cheer during house visits. (Available at Janice Wong outlets, including Paragon and Republic Plaza, while stocks last. Order at janicewong.online)
BreadTalk joins the celebration with its exclusive VivoCity offering: the Tozzo Mustang ($3.80), a playful twist on the traditional Italian maritozzo. This soft, pillowy bun is filled with a light vanilla white chocolate cream and adorned with chocolate details to resemble a colt's adorable face. For those seeking savory delights, BreadTalk presents the Golden Horseshoe ($2.80) and Lucky Horseshoe ($2.80), both available at all outlets until March 3. Visit breadtalk.com.sg for more details.
Mochi Magic and Water Chestnut Wonders
Local brand Home's Favourite, famous for its durian mooncakes, introduces the Snow Skin MSW Horse Mochi ($78 for eight). These soft, chewy treats are filled with creamy Mao Shan Wang durian and topped with a mochi mare's head. A kumquat-shaped version is also available for $58 (eight pieces). Find them at Home's Favourite outlets and Chinese New Year booths until Feb 15. Order at homesfavourite.com.
The Crystal Jade Group showcases the versatility of water chestnuts (ma ti in Mandarin, sharing the 'ma' character with horse) in its fragrant coconut and pistachio tiered kueh ($30.80 for a seven-inch cake). Studded with diced water chestnuts, this cake offers a delightful interplay of textures. Enjoy it chilled or pan-fried. A smaller version is part of the Eternal Bliss Platter ($55.80), available at all Crystal Jade restaurants until March 3. Visit estore.crystaljade.com to order.
Savory Sensations and Modern Twists
For a savory crunch, The Pine Garden presents its Salted Egg Murukku ($28.90 for 560g), perfectly coated in salted egg goodness. Other addictive snacks include Oolong Matcha Fog Cookies ($28.90) and Peanut Butter Love Letter Mixed Nuts ($22.90). Order three days in advance at pgcake.com until Feb 15.
Chef Marvas Ng of Qin Restaurant & Bar elevates the humble turnip cake with an exquisite version ($68+, serves 8-10) adorned with edible flowers, daikon slices, Chinese sausage, and dried shrimp. Wrapped in cabbage leaves, this cake is best enjoyed pan-fried. Order by Feb 7 for self-collection from Feb 14-16 at qin.com.sg.
Peony Jade challenges tradition with its Baked Orh Ni Cake ($118.88 nett, serves 10), a modern interpretation of orh nee featuring taro mousse, golden pumpkin, and fried shallots. Topped with Biscoff crumble, this cake is a bold departure from the classic. Available until Feb 15 at Takashimaya Square and until March 3 at Amara Singapore. Order via WhatsApp (8886-8913) or at peonyjade.oddle.me.
Artistic Confections to Impress
Origin + Bloom patisserie presents the Radiant Butterfly Of The New Spring cake ($68 nett), a masterpiece featuring lotus mousse, chocolate cremeux, sesame praline feuilletine, and bergamot lotus sponge cake, crowned with a delicate chocolate butterfly. Petite versions ($12 nett) and other creations like Prosperous Glow and Moonlit Blossom are also available from Feb 8 to March 3 at Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 3. Visit str.sg/zp4Q for more.
But here's the controversial part: With so many innovative treats, are we losing the essence of traditional Chinese New Year snacks? Or is this fusion of old and new a natural evolution of culinary culture? We'd love to hear your thoughts – do these modern interpretations enhance the festivities, or do they stray too far from the classics? Share your opinions in the comments below!
