As the Lunar New Year approaches, families in Malaysia eagerly prepare an array of delectable snacks to adorn their tables, creating an atmosphere of abundance and harmony. Whether savoury or sweet, these bite-sized delights elevate the festive mood and serve as thoughtful gifts, beautifully arranged in hampers for loved ones nearby.
As we bid farewell to the previous year, these top 10 all-time favourite Chinese New Year goodies encapsulate the richness of culture and anticipate a brighter chapter ahead, offering a delightful array of crispy, sweet, salty, sticky, and smooth treats to welcome family, guests, and the auspicious arrival of 2024. Here are the top 10 Chinese New Year Snacks in Malaysia!
What Are the Popular Snacks for Chinese New Year?
In Malaysia, three of the most popular Chinese New Year snacks that steal the spotlight are:
- Pineapple Tarts (Tart Nenas)
These little golden gems are a universal favourite. The buttery pastry and the sweet and tangy pineapple filling make them a must-have on every Lunar New Year snack table.
- Bak Kwa
The undisputed champion of savoury treats during Chinese New Year. Bak Kwa, with its savoury-sweet grilled meat goodness, is not only addictive but also holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of celebrants.
- Love Letters (Kuih Kapit)
These delicate, crispy rolled-up wafers are a delightful treat. Their light texture and subtly sweet flavour make them an irresistible snack that disappears faster than you can say “Gong Xi Fa Cai.”
So, if you’re aiming for the snack jackpot during the Chinese New Year in Malaysia, be sure to have these three crowd-pleasers on your menu!
What Are the Well-loved Chinese New Year Treats in Various States Across Malaysia?
Chinese New Year snacks in Malaysia showcase regional diversity, with each state often having its specialities. For example, Penang is renowned for its intricate Kuih Kapit (Love Letters), while Melaka is famous for its pineapple tarts. Bak Gua, a savoury snack, may have regional variations in marinade and preparation methods. Exploring regional specialities adds a dynamic and unique dimension to the Chinese New Year snack experience.
Complete your Chinese New Year traditions with our guides:
- Best Chinese New Year Outfits in Malaysia
- Best Chinese New Year Snacks in Malaysia
- Traditional Chinese New Year Food in Malaysia
10 Best Chinese New Year Snacks in Malaysia 2024
1. Arrow Root Chips (Nga Ku Chips)
Arrow Root Chips, known as Nga Ku Chips, are a delightful snack with a satisfying crunch. Thin slices of arrowroot are deep-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a light and crispy texture. The natural sweetness of the arrowroot, combined with a hint of saltiness, creates a well-balanced flavour profile. These chips are not only addictive but also offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Arrowroot bulbs, Salt, Oil
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 160g
Pros:
✅Low in fat
✅Low calories intake
✅Rich in dietary fibre
Price: RM18.97
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Mini Springs Rolls
Mini Spring Rolls are bite-sized delights that encapsulate the essence of Chinese New Year festivities. Filled with a delectable mixture of vegetables, minced meat, and aromatic spices, these crispy rolls offer a burst of flavour in every bite. The golden-brown exterior complements the savoury filling, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Chicken floss, Popiah skin
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 150g, 210g, 350g
Pros:
✅Versatile
✅Offers a savoury flavour
✅Portable snack
Price: RM9.70 (150g) | RM22.41 (210g) | RM20.50 (350g)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Love Letter (Kuih Kapit)
Love Letter, also known as Kuih Kapit, is a beloved Chinese New Year treat characterized by its thin, crispy, and rolled-up appearance. These wafer-like confections are a delightful blend of sweetness and fragrance, made from a batter of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar. Their unique shape and delicate texture make them a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Flour, Egg, Sugar, Salt, Coconut cream
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: Medium (40pcs), Large (500g 60pcs)
Pros:
✅Easy to enjoy in large quantities
✅Various fillings
✅Thin crusted
Price: RM13.48 (medium) | RM24.55 (large)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Kuih Bangit
Kuih Bangkit is a traditional Chinese New Year cookie that is delicate and melt-in-the-mouth. Crafted from tapioca flour, coconut milk, and pandan leaves, these bite-sized cookies boast a rich coconut flavour. The intricate moulds that shape them add a touch of elegance to the cookies, making them a delightful addition to festive celebrations.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Tapioca flour, Pandan leaves, Coconut cream, Egg, Sugar, Salt
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 300g, 400g, 500g
Pros:
✅Not overly sweet
✅Suitable for those with gluten sensitivities
✅Represents prosperity
Price: RM6.50 (300g) | RM9.40 (400g) | RM10 (500g)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Pineapple Tarts
Have you ever wondered – why pineapple, is out of all the other fruits? In the Hokkien dialect, pineapple is “Ong Lai ”, with “Ong ” being luck and “Lai ” being come – the pineapple is a symbol of welcoming good fortune into one’s life. Therefore, the more pineapple tart, the more good luck it will bring! There are various forms and shapes when it comes to pineapple tarts, but there is always a sweet pineapple jam in the middle of the tart, with pastry that tastes slightly salty on the exterior.
Specifications:
- Ingredient: Flour, Egg, Anchor butter, Sugar, Pineapple, Milk powder
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Flavours Available: Original, Charcoal Cranberry
- Size Available: 220g
Pros:
✅Rich in flavour
✅Melts in your mouth
✅Thought to bring good luck
Price: RM20.80 (Original) | RM23.80 (Charcoal Cranberry) | Lazada RM18.90 (Original) | RM22.80 (Charcoal Cranberry)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Rose Cookies
Rose Cookies are intricately shaped, delicate treats that add a touch of elegance to the Chinese New Year spread. The batter, consisting of coconut milk, rice flour, and a hint of turmeric for colour, is deep-fried to achieve a beautiful golden hue. The resulting cookies are visually appealing and boast a subtle coconut flavour.
Specifications:
- Ingredient: Wheat flour, Rice flour, Tapioca flour, Vegetable oil, Eggs
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 16pcs
Pros:
✅Lightweight
✅Beautiful visual
✅Crunchy snack
Price: RM4.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Bak Gua
Also called “Rou Gan”, Bak Gua, or Chinese-style dried meat jerky, is a savoury and slightly sweet snack that has become a staple during Chinese New Year. Thin slices of marinated meat, typically pork or beef, are air-dried or grilled to achieve a tender yet chewy texture. The combination of flavours and the aromatic spices used in the marinade make Bak Gua an irresistible treat.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Pork, Sugar, Soy sauce. Sesame oil, Honey
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 500g
Pros:
✅High in protein
✅Suitable for on-the-go
✅Versatile
Price: RM35.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Nian Gao
Nian Gao, or sticky rice cake, holds a special place in Chinese New Year traditions as a symbol of growth, progress, and the promise of a better year. Made from glutinous rice flour and sweetened with brown sugar, these chewy and sweet cakes are often sliced, dipped in egg, and pan-fried to achieve a delightful caramelised exterior.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, Water, Sugar, Oil
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 300g, 500g, 650g, 1kg
Pros:
✅Represents the wish for growth
✅Gluten-free
✅Can be prepared in various ways
Price: (Banana Leaves packaging) RM9.99 (300g) | RM15 (400g) | RM15.80 (500g) | RM20.80 (650g) | RM26.88 (700g) | RM29.99 (1kg) | (Plastic packaging) RM6.50 (300g) | RM10.88 (500g) | RM14 (650g) | RM19.89 (1kg)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Fried Crab Sticks
Fried Crab Sticks are a savoury and crunchy snack that adds a seafood twist to the Chinese New Year festivities. These crispy delights are made from imitation crab meat, coated in a seasoned batter, and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a satisfyingly crispy exterior with a savoury, umami-filled centre.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Crab Stick
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 160g, 220g, 300g
Pros:
✅Savoury taste
✅Easy snack
✅Seafood flavour
Price: RM9.80 (160g) | RM16 (220g) | RM20.50 (300g)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Kuih Bahulu
Kuih Bahulu is a traditional Malaysian sponge cake that has become a cherished Chinese New Year snack. These bite-sized delights are light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, making them an ideal accompaniment to tea or coffee. The classic shape of Kuih Bahulu, resembling miniature eggs, is thought to symbolise fertility and abundance.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Egg, Sugar, Vanilla extract, Baking soda, Oil, Butter
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: Fish Shaped (40pcs), Original (80pcs)
Pros:
✅Light and not overly sweet
✅Long lasting
✅Spongy texture
Price: RM12.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
