What to eat at hawker centres during the festive season
A guide to Chinese New Year food at Singapore hawker centres — from reunion dinner dishes and festive snacks to what stays open during the holiday.
Chinese New Year (CNY) is the most significant festival in Singapore's Chinese community, and food plays a central role in the celebrations. The festivities span 15 days, from the eve of the new year to Chap Goh Mei (the 15th night). During this period, hawker centres take on a different rhythm — some stalls close for extended breaks while others stay open to serve the holiday crowd. Knowing what to expect helps you plan your meals during the festive season.
The most important meal of CNY is the reunion dinner on the eve. While many families dine at restaurants or cook at home, hawker centres offer affordable options for those who prefer eating out. Look for steamboat (hotpot) stalls, which symbolise togetherness. Yusheng (prosperity toss salad) appears at many stalls in the weeks before CNY. Pen cai (treasure pot), a layered stew of premium ingredients, is offered by some zi char stalls for pre-order. Roasted meats are especially popular for family gatherings.
Hawker centres and surrounding shops stock up on traditional CNY snacks. Pineapple tarts (symbolising prosperity) are the most iconic. Bak kwa (barbecued pork jerky) sees its busiest season, with famous stalls like Lim Chee Guan having queues that stretch for hours. Love letters (kueh kapit), shrimp rolls, and kueh bangkit are traditional Peranakan additions. Many wet market stalls within hawker centres sell homemade versions of these treats at lower prices than specialty shops.
During the first two days of CNY, many hawker stalls close as owners take their annual break. Chinese-operated stalls typically close for 3-7 days, while Malay and Indian stalls often remain open. By the third day, most stalls gradually reopen. Hawker centres in tourist areas like Chinatown Complex, Lau Pa Sat, and Maxwell tend to have more stalls open throughout the holiday. If you're looking for a guaranteed meal during CNY, head to centres with diverse cuisine options — the Malay and Indian stalls will keep you well-fed.