Tag: CNY

Save More, Huat More – 10 Wholesale Stores In S’pore To Stock Up On CNY Goodies And Groceries

Scrumptious reunion dinners and house visits chock full of festive treats are part and parcel of Chinese New Year celebrations. With the festive season just round the corner, there is absolutely no time to lose when it comes to shopping for goodies and groceries.

Whether you’re planning on shopping with the family or relying on your parents to bring food to the table, shop at these wholesale stores with prices lower than your neighbourhood supermarkets. You’ll definitely have to travel a little further than your normal trip to Sheng Siong, but fret now, the money you save from shopping at these places will more than offset the cost of your petrol.

Budget Singaporean or not, here are some wholesale stores to check out before Chinese New Year!

1. Hai Sia

“Yu” in Chinese means both “prosperity” and “fish”. With that, large quantities of fish and other seafood should be consumed to ensure maximum huat throughout the new year.

If you’re looking for the freshest seafood at compatible prices, head down to the source itself.  Situated opposite the Central Fish Market at Jurong Fishery Port, Hai Sia is in a prime location to purchase fresh seafood products from the region. They carry a wide range of fish, including familiar names such as Pomfret, Red Grouper, Red Snapper, Salmon, Seabass and Threadfin.

The fluctuations in seafood prices during CNY can be quite dampening, especially for our wallets. However, the seafood from Hai Sia will be kept at their original prices this festive season!

If the location is too ulu for you, check out their whole range on RedMart and get them delivered to you instead.

Hai Sia Seafood Supplies
Address: 35A Fishery Port Road, Singapore S619743
Contact No.: 6264 1356
Website | Facebook | RedMart

2. Cellarbration

What’s a gathering without a round of drinks?

Cellarbration, one of the largest online alcohol retailer in Singapore, will be selling their drinks at discounted prices this Chinese New Year. Cellarbration’s Chinese New Year sale boasts an impressive selection of spirits, wines, and beer! This includes crowd-favourites like Chivas Regal ($56, U.P. $82), Absolut Vodka ($40, U.P. $58), and Carlsberg 24x320ml ($48, U.P. $60) , and most of their wines are selling at prices lower than what you will get at Duty-Free.

Get your drinks from their website or head down to any of their retail stores to enjoy their Chinese New Year promotion.

Cellarbration
Address: Find Their Nearest Store Here
Website | Facebook

3. Victoria Wholesale Centre

Victoria Wholesale Centre is the only private wholesale centre in Singapore for dried goods. Head down to the shops on the first level where you can purchase goods in bulk and at lower prices than retail shops.

From dried ikan bilis and dried shrimps to bird’s nest and fish maw, this wholesale centre has all the essential ingredients to recreate ah ma’s tonic soups!

Victoria Wholesale Centre
Address: 101 Kallang Avenue, Singapore 339508
Opening Hours From Now Till 2 Feb : Mon – Sun: 9am – 7pm
Contact No.: 6291 2349
Website | Facebook

4. Ben Foods

Ben Foods is the best place to go for great deals on frozen food, canned sauces and dairy products. You will also find other familiar brands under them such as Farmland, Spices of the Orient and Orchard Fresh. Online purchases are available with self-collection and delivery options.

Despite their rather ulu location, the journey is well worth it as many have raved about the attractive wholesale prices at Ben Foods.

Ben Foods
Address: No 1 Fishery Port Road, Singapore 619729
Opening Hours: 26 Jan & 2 Feb: 10am – 1pm, 30 Jan – 1 Feb: 3pm – 5pm
Contact No.: 6267 4385

Need to much on nuts and snacks while you play a round of mahjong? Swing by Tai Sun‘s factory outlet for a snack shopping spree before CNY. You can expect your favourite snacks such as cashews, roasted almonds, assorted fruits and nuts all at cheap prices as compared to external retailers.

Great news is that their factory will be open to public a month before festive periods like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya – so you have plenty of time to stock up on snacks!

Tai Sun
Address: 255 Pandan Loop, Singapore 128433
Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, daily
Contact No.: 6779 6611
Website

6. Hosen Singapore

The brand Hosen is synonymous with their famous canned fruits amongst all things.

Besides the syrup-soaked fruit slices they’re known for, you can also find stacks of canned drinks – perfect for serving when guests come over. From now till 1 February 2019, head down on weekdays and have a go at their “Sure Win Lucky Dip” with every $50 spent and stand a chance at winning a $88 hamper every week.

Hosen Singapore Annual Warehouse Sale
Address: 267 Pandan Loop, Singapore 128439
Date: 9 Jan 2019 – 1 Feb 2019
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 9am – 6pm, Weekends: 8am – 6pm
Facebook

7. QB Food Trading

QB Food offers a diverse range of products—including chilled and frozen meats, dairy products, dry goods, processed foods, and beverages. However, they are experts in fresh meat and cheese in particular.

So if you’re looking for top quality meats for your steamboat gatherings, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re selling it at discounted prices this festive season – Iberico Pork Collar Shabu Shabu 330g ($9.80, U.P.  $14.50), Pork Belly Shabu Shabu ($5.90).

Do note that they are an “all members” store. All you have to do is simply sign up on their website prior to shopping with them. Don’t worry, membership is completely free!

QB Food Trading
Address: 8 Chin Bee Crescent, Jurong, Singapore 619893
Opening Hours During CNY: Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm, Sat: 9am to 1pm | With Exceptions: 26 Jan: 9am to 3pm, 2 Feb: 9am to 3pm, 4 Feb: 9am to 1pm, 5 and 6 Feb: Closed
Website

8. Li Chuan Food Products

Looking for a one stop place to get all your steamboat needs like fish balls, crabmeats and cheese tofu?

Hop over to Li Chuan for some frozen food shopping so you can hold an amazing steamboat that your guests will be sure to fawn over. The frozen food come in various sizes so you can feed a family of 5 or even entertain a group of 20 friends!

From 11 January to 1 February, head down to Li Chuan to cop the best deals.

Li Chuan Food Products
Address: 40 Woodlands Terrace, Singapore 738456
Opening Hours: 11 Jan – 1 Feb: 9am – 5pm
Contact No.: 6755 7688
Facebook

9. Zac Butchery

Zac Butchery is heaven on earth for carnivores. If you need to satisfy your meat cravings, you’ll be able to purchase various cuts of meats, sausages and cold cuts here!

From now till 19 February, get a FREE packet of Cheesy Chicken Cocktail (300gm, worth $4.40) with purchase of any 750gm of beef shabu shabu! While stocks last and valid only at ZAC Butchery Singapore Post Centre outlet.

Zac Butchery
Address: Find your nearest outlet Facebook

10. NTUC FairPrice’s Warehouse Club

In celebration of Chinese New Year, NTUC FairPrice’s Warehouse Club will be open to ALL customers till 4 Feb 2019, NO membership will be required during this period.

With the flurry of preparation that needs to be done, save yourself time and money by buying more and paying less for all your goodies at Warehouse Club!

NTUC FairPrice Warehouse Club
Address: 1 Joo Koon Circle (next to Joo Koon MRT Station), Level 3, Singapore 629117
Date: Now to 4 Feb 2019
Contact No.:  6710 4584
5 Underrated Local Fashion Boutiques To Buy Your CNY Clothes From

6 Obvious Ways To Impress Your Future In-Laws This Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is just around the corner and you know what that means – home visits, lots of red packets and even more food! If you’re seeing someone, CNY will also probably be the time that you visit your significant other’s parents. Don’t get the jitters because we’ve got 6 great ways to impress the future in-laws this Lunar New Year.

1) Wear Red To Impress

Okay, this one is easy.

Red, red, and MORE red right? Duh.

It’s a sure win colour. You’ll definitely be well-received if you look like a red ang pao walking through their doors bringing good luck to their family.

2) Bring A Gift

Bring a pair of Mandarin Oranges. That will be obviously expected of you.

If you want to make a super impression, bring awesome gifts or food, like…

a Golden Pineapple Cake

or

a huge Huat Tart

(both from Goodwood Park Hotel)

or a Yu Sheng, so you can Lou Hei together!

We bet they’ll love you after this.

3) Offer To Help

There’s always so much to do and so little help during Chinese New Year.

If your partner’s family is hosting a huge gathering, offer to take out the trash, serve food to relatives, and look useful all the time.

You’ll get compliments in no time!

If you’re invited for an exclusive meeting (just your partner’s immediate family), volunteer to help in other ways – scoop the rice, wash the dishes, and be gentlemanly. You’ll ace the meeting, we promise.

4) Know The Taboos And Superstitions And Avoid Them

We know – there are just SO many Chinese taboos to avoid!

No washing your hair because you’re washing away your good luck, no sweeping the floor because you’re sweeping away your family’s good luck, and the list goes on…

These superstitions are amusing but let’s not take any chances with the future in-laws.

The most applicable taboo this Chinese New Year will probably revolve around meal times.

Well, we all know not to stick our chopsticks in rice because it resembles offerings. But did you know that while eating fish, you should not break any of the fish bones?

There are so many taboos and superstitions, it’s best to check with your other half, so you know what matters to their family.

5) Get Ready To Talk & Interact

We’ll let you in on a secret.

Everyone’s favourite topic is themselves.

So, get rid of all those awkward moments with his/her relatives by asking them about themselves! They’ll be talking non-stop like a machine gun. Just nod your head in approval and listen, in case they ask for your opinion.

6) Lastly, Be Yourself

So cliche but so true!

You shouldn’t claim to be knowledgable about American or Chinese politics just because your partner’s father is.

He’ll see through your lies and lack of knowledge in no time. Better to keep quiet and nod your head than speak and show you’re a fool.

Let your own personality and interest shine through instead.

Wrapping up!

Chinese New Year can be a great opportunity to meet the future in-laws because everyone’s cheerful and happy.

While certain traditions should be adhered to and certain actions should be avoided, do not let them intimidate you. Grab a pair of oranges and put on a smile while you take your relationship to the next level and meet the parents.

If your boyfriend or girlfriend is meeting your parents, don’t forget to share this with them.

Also, read Torikin: Where You Can Indulge In A Uni Hotpot Brimming With Seafood

10 Activities To Do During Chinese New Year That Doesn’t Involve Empty Malls

Chinese New Year is no doubt a joyous occasion that most look forward to every year. This festive period usually encompasses several days of collecting red packets, munching on delectable new year goodies, buying new clothes and visiting friends’ and relatives’ homes for even more red packets!

However, we all know that there are only that many red packets to be collected and that many homes to visit. Additionally, most shopping malls are typically closed during Chinese New Year. This usually means watching endless re-runs of hilarious Stephen Chow’s comedies while snacking away on those love letters and pineapple tarts.

We are all too familiar with this rather “mundane” way of spending the Lunar New Year. Besides all the non-stop eating and talking, here are 10 activities to do during Chinese New Year that doesn’t involve empty malls!

1. Rooster In The New Year At Jurong Bird Park!

No better way to usher in the Year of the Rooster than at the bird paradise itself – Jurong Bird Park!

[caption id="attachment_21455" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: 3. Hit The Gym And Work Off Those CNY Goodies

All the munching of delicious Chinese New Year goodies and stomach-filling steamboats are bound to leave you feeling bloated and chubby. Take this chance to burn off some of those unwanted calories by hitting the gym!

[caption id="attachment_21453" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Credit: , Evolve MMA, local parks and reservoirs

4. Visit The Green Lawns Of The Istana

Ever wondered what goes on behind those massive iron gates of our President’s official residence, the Istana?

[caption id="attachment_21456" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: 5. Be Right At The Heart Of Festivities At River Hongbao 2017

Look forward to this year’s 31st edition of the River Hongbao Festival, which will feature an elaborately-decorated heart-shaped design entrance walkaway to usher in the Year of the Rooster!

[caption id="attachment_21457" align="aligncenter" width="4256"] Credit: 6. Gong SEA Fa Cai At S.E.A Aquarium

We cannot guarantee that the S.E.A Aquarium will be less crowded than usual given that it will be a long weekend holiday. However, we are pretty sure that the numerous species of marine animals here as well as the massive viewing panel will certainly provide an amazing and fascinating time as opposed to simply staying at home!

[caption id="attachment_21458" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit: 7. Check Out The Floral Displays And Performances At Gardens By The Bay

Soak in the spring beauty of floral displays while enjoying the Chinese New Year festivities at Gardens By The Bay!

Credit: 8. Plan A Mahjong or Blackjack Night

If you absolutely have to stay indoors this Chinese New Year and those Stephen Chow comedies are starting to get less comical, there are still other ways to maximise this festive holidays – such as hosting a game night!

[caption id="attachment_21462" align="aligncenter" width="1027"] Credit: Credit: Credit: 9 Incredible Yu Sheng To Toss So You Get Good Luck In The Year Of The Rooster

8 Useful Apps For Chinese New Year

It’s the last week of January, and this means that we are just a week away from Chinese New Year! Here are 8 useful apps you can download for the festive season.

1. Zalora

Fretting over what to wear? Check out Zalora‘s exclusively curated CNY collection featuring florals and lace for the ladies, and bright colours for the men. Apart from clothing, there are also shoes, bags, and accessories. Shopping on Zalora is a fuss-free process. Simply add the items into your cart, and choose your preferred payment and delivery option. Zalora also offers a free 30-day return policy, but do check the terms and conditions just in case your item falls under a non-refundable brand.

Developer: Zalora South East Asia Pte Ltd

2. Seven

If you feel peckish about missing a workout during CNY, exercise in the comfort of your own home with this app, Seven. The Full Body workout instruction (12 exercises with a 10 second rest between each move) is unlocked for free. All you need is a wall, a chair, and 7 minutes!

Developer: Perigee AB

3. Gothere.sg

Going to a friend’s or relative’s house for the first time? Use Gothere.sg. You just have to key in the postal code or street name of your starting point and your destination. This app provides step-by-step directions, whether you are a driver or commuter on public transport. Also, it compares the time taken on alternative routes.

Gothere.sg has a lite version where you can try out the full version for 14 days. The full version costs $5.98 on the App Store.

Developer: GoThere LLP

4. Guess The Word SG

   
There’ll never be a dull moment with this game! A crowd favourite, Guess The Word SG is a charade game for Singaporeans, by Singaporeans. Gameplay is easy – hold your phone against your forehead and guess the word displayed on your screen from the hints or actions of your friends before the timer runs out. Choose from local-themed decks like SG Loves Acronyms, Brands We Love, and Makan Time. There’s even a Gong Xi Gong Xi deck – how apt!

Developer: Nectary Studio Pte Ltd

5. Charades! Guess Words with Kids

   
If you’re surrounded by young children at a gathering, entertain them with this game of charades. Charades! works the same way as Guess The Word SG, except that its decks are designed with children in mind. Categories include Toys and Games, Disney Characters, and Things That Are Red.

Developer: FatChicken Studios

6. Movies by inSing.com

For those who want to catch a film during Chinese New Year, Movies will be useful. Use this app to browse for movies to watch, showtimes, or a cinema near you. Beat those queues at the box office by booking your tickets through this app!

Developer: Singtel Digital Media Pte Ltd

7. CNY Greeting

   
If you have yet to send your CNY greetings, CNY Greeting will do the trick for you. It offers 20 festive e-card backgrounds, and you can even customise the card with a message. For a personal touch, snap a photo and decorate it with numerous cute monkey stickers. You can save your creations to your camera roll or share them via email, Facebook and Instagram.

Developer: Suw Lan Ang

8. CNY Dumplings

   
This dumpling app resembles a Cooking Mama game! Roll dough, choose a filling, seal the dumplings and boil them to create the symbolic food item which represents wealth and unity in Chinese culture. At the end of the game, you can key in a message and share the well-wishes with your loved ones. Alternatively, round up your family and friends to enjoy some dumplings together!

Developer: OglivyOne, LLC

4 Unique CNY Catering Ideas That Your Family And Friends Will Love

Gong Xi Fa Cai! As we all know, Chinese New Year is drawing near. Everyone around you is busy preparing for the annual festive season when loved ones gather to celebrate the beginning of a new lunar year.

As a nation of foodies, we know that when large groups of people converge, a huge quantity of great food is necessary to keep everyone happy and satisfied.

Whether you are a HR executive planning for your company’s upcoming CNY event, or a host expecting a large group of visitors during CNY, the option of food catering will likely be your best bet to ensure sufficient and yummy food for everyone.

However, aren’t you tired of the familiar CNY catering menu which repeats itself every few years with little variation? Do not worry! Before you embark on a spree of hair-pulling dilemmas, here are some unique catering options that will delight your guests and you.

1) Saybons French Food Factory – French Cuisine

When you think of French cuisine, Michelin-starred gourmet cuisine comes to your mind. The thought of it leaves you trembling for fear of the exorbitant bills incurred from catering French food for your guests.

Fret not, we have Note: Some of their services may be unavailable on 8th and 9th February. All the information you need, as well as prices, can be found on their website.

Alternatively, you could ring them up and check with them!

Saybons French Food Factory
6884 9018

2) Sushi Burrito – Healthy Japanese-Mexican Fusion Cuisine

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"] (Photo credit: Japanese Appreciation Club @ NTU)[/caption]

If you thought that only less-than-healthy options are available for festive catering, think again. is a chain of restaurants serving healthy Japanese fast food. They offer a well-balanced, low carb Japanese meal in the convenient shape of a burrito that fits in the palm of your hand! Guess what? They even indicate the calorie count for each item on their online menu! Thoughtful!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"] (Photo Credit: Sushi Burrito)[/caption]

Packed in eye-catching and disposable wrappers, this fusion of Japanese and Mexican cuisine is undeniably an ingenious and hassle-free way to indulge in Japanese food.

For more information about their menu, visit their website at:

For catering enquiries and quotations, you may email [email protected]

Sushi Burrito
6543 6860

3) Old Chang Kee – Snacks and Pastries

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="699"] (Photo Credit: Old Chang Kee)[/caption]

Not missing from this list is our homegrown finger-food heavyweight, . Heralded for their golden-brown curry puffs and various arrays of assorted snacks, this fast food chain has quickly won over the hearts of all Singaporeans young and old. Their solid reputation makes them a fail-safe choice as a catering option as anyone’s eyes would gleam at the sight of the tasty curry puff.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"] (Photo Credit: www.greatnewplaces.com)[/caption]

With majority of their buffet pricing situated around $10-$15/pax range, Old Chang Kee provides one of the more affordable catering services available. Their selection includes buffets(mains included), bento sets and party platters which are perfect for gatherings.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/_A8LvUjbgv/[/embed]

To place an order with them, simply give them a call or drop them an email at [email protected]

Additional information can be found on their catering webpage:

Old Chang Kee
6555 0055

4.) QI JI – Popiah Party

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"] (Photo credit: heartlandmall.com.sg)[/caption]

Rounding off our list is another familiar brand,  well-known for their Nasi Lemak. An interesting catering option is the DIY Popiah, where Popiah ingredients are delivered separated in neat containers. Guests can assemble and customise their own Popiah based on their own preferences. Sounds fun!

Even though their variety of dishes is not as diverse as the others on the list, the hands-on experience of making your own Popiah with loved ones is unique enough to earn them a spot!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="699"] (Photo credit: QI JI)[/caption]

You may place an order online (so convenient!) on their website:  You’ll be on your way to a fun-filled Popiah party this CNY!

QI JI
6283 8572

(Featured image credits: Fat Lady Says)