Chinese New Year Survival Guide

January 1, 2005 It’s time to celebrate 2006 all over again! Chinese New Year: 29-30 January You’re in for a real treat if you’re in town in the weeks before the 29th and 30th of January – it’s time for Chinese New Year (CNY)! In the weeks before and during CNY the Chinatown area gets packed out with shoppers picking up all the essentials for their family gatherings during the period, while stage shows are put on at night with both traditional and modern song and dance. If you’re invited to any company or family CNY parties, make sure you know what to bring... we’ve prepared the following list to help you out (a couple of these items also make great gifts for those at home as well). 1: Bak-kwa: An essential for any CNY gathering is the BBQ pork dish of Bak-kwa. It comes in several different flavours and styles – for the most authentic and famous Bak-kwa in town, buy it in Chinatown at Bee Cheng Hiang at 189 New Bridge Road (Tel: +65 6223 7059) or 69 Pagoda St (Tel: +65 6323 0049). Sliced pork – $38 per kilo / Chilli Pork – $40 per kilo / Golden Coin – $38 per kilo / Chilli Gourmet – $50 per kilo 2: Mandarin Oranges: If you’re visiting anyone’s house during the CNY period, always take two oranges and present them with two hands to your host as you arrive. 3: Hong Bao: Hong Bao (little red packets filled with money) are presented by bosses to their employees or parents to their children or married people to their unmarried nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Excellent way to raise cash before the CNY mah-jong games! 4: Chinese Tea: Chinese tea and its accessories are always excellent and authentic gift options for both your hosts and those waiting for you back home. Try Tea Chapter at 9/11 Neil Road in Chinatown (Tel: +65 6226 1175).