Kitchen Confidante's Fú Dào is its most ambitious “pixelated” kek lapis creation to date (Photo: Kitchen Confidante)
Skip the "usual suspects" this Lunar New Year for gifts that truly resonate. Our curated list of unconventional treats offer a refreshing twist on tradition and familiar flavours. From showstopping family centerpieces to thoughtful tokens for the hosts who have everything, these artisanal delights provide a sophisticated way to share well-wishes and "sweeten" the path for a successful year ahead.
Founded by banker-turned-baker Cheah Wen Tao, otherwise known as Tao Bakes Cakes, Plump KL is known for its vibrant desserts loaded with love and toppings. The bakery has put its own sweet twist on the traditional Chinese chuen hup. The CNY "Candy Box" Butter Cake is a rich snack made for sharing: The moist base is chock-full of French salted butter and ground almonds, with humble burnt buttercream frosting invoking touches of toast and butterscotch. The final product is sliced into 25 squares, topped with fruits, nuts and childhood favourites such as Haw Flakes and White Rabbit candy.
If you have a hankering for traditional snacks that do not sacrifice nostalgia, Lachér Patisserie has reimagined the beloved nian gao, nestling its chewy sweetness within the golden, buttery folds of a flaky viennoiserie. The limited seasonal release sandwiches a generous slab of sticky rice cake — which symbolises increased prosperity — between thick layers of sweet potato and yam. Instead of dunking it in batter and chucking it into a deep fryer, the delicacy is wrapped in laminated pastry and baked until golden brown — an elegant package perfect for gifting.
Within every Kitchen Confidante package lies the sweet anticipation of a show-stopping confection. Following the viral success of her geometric kek lapis, Karen Chai continues to redefine Sarawakian tradition through modern, artistic designs. This year’s Chinese New Year offerings centre around Fú Dào, an intricate cake that features 169 precise cuts meticulously assembled in 3mm strips to form a mosaic of good fortune. Each delicate layer is balanced by the brightness of luscious strawberry jam. Representing the team’s most ambitious “pixelated” creation to date, the limited Fú Dào set consists of two cubes per box.
For those who appreciate the taste of homemade snacks, Kintry offers a range of vegetarian-friendly treats crafted with premium natural ingredients. The artisanal company was founded in 2017 by Michelle Chai, who finds joy in crafting nibbles for her daughter. Gift boxes, which can be personalised to suit your family traditions, preferences or budget, can be packed with a wide selection of snacks such as oat and macadamia cookies, salted butter caramel, pandan gula melaka, honey quinoa and chocolate hazelnut granola.
Surprise your favourite coffee purist with the nuanced depth of Ghostbird’s limited-edition Lunar Blend, a gift that speaks the language of speciality craft. Equal measures of Uganda Omuhwera, Ethiopia Hambela and Ethiopia Limu beans form the balanced blend, which evokes the spirit of the Lunar New Year with notes of berries and kumquat in black, lifted by a soft floral finish. The profile shifts into tangerine and milk tea when served with milk, accompanied by the same delicate floral notes that linger pleasantly on the palate. It is also available in drip bag form for easy brewing anytime, anywhere.
Decorate your dining table with the Chinese New Year Petit Gâteaux Set 2026 from Être Patisserie. These assortments are presented in a vibrant limited-edition festive gift box that comes with a matching bag. The intricately crafted Clementine miniature cake comprises passionfruit and mandarin compote layered with whipped ganache, whereas the vivid Pomelo version has fresh grapefruit and pomelo paired with delicate vanilla mousse that offers a light and citrusy feel. The Gold Pot, presented as such, is inspired by warmth and consists of hojicha mousse with pear compote and soft choux sponge for those who prefer more decadent desserts.
Unlike traditional gift hampers or boxed cookies, a madeleine tower — carefully arranged to form the silhouette of a pineapple — needs no embellishment. It serves simultaneously as a striking centrepiece and ready-to-share dessert, lending instant visual impact and a sense of occasion to any holiday table. Elevete Patisserie’s version is composed of 27 buttery, puffed-up teacakes, each baked with pineapple jam folded into the batter for a gentle sweetness and light tang. The stacked confection is perfect for impressing the in-laws or, at the very least, providing an elegant distraction when nosy relatives need something else to focus on at the reunion dinner.
Do not allow your gut health to take a backseat during celebratory meals. Impress guests with Wild Kombucha’s CNY Gift Bundle which includes limited-edition flavours made to not only taste great but also boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. The Golden Prosperity brew is a well-balanced fusion of tangy pineapple and zesty yuzu that is sure to perk you up from the post-meal food coma. Lucky Dates is a modern take on traditional wellness, blending the gentle tang of hawthorn with the natural sweetness of jujube. Each bundle includes a festive note card and a cooler bag with the option to customise the number of bottles and even include macadamia nuts and jasmine seeds.
Jenjarom-based Heritaste has spent the last four decades perfecting the traditional craft of making kacang tumbuk. The family-run business is well known for its generational snacks that appeal to every Malaysian, and offer the bestsellers in a gold box, perfect for gifting this Lunar New Year. The packaging features a horse proudly pulling a carriage as the sun rises and bushes grow in the background. The auspicious packaging is a symbol of vitality, reminding one to charge ahead without fear. Tucked within are Heritaste’s flaky pounded peanut candy and its variations, pumpkin seed crackers, rice biscuits and a version of the candy with whole nuts. Extra goodies include tea leaves and ang pao packets.
HOW Academy Spring Lunar Cookie Box Baking & Decoration Class
Jars of crispy, sweet and salty delights are mandatory gifting for the season but, for a truly heartfelt gesture, how about making them from scratch? HOW Academy baking school is hosting a masterclass on crafting unique and charming Chinese New Year biscuits in aesthetically pleasing, symbolic shapes. This comprehensive three-hour workshop will walk participants through key pastry techniques such as dough control, ganache and jam making, and decorative piping for eight snacks, including stamped lucky cat vanilla cookies, chocolate flower sablés and savoury seaweed cookies. Whether you are looking to refine your baking fundamentals or try your hand at a new skill, this detailed yet beginner-friendly course is sure to make a memorable and meaningful holiday activity.
