How Pineapple Tarts Became a CNY Tradition in Singapore

When Chinese New Year arrives in Singapore, one treat appears in almost every home: pineapple tarts. But how did these buttery, golden pastries become such an essential part of the Lunar New Year celebrations? The answer lies in a mix of culture, migration, symbolism, and culinary evolution over more than a century.

1. Golden Festive Bakes

Long before they became a festive icon, pineapple tarts were a symbol of welcome and prosperity. Today, bakeries like Ding Bakery keep this tradition alive with 100% handmade, freshly baked tarts crafted with premium ingredients. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich pineapple jam are exactly what many families look forward to every CNY season.

2. A Colonial-Era Pastry with Local Roots

Pineapples were introduced to Southeast Asia during the colonial era, when European pastries began blending with local ingredients. Early Peranakan families in Singapore created buttery, shortcrust-style pastries filled with pineapple jam made from ripe local fruit.

These tarts quickly became a celebratory food, served at weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. Over time, their role expanded to Chinese New Year, where they became associated with good fortune and prosperity.

3. The Prosperity Connection: “Ong Lai”

The real rise of pineapple tarts came from their symbolism. In Hokkien, “ong lai” means “prosperity comes.” Families began placing pineapple tarts on tables to welcome guests and, symbolically, good luck into the home.

Unlike regular cookies, pineapple tarts were seen as auspicious treats—sweet, golden, and shaped to represent abundance.

Related: Why Do We Eat Pineapple Tarts During Chinese New Year?

4. From Homemade to Heritage Bakeries

For decades, pineapple tarts were made at home, often using recipes passed down through generations. But as Singapore modernised, many families turned to trusted heritage bakeries to maintain the same authentic flavours without the labour-intensive process.

This is where artisanal bakeries like Ding Bakery shine. Their Nyonya Pineapple Tarts, Premium Ball Pineapple Tarts, and Pandan Gula Melaka Pineapple Tarts are made with time-honoured techniques, combining tradition with consistency and quality.

• Nyonya Pineapple Tarts
• Premium Ball Pineapple Tarts
• Pandan Gula Melaka Pineapple Tarts

5. A Gifting Tradition That Stuck

As pineapple tarts grew in popularity, they became more than just snacks. Beautifully packaged jars became a common CNY gift to relatives, colleagues, and business partners. Gifting pineapple tarts symbolises sharing prosperity and well-wishes for the new year.

Modern bakeries now offer elegant gift boxes, express delivery, and multiple flavours to meet both traditional and modern expectations.

6. Why This Tradition Lasts

Unlike many seasonal snacks, pineapple tarts hold deep cultural meaning. Their symbolic link to prosperity, comforting flavour, and long heritage make them an inseparable part of Lunar New Year in Singapore.

For many households, CNY isn’t complete without a few jars of golden pineapple tarts waiting to be shared.

7. Bringing Tradition Home

If you’re preparing for Chinese New Year, it’s worth choosing a bakery that understands both heritage and quality. Golden Festive Bakes (Ding Bakery) offers handmade tarts baked fresh daily, with free delivery for orders above $100 and 1-hour express delivery.

Their authentic Nyonya and Premium Ball tarts capture the original flavours that made pineapple tarts a beloved part of CNY in the first place.