What to Do with Excess Chinese New Year Food?

After the festivities, many households find themselves with an abundance of leftover food and snacks. Instead of letting these items go to waste, there are several ways to repurpose them effectively, ensuring they are enjoyed to the fullest.

Images: Shutterstock, Fragrance Bak Kwa

Repurpose Excess Chinese New Year Food into New Dishes

Many festive treats can be given a second life through creative cooking. Leftover bak kwa can be diced and added to fried rice, noodles, or even homemade pizza for an extra burst of flavor. Pineapple tarts can be crumbled and added to ice cream or yogurt for a unique dessert topping, while excess mandarin oranges can be blended into fresh juice or used in marinades for meats and seafood.

Snacks like love letters and peanut cookies can be crushed and used as toppings for cakes, parfaits, or even blended into milkshakes. Nian gao can be sliced, pan-fried, or incorporated into fusion dishes such as waffles or spring rolls. Experimenting with new recipes adds variety while preventing waste.

Store and Preserve for Later

Certain festive foods can be stored properly to extend their shelf life. Freezing extra meats, vacuum-sealing snacks, or refrigerating dried goods in airtight containers can keep them fresh for future use.

Share with Others

Friends, neighbors, and colleagues may appreciate receiving extra festive treats. Gifting sealed and unopened snacks is a great way to spread the festive spirit even after the celebrations have ended. Additionally, donating non-perishable food items to charities or food banks helps ensure that surplus food reaches those in need.

Image: Our Tampines Hub

Donate to Food Bank Singapore

For those looking to give back, Food Bank Singapore provides a convenient way to donate excess non-perishable food. More than 80 Food Bank donation boxes are available across schools, corporate offices, shopping malls, and condominiums. These boxes encourage the public to drop off unopened and unexpired dry or packaged food items with at least four weeks before expiry. Fresh, opened, half-eaten, or expired food is not accepted to prevent contamination of other donations. Locate your nearest donation box here!

Host a Post-Festive Gathering

Extend the festive spirit by organizing a casual get-together with family and friends to enjoy the remaining Chinese New Year goodies. A potluck-style event can encourage everyone to bring and share their excess treats.

Compost or Repurpose

For food that cannot be consumed, composting is an eco-friendly option that enriches soil for gardening if you have a composter. Citrus peels from mandarin oranges can also be dried and repurposed into natural cleaners or aromatic sachets.

Image: Unsplash/Alexander Grey

By making mindful choices with excess Chinese New Year food, households can minimize waste while continuing to enjoy the festive flavors in innovative ways.