Singapore, February 1, 2013
By Yeoh Wee Teck, The New Paper

There are just two days to go before the Year of the Snake, so whatever you need to buy, I hope you have already done so.

This has been a good year for Chinese New Year goodies - many are better than expected and there is a greater variety to choose from.

Here are some that are tasty, presentable and, most importantly, still available:

1) What: Homemade nian gao with freshly grated coconut from Szechuan Court; $12 for six pieces.
Call: 6431-6156

This rice cake is a must-have for the Chinese household because it's believed to enhance unity and growth in each coming year.

Chef Mandy Yeo's rendition is not too sweet or gooey and retains that traditional chewiness.

I like it because it is light and you don't feel like you've eaten a brick.

2) What: Traditional Prosperity "Fa Cai" 8 Treasures Chicken from White Rose Cafe at York Hotel; $48.80.
Call: 6737-0511 (ext 1156)

It is as traditional as it gets, with ingredients such as fatt choy, lotus seed, chestnut, gingko nut and bamboo shoot.

You need to give the hotel three days' notice.

3) What: Starbucks Cookie Gift Set; $28.80.

This pack has caramel pineapple tarts, coffee pineapple tarts, sable cookies and their House Blend VIA Ready Brew coffee.

Starbucks is giving away a complimentary tall drink and a packet of hongbao with every purchase of the gift set.

4) What: Casserole Night at Silver Shell Cafe at Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa; $78. One child under 12 dines free with each accompanying adult.
Call: 6371-1966 to make a reservation.

Silver Shell Cafe still has tables for reunion dinner, as of Wednesday. 

It's an international buffet, but there will be Chinese New Year dishes too.

A stroll along the beach afterwards is also a nice way to welcome the Year of the Snake.

Dinner is from 6pm to 10pm.

5) What: Fortune Pizza from Pizza Hut; $24.50 for regular pizza.
Call: 6235-3535 to order, or order online at www.pizzahut.com.sg

Pizza Hut's Fortune Pizza has toppings such as barbecue chicken and pineapples.

The base sauce is made of golden pumpkin paste and taro bits.

It's available at all Pizza Hut restaurants and delivery service for a limited period, till Feb 24.

If you make your order online, you might win $888 in cash. This is for those who spend $38 and above.

There is also a special online deal - Fortune Meal at $29.80 for two.

It comes with a regular Fortune Pizza, four pieces of honey roasted wings and six pieces of mini hash browns.

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Click on the photos below for last-minute goodies, top 10 pineapple tarts, 10 must-haves for Chinese New Year and new takes on traditional goodies: