SINGAPORE – The Chinese New Year period can be difficult for many reasons: intrusive questions, family feuds, having to part with a chunk of hard-earned cash for those obliged to hand out hongbao. 

But, hey, at least the snacks are good. And it is one of the few times of the year you may not get judged for indulging. Your nosy aunt might comment on your weight tomorrow, but today, she is pushing a plate of glossy barbecued meat towards you. 

So, dust out the eight-sided togetherness tray and strap on your roomiest pair of pants. With Chinese New Year just around the corner on Jan 29, the season of abundance is nearly here.

To celebrate, here are 15 scrumptious snacks to help you ring in (or power through) the new year. 

Snake-themed selections 

Serpent-shaped chocolates

Make a sssstatement with this Snake Chocolate Sculpture ($35) from local chocolatier Janice Wong. 

Each box features two snakes, realistically rendered and painted in shades of purple, pink and white, then topped with an auspicious dusting of gold. Here, the ouroboros – an ancient symbol depicting a serpent eating its own tail – has been arranged into an infinity symbol, which also resembles the lucky number eight. 

Made with 70 per cent dark chocolate, goji berries and candied orange, it is perfumed with fragrant, fruity notes. 

Where: Janice Wong, various locations, including 01-06 Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place; and B1-K28 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road When: Until Feb 12 Info: janicewong.online

Snake durian mochi 

These adorable snakes pack a pungent punch. They are filled with top-grade Mao Shan Wang durian and wrapped in delicate snowskin. 

The mochi, available in a box of eight for $78, is crafted by local bakery Home’s Favourite. The 28-year-old business is best known for its snowskin durian mooncakes, which it was among the first to offer in Sing...