CNY Survival Guide 2014: 8 things Singaporeans are searching for on Google

A colourful fireworks display lighting up the night sky over the Floating Platform @ Marina Bay to mark the official start of the River Hongbao on 30 January 2014. -- ST FILE PHOTO: KEVIN LIM CP
A colourful fireworks display lighting up the night sky over the Floating Platform @ Marina Bay to mark the official start of the River Hongbao on 30 January 2014. -- ST FILE PHOTO: KEVIN LIM CP

What are most Singaporeans looking for this Chinese New Year?

Google search results show how Singaporeans prepare for the festive season.

While upcoming events like the Chingay take the top spot this year, food is, unsurprisingly, everyone's next biggest obsession.

Many people are finding out how to make popular goodies like pineapple tarts, and learning about delicacies like abalone.

"Chinese New Year" itself is also a popular query, as related news about food prices and red packet trends take the headlines.

The following are the most popular Chinese New Year-related search terms on Google from Jan 1 to Jan 28:

1. Chingay 2014

This year's Chingay is touted to be the grandest ever, and Singaporeans are looking forward to it as well.

From some 30 giant puppets to a parade of horses courtesy of the Singapore Turf Club, this parade will be held at the F1 Pit Building on Feb 7 and Feb 8.

2. Pineapple tart recipe

It is not just bakeries which are recreating this buttery snack from scratch.

While retailers put a unique spin on their pineapple tarts, with some serving it in a crunchy tart base and others adding charcoal powder to the pastry, it seems like Singaporeans are doing their own home-made varieties as well.

3. Abalone

With promotions peddling various kinds of abalone from markets as far as New Zealand, Mexico and China, Singaporeans are turning to the Internet to sniff out the best deals. The good news is, prices for abalone are stable this year.

4. Horse

Horse-themed decorations are getting bigger and better. From the 10m-tall statue at New Bridge Road to Singapore's largest rocking horse in West Coast Plaza, this year's reigning animal has definitely caught Singaporeans' eyes.

5. Feng Shui 2014

The lucky colours for those born in the year of the horse are brown and grey, say fengshui expert Tan Khoon Yong. With veterans like himself and Louis Loh publishing videos of their analyses, Singaporeans are looking up their year's forecast online.

6. Chinese New Year

This Chinese New Year period has seen price increases for certain goodies like mandarin oranges and fish maw, and fewer families cooking for gatherings.

7. Chinatown Singapore

Despite the delayed opening of Chinatown Food Street, Chinatown's new year bazaar remains a festive destination for Singaporean shoppers and visitors alike.

8. Lunar calendar 2014

Chinese New Year is starting earlier than the years before, on 31 Jan. Singaporeans are looking to the calendar to plan ahead for events like the 'Day of Man' on Day 7 of the New Year and the 15th day of celebration, which coincides with Valentine's Day.

byseow@sph.com.sg

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.