Remember the CNY Eve panic? Shelves as bare as a lion dance costume, fellow shoppers more ferocious than a firecracker. No thanks! 2024’s Chinese New Year (February 10th, a Saturday) brings a glorious revolution: Open Supermarkets on CNY! Fear not, reunion feast warriors, for your grocery gods are here.
24/7 Supermarkets: Open Doors, Open Minds (and Fridges)
Image source: Facebook / NTUC FairPrice
Forget midnight chills from empty freezers. These open supermarkets on CNY are 24-hour lifesavers on February 9th (CNY Eve) and 10th (Day 1). Imagine grabbing that vital bottle of plum wine at 3 AM without a single bead of sweat!
- FairPrice: 34 outlets, your Tanglin Mall to Tampines haven, will be open day and night. Need extra glutinous rice for your epic lohei? FairPrice says, “Done!”
- Cold Storage: No more freezer frustration. Six central locations, including Plaza Singapura and Junction 8, keep their fridges humming all night. No shivering for your spring rolls!
- Giant: Up to 49 Giant stores are ready for a non-stop CNY fiesta. No need to be a giant of patience – they’ll have your shopping sorted, 24/7.
Early Birds Get the (Lion) Dance: More Options, Less Pandemonium
Image source: iStock
But open supermarkets on CNY are just the tip of the festive iceberg. Many others will open early (around 7:00 AM) on those hectic days. No fighting over the last pineapple tarts if you’re an early bird! Remember, Day 2 (February 11th) might have shorter hours, so plan like a master chef and grab your second round before the crowds return.
Pro Tip: Pack your patience! Even with open doors, CNY Eve and Day 1 are prime time for fellow grocery warriors. Prices might be a tad higher, inflation likes to join the party. But with a little pre-planning and these insider tips, you can navigate open supermarkets on CNY like a seasoned pro.
Beyond the Chains: Your Grocery Arsenal Doesn’t End Here
Those 24-hour convenience stores like Cheers and 7-Eleven are your allies for last-minute snack emergencies. Online grocery delivery might still be chugging along on a limited schedule, and local markets in non-Chinese neighbourhoods could be surprisingly open for business.
So, breathe easy, reunion feast enthusiasts! With a little planning and these tips for conquering open supermarkets on CNY, you can focus on what truly matters – laughter, family, and maybe just a couple of extra rounds of that delicious lohei. Now go forth, grocery champions, and may your reunion feasts be legendary!
And remember, if you’re stuck for recipe inspiration, the internet is your oyster. Just don’t forget to leave some prawn crackers for the rest of us!
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