Lunar New Year is one of the most hectic times of the year, and house visits, in particular, can be a bit of a dilemma. It’s true that the more houses you visit, the more red packets you receive.
On the flip side, you won’t be able to escape those extra nosy relatives, who will ask you the most awkward questions ever. High risk, high reward, amiright?
Fortunately, you can settle huatever you need to impress those relatives this year with Grab. From festive bundles and goodies to new clothes and Dine-in deals, you’ll be able to distract them all with the great deals you got, and ensure that all your visits remain merry.
Open your Grab app right now, because they’re having the following Lunar New Year deals you definitely shouldn’t miss out on:
- Up to 60% off GrabFood
- Up to 40% off for GrabFood Dine-in Deals
- Up to 40% off GrabMart
- Up to 20% off shopping deals with PayLater by Grab
Also, if you’ve yet to sign up for GrabUnlimited and want to make the most out of these fabulous deals, this is your sign to do so. You’ll get up to S$3 off every GrabFood and GrabMart delivery; up to 30% off GrabUnlimited deals; and bonus vouchers every month! New users also get their first month completely free (U.P. S$5.99).
Now, back to those visits.
There’s no need to feel stressed, as we’ve got you covered with five types of Lunar New Year gatherings you’ve probably already been invited to, and what to bring to each one to avoid embarrassment.
1. The one by the hostess with the mostest
We’ve all got that one “Type A” friend who’s an excellent host, but then again, they’ve probably got tons on their plate this festive season.
It never hurts to show up with extra snacks in hand, like the CNY Macarons Hamper from Annabella Patisserie S$29.88 (U.P. S$49.80) that’s going at 40% off on GrabMart, or the Crispy Bak Kwa with Almonds (S$3.88) at 44% off from Fragrance — a fantastic Dine-in deal.
But if you want to secure yourself invites to all future gatherings and parties, why not make the host’s life a little easier by offering to be in charge of the main attraction: yusheng?
Instead of hitting up the nearest supermarket, we recommend ordering this exquisite yusheng — a symbol of joyous beginnings — from Lao Huo Tang.
- GrabUnlimited Subscribers: 50% off Prosperity Abalone Yusheng at S$29.40 (U.P. S$58.80)
- Everyone else: 30% off
2. The one with your partner’s extended family
Being invited to a gathering with your partner’s extended family on the first day of the Lunar New Year is a pretty big deal, but it can be a daunting affair.
Most importantly, you’ll need to impress folks like your partner’s parents (there’s no better time to convince them to become your future in-laws!), so it’s best to come bearing gifts that symbolise abundance — like attention-grabbing CNY bundles and hampers.
GrabMart’s got your back with 40% off the CNY Bundle from Fragrance that comes complete with all the festive essentials — Truffle Potato Chips, Pork Floss, Salted Egg Fish Skin, Bak Kwa, Prawn Roll, Cashew Nut Cookies, and Nyonya Pineapple Tarts — for just S$72 (U.P. S$120).
If you successfully soar to new heights in your relationship with them and end up being in charge of dinner on day two, you may be arrowed into treating the entire family to a nice meal. For this, I think the hearty Chinese-style classics at A-One Signature will do just the trick.
- GrabUnlimited Subscribers: 58% off Prosperity Set 2G (Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng, Cordyceps Fish Maw Soup) at S$47.36 (U.P. $112.75)
- Everyone else: 38% off
At least you won’t burn a huge hole in your wallet after the discount.
Also, do note that selected A-One Signature outlets will be closed, so do call ahead to check!
3. The one with your cousins from out of town
While the older folk catch up, it’s up to you to entertain those cousins that just returned from overseas.
Whether they’re the cousins you haven’t seen in years, or the ones who just came back with a “foreign accent” after a mere six-month exchange (don’t we know at least one person like that?), we recommend keeping things simple with GrabFood delivery while you catch up with them.
If they’ve just gotten off the plane after a long flight and are feeling extra hungry, go with the fusion donburi from Ishiro.
- GrabUnlimited Subscribers: 50% off 2x Sukiya Beef Shredded Chashu Bowl or 2x Mentaiko Salmon Belly Bowl at S$24.80 (U.P. S$49.60)
- Everyone else: 30% off
Once you’ve eased them back into things, why not gather round a hearty dinner at Soup Restaurant, where you’ll get to enjoy 30% off Salmon Yusheng at S$40.36 (U.P. S$57.66) and 30% off the CNY bundle for 3pax at S$81.84 (U.P. S$116.91) by using the handy Dine-in deals from GrabFood?
4. The one that lasts till 3am (or later)
If you’ve been invited to one of those drinking sessions that always end up lasting through the night, usually accompanied by very competitive mahjong, you should never turn up empty-handed.
Although essentials like ice, mixers, and soft drinks are always welcomed, taking charge and ordering more alcohol will always earn you extra brownie points.
Drinking with your friends? You can order any three soju bottles for 40% off (U.P. S$14.30–S$17.50 each) from Cheers and FairPrice Xpress. But if it’s a family gathering, you can also hit up Drinkies, where you’ll be able to get any 3 Tiger Beer Can 6s for 40% off — guaranteed to be a hit with the uncles (which may result in more red packets for you).
5. The cosy and intimate one
Contrary to popular belief, not all Lunar New Year gatherings need to be bustling, because let’s face it, it’s not fun to have to constantly deal with people mountain people sea.
As someone who prefers intimate, toned-down dinner parties over all else, I’d be more than happy to hang out with a small group of friends at someone’s house. If you intend to do the same, GrabMart is always there for you, especially if you’re stocking up on desserts on-demand.
Satisfy your sweet tooth by enjoying 40% off the Share the Fun Set from The Ice Cream Store, consisting of a 2x Magnum packs & Ben & Jerry’s ice cream pint at S$30.93 (U.P. S$51.55).
Marks & Spencer also has 40% off selected chocolates, so there won’t be any need to compromise on your favourite flavours (and no disagreements — it’s the Lunar New Year!)
But if you and your friends would rather have heart-to-heart talks (and rant about all the passive-aggressive questions you got from relatives) over a filling yet fuss-free meal, Maki-San is always reliable.
- GrabUnlimited Subscribers: 60% off Mega D.I.Y Wild Alaskan Pollock Fish Meal at S$10.96 (U.P. S$27.40)
- Everyone else: 40% off
Before you go to any of these gatherings, it’s important to also look your best, so there’s no better time to treat yourself to new clothes, bags, and accessories with these ongoing promotions from PayLater by Grab.
Snag those stunning pieces you’ve been eyeing off ZALORA (15% off + 5% cashback with min. spend S$120), and don’t forget to pair it with a matching purse or bag from Lussocitta (S$8 off min, spend S$150, S$15 off min spend S$300) via PayLater by Grab.
As for those who’ve been wanting to get their house in order, let me convince you to finally make that big ticket purchase in the form of your dream appliance from Dyson (from S$70 off with S$619 min. spend)! Might as well get a headstart on spring cleaning, after all.
Don’t worry about paying for everything upfront, as you can easily split your purchase into four instalments, with zero interest and zero hidden fees. Otherwise, you can also opt to pay over eight or 12 months at a small fee, subjected to T&Cs.
So, regardless of which type of gathering you’ll end up at this year, getting through the Lunar New Year period without breaking a sweat (and the bank) is easier than you think.
Whether it’s shopping, dining deals, CNY snacks, or bundle meals, you’ll be able to settle huatever you need this Lunar New Year, all while having a roarin’ good time!
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This post is brought to you by Grab.
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨