In addition to the calming sound of gongs, the glow of lanterns, bustling street markets, lion and dragon dances, and all the sights and sounds that signal Chinese New Year, one of the most anticipated — and sought-after — treats during this festivity is "nian gao," more commonly known by locals as Tikoy. The holiday has always been synonymous with indulging in a variety of Chinese delicacies, and celebrations would feel incomplete without this sweet, glutinous rice cake.

Tikoy is considered a festive delicacy and a symbol of good luck to eat during the Lunar New Year, as it symbolizes prosperity. But knowing where to get high-quality ones is a must first and foremost. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or even just yourself, here’s a handy guide on where to order tikoy for a sweet and prosperous start to the Year of the Horse.

Polland Hopia

Since 1996, Polland Hopia has been the go-to destination for authentic Chinese-style tikoy in the Philippines. A household name when it comes to traditional Chinese-Filipino pastries, the brand has built its reputation on quality ingredients, serving both classic and modern flavors.

While best known for its hopia offerings, the brand also serves a variety of tikoy. Some of its Tikoy selections include Tikoy Gold Bar (P120), Tikoy Fish (P320), Pandan-Flavored Tikoy (P170), and more. The brand is available in several locations, including SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Escolta, Kapitolyo, and Lucky Chinatown, with its main branch located in Quezon City.

Refer to this link for Polland Hopia’s complete list of store branches, and check out their tikoy offerings here. You can also follow their Instagram for more details.

Main Branch Location: 670 Mayon St., La Loma, Quezon City

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 8 AM to 6 PM; Sunday, from 8 AM to 5 PM

Eng Bee Tin

A staple in Binondo, Eng Bee Tin has, over the past few decades, established a reputation as the “#1 Filipino-Chinese delicacy brand in the Philippines.” In fact, it’s hardly surprising that most Filipinos recognize the brand as home to some of the best hopia, mooncakes, and tikoy in the country. Established in 1912 in the heart of Chinatown, the brand has pioneered the modernization of hopia, introducing some of the most exciting and innovative flavors. It is, without a doubt, the best place to get your hopia fix. But do they serve some of the best tikoy, too?

Their selection of premium tikoy includes Cheese Tikoy (P315), Pandan Tikoy (P190), Sweet Corn Tikoy (P190), as well as Tikoy Rolls available in five flavors: ube, peanut, sesame, pandan, and plain. You may check out Ube Delivery to explore their other products. Their products are also available for purchase on Shopee and Lazada.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more information, or visit their official website for further details.

Location: 628 Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila, 1006

Operating Hours: Mondays to Sundays, from 6 AM to 1 PM

Salazar Bakery

Salazar Bakery is also one of the most popular Filipino-Chinese bakeries in the country. For many of us, we may even share a collective memory of growing up with their treats, including their well-loved and traditional tikoy. Established in 1947, the bakery has remained a trusted name for generations.

Every Chinese New Year, their white tikoy has continued to be a staple among families celebrating the Lunar New Year. You may order through this link, and follow them on their social media pages — on Facebook and Instagram — for updates and other offerings.

Salazar Bakery has several branches, including in SM Manila, SM North EDSA, Festival Mall, and Farmers Plaza. For a complete list of store locations and operating hours, refer to this link.

Main Branch Location: 783 Ongpin Street, Manila, 1003

Operating Hours: Mondays to Sundays, from 6 AM to 8 PM

Ho-Land Hopia

Another standout in Binondo, Ho-Land Hopia is known for its wide selection of authentic Chinese pastries and delicacies. They sell different variations of plums, ramen and noodles, candies, mochi, peanut cake, Chinese sausage, frozen goods, hopia, and, of course, tikoy.

Their premium tikoy offerings come in a variety of flavors, including ube and pandan, as well as Gold Bar Tikoy (P270), Fish Tikoy Ube (P280), Golden Money Tikoy (P190), Tikoy with Peanuts (P60), WhiteTikoy Roll (P35), and more.

Check out Ho-Land Hopia’s website and Facebook page for more information about their products. Some of their other branches can be found in SM North EDSA, N. Domingo, White Plains, Greenhills Unimart, Century City Mall, and Pioneer Centre Supermarket. For specific addresses and details, refer to this link.

Main Branch Location: 646 Yuchengco Street, Corner Tytana Street, Binondo, Manila

Operating Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, from 8 AM to 7 PM; Sundays, from 8 AM to 6 PM

Echague Bakery

Since 1962, Echague Bakery has been one of the country’s go-to destinations for hopia, buchi, mooncakes, and tikoy. A longtime favorite, it is located in Quezon City and continues to draw loyal customers year after year.

They offer tikoy in a variety of flavors, but if you want to try a little bit of everything, you may opt for the Four Seasons Tikoy, which comes in white, brown, ube, and pandan flavors. You may visit their Facebook and Instagram pages for more details.

Location: 410 A. Bonifacio Ave., Balintawak, Quezon City, 1115

Operating Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, from 7 AM to 6 PM; Sundays, from 7 AM to 12 PM