Hong Bao Na Lai (Chinese New Year Red Packet)

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Hong Bao Na Lai by Burpple

This "Niu" year, Burpple unveils a quirky limited-edition red packet design which features the popular Chinese New Year phrase "红包拿来 (Hong Bao Na Lai)" – complete with a cheeky pun design on red packets (hong baos), which also refers to red steamed buns.

Ideation & Brainstorming

2021 is the Year of Ox (and cow) in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. We wanted to create something that resonates well with Burpple (a Forever Hungry Community that is passionate about food). And hence our initial design was a very satisfied and stuffed Ox who lives by the quote "Happy Belly, Happy Soul" wishing everyone a Happy Chinese Niu Year – surrounded by the new year decoration elements that were food related (e.g. Hanging Lantern = Money Bag Dumpling, Fan = Curry Puff, Gold Coin = Pineapple Tart, Gold Nugget = Bowl of Noodles).

And because 2021 is a pandemic year, not many will be using the red packet and hence we brainstormed furthermore on how the design could reduce wastage. Since an Ox-designed red packet could only be used during the year of Ox, we came up with a few ideas and variations that are versatile and can only be use or re-use on many occasions such as New Year, Birthdays, Weddings, and others – thus, creating Hong Bao Na Lai.

Process

Hong Bao Na Lai was inspired by puns (a play on words). Hong means Red, Bao is Bun – Hong Bao means Red Steamed Buns. It was special to us foodies as you might never guess to see food upon requesting for a red packet.

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Hong Bao Na Lai is a term you use after wishing Gong Xi Fa Cai.
Gong Xi Fa Cai, Hong Bao Na Lai
(Happy Chinese New Year, Now May I have the Red Packet Please)

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The Hong Bao is designed with a happy expression surrounded by its friends: Siu Mai, Har Gao, Xiao Long Bao, and Jiaozi. Instead of producing the usual red-coloured packets, we filled it with joyful Chinese cuisine food.

Highlights

Due to the pandemic, all of us were not able to celebrate Chinese New Year with our friends and family like we used to. So, friends at Burpple decided to spread a little happiness around by giving away our exclusive "steamed" buns kit comprising the quirky red packets and an exclusive Burpple face mask that is simply perfect for foodies to our Tastemakers, friends, and family around Singapore.