After five years of pandemic restrictions, Malaysian restaurants are experiencing a surge in bookings for Chinese New Year, signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels of business. Reunion dinners, a central tradition in Chinese culture, are driving this resurgence.
Five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, restaurants in Malaysia are experiencing a surge in bookings for the upcoming Chinese New Year, signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels of business. This resurgence is particularly evident in the demand for reunion dinners, a central tradition in Chinese culture where families and loved ones gather to celebrate the new year and share hopes for the future.
The reunion dinner often features symbolic dishes believed to bring good luck and prosperity, such as those representing wealth, progress, and abundance.Representatives from several popular restaurants, including Law Yi Restaurant in Setapak and Hakka Restaurant (HakkaKL), have reported that bookings for reunion dinners and year-end banquets are exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Law Yi Restaurant, known for its Chinese cuisine, says business has significantly improved since 2020, reaching levels comparable to those before the pandemic. Hakka Restaurant, a family-run establishment, has opted to remove time limits for dinner reservations, a practice that became common during the pandemic due to reduced seating capacity. Instead, diners are welcome to enjoy their meals for as long as they wish, with the restaurant offering two dinner sessions daily to accommodate the high demand.Emily Chiam, Chief Executive Officer of the Oriental Group of Restaurants, also observed a significant increase in bookings for the eve of Chinese New Year, attributing it to families planning reunions on the same day for both sides. While traditionally popular dates like Renri (Yan Yat or the birthday of humankind) and Chap Goh Mei are usually fully booked, bookings for this year are following a more diverse pattern, ranging from small groups of four to larger gatherings of up to 50 people. Chiam noted that there is a balanced demand between set menus and a la carte orders.
Food & Drink Culture CHINESE NEW YEAR RESTAURANTS MALAYSIA REUNION DINNERS PANDEMIC RECOVERY FOOD DEMAND TRADITIONS
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