More people in China are opting to have their
traditional Lunar New Year reunion dinners in restaurants.
Some of the more established restaurants in Beijing
have been fully booked for this weekend since last year.
The Lunar New Year certainly brings people together.
But rather than a home-cooked meal, more Chinese, like kindergarten teacher
Li Guizhi, her colleagues and their children, are opting to welcome the Year of
the Dog in restaurants and even hotels.
Guizhi's family has been having their reunion dinner at a particular Beijing
restaurant for the past 4 years.
Guizhi said, "Everyone is so busy these days, so we take the opportunity to
relax, and also people's standard of living has improved."
Another diner, Shi Guoliang, said, "Now we can. In the past, people were poor
and so ate at home. Now we book a room, sit down and we can eat!"
Restaurants have become such a popular choice that most have two sittings.
Yang Hao, Deputy General Manager, Hongbinlou Restaurant, said, "By the end of
2005, we've been fully booked. For the second round of reunion dinners, we are
half booked."
The convenience is clear - but it comes at a price.
A reunion dinner at a Beijing restaurant for ten could cost up to US$200 -
more than double a home-cooked meal.
So it is not surprising that many still prefer to stay home, like retired
teacher Cang Hong - whose family traditionally gathers for a fuss-free annual
potluck on the eve of the Lunar New Year.
Cang Hong said, "Time spent together is longer, everyone chats, eat, feels
closer with the festive mood...We ate out once but felt it's not as good as
eating at home. After eating everyone returned to their home."
Can't decide between a reunion dinner at a restaurant and a home-cooked meal?
Well there is one other option.
For those who would like restaurant-standard cooking in the comfort of their
homes, neighbouring city Tianjin
is offering the service of banquet cooks - trained women who can cook up 12
dishes for the price of US$25.
It seems China is no short of new-fangled offerings as traditional festivals
move with the times. -
Editor: Cindy
