#United States #Raleigh #Lunar New Year #Year of the Snake #Chinese Menu Online

Insights for Chinese Restaurants during the Lunar New Year 2025

As the Lunar New Year approaches on January 29, 2025, the anticipation builds for celebrations that honor traditions and foster gatherings among families and friends. The Year of the Snake signifies wisdom, strategy, and transformation, providing a unique opportunity for Chinese restaurants to adapt their offerings to fit modern consumer demands while remaining true to the holiday's rich heritage.

Rising Popularity of Chicken Dishes

Analysis from Chinese Menu Online, drawing from over 7 million orders placed at more than 3,000 Asian restaurants in 2024, reveals intriguing patterns in consumer preferences. Not surprisingly, chicken dishes continue to dominate the landscape. Notably, General Tso's Chicken accounted for 14.8% of orders, reflecting a 6.17% increase from the previous year. Other chicken options like Sesame Chicken (+7.32%), Orange Chicken (+6.86%), and Chicken with Broccoli (+6.59%) also saw remarkable growth.

Given the saying, "No feast is complete without chicken," restaurant owners should consider promoting these entries in their special Lunar New Year menus. By introducing family-style portions or bundled meals that pair these dishes with accompaniments such as fried rice and spring rolls, eatery owners can cater to customer cravings for familiar flavors that enhance the festive atmosphere.

The Shift Towards Healthier Options

Consumer awareness around health and wellness has markedly surged in 2024, with diners increasingly looking for lighter and plant-forward options. Dishes featuring plant-based proteins, vegetable-centric recipes, and steamed menu items have gained traction. Selections like General Tso's Tofu and Sesame Tofu are on the rise among health-conscious consumers, many of whom value tofu for its cultural significance—its name resembles the Chinese word for "wealth."

Additionally, vegetables like lettuce symbolize prosperity, as the word for lettuce in Chinese sounds like "sheng cai." Steamed dishes, resonating with the concept of continuous improvement and growth, are increasingly sought after. Integrating these healthy, symbolic dishes into Lunar New Year menus can attract modern diners while honoring traditional values.

Appetizers as a Key Sales Category

Appetizer dishes are critical for driving sales, especially during significant celebrations like the Lunar New Year. Items such as Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, and Fried Dumplings remain favored choices, with Egg Rolls being the most ordered dish, comprising 18.23% of total orders. These shareable appetizers not only cater to group dining but also enhance festive celebrations, as dumplings symbolize wealth and spring rolls embody renewal.

Restaurants should consider leveraging these signature items in their promotions, creating seasonal variations or combination platters appealing to groups. Positioning appetizers strategically can bolster sales and contribute to a memorable dining experience, reinforcing the communal spirit that the Lunar New Year embodies.

Conclusion

As the Year of the Snake unfolds, integrating insights from consumer demand can empower restaurants to modernize their menus while enhancing traditional offerings. By striking this balance, restaurants can draw in new customers and provide an immersive, celebratory experience, ensuring lasting success through the Lunar New Year and into the future.

Top Ordered Items in 2024 (% of Total Orders)

• - Egg Roll (18.23%)
• - General Tso's Chicken (14.84%)
• - Crab Rangoon (10.92%)
• - Sweet and Sour Chicken (10.05%)
• - Sesame Chicken (8.57%)
• - Wonton Soup
• - Chicken Lo Mein
• - Orange Chicken
• - Chicken with Broccoli
• - Chicken Fried Rice
• - Beef with Broccoli
• - Spring Roll
• - Egg Drop Soup
• - Hot and Sour Soup
• - Shrimp Fried Rice
• - Fried Chicken Wings
• - Fried Dumplings
• - Vegetable Lo Mein
• - Steamed Dumplings
• - Beef Lo Mein

With these strategies, restaurants can maximize their potential during the Lunar New Year, ensuring a prosperous start to the year ahead.

About Chinese Menu Online

Chinese Menu Online (CMO) is dedicated to empowering Chinese and Asian restaurants across the U.S. by providing resources, online ordering solutions, and valuable insights. Their goal is to support restaurant owners on their journey toward greater success in an increasingly competitive market.

For more information, visit www.chinesemenuonline.com or contact at [email protected]
Media inquiries can be directed to Shuyan Bai, Marketing Manager at [email protected].

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