Harnessing Lunar New Year Trends: Insights for 2025 Success
With the Year of the Snake fast approaching on January 29, 2025, Lunar New Year presents a unique opportunity for restaurants to celebrate tradition while meeting evolving consumer preferences. A recent analysis by Chinese Menu Online (CMO) of over 7 million orders from 3,000+ Asian restaurants reveals key trends shaping customer dining choices this holiday season.
1. Chicken Entrées Lead the Way
Classic dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, and Orange Chicken continue to shine, ranking among the top 20 most-ordered items. Their enduring appeal makes them a great candidate for festive promotions.
Tip: Create celebratory bundles featuring these dishes alongside sides like fried rice or spring rolls.
2. Growing Demand for Healthy Options
Health-conscious diners are driving demand for lighter, plant-based, and steamed dishes. Dishes like General Tso’s Tofu and Sesame Tofu are gaining popularity, balancing modern preferences with cultural significance.
Cultural Note: Tofu symbolizes wealth, as the word “豆腐” shares a sound with “富” (wealth) in Chinese. Vegetables, like lettuce, symbolize “prosperity” (生财), and steamed dishes are linked to success and growth, as reflected in the saying “蒸蒸日上” which translates to mean “Thriving, rising, growing and improving everyday”.
3. Appetizers: Small Plates, Big Sales
Dumplings, egg rolls, and crab rangoon are Lunar New Year staples. Their shareable nature makes them ideal for group celebrations, and their symbolic meanings—like dumplings representing wealth—add to their appeal.
Suggestion: Promote appetizer platters or festive-themed variations to boost holiday sales.
Why These Insights Matter
As Lunar New Year celebrations highlight tradition, CMO’s analysis empowers restaurants to cater to both cultural and modern customer preferences. The snake, symbolizing wisdom and adaptability, reminds us that transformation and innovation are keys to success.
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
About Chinese Menu Online
Chinese Menu Online (CMO), along with Springroll.com, an Asian restaurant marketplace, empower thousands of Chinese and Asian restaurants across the U.S. to expand their reach. With over a decade of experience, CMO streamlines online ordering and offers insights, trends, and online ordering tools to drive restaurant success.For restaurants looking for online ordering solutions, visit www.chinesemenuonline.com or contact us at info@chinesemenuonline.com.