Klang Valley restaurants fully booked
KUALA LUMPUR: The Chinese New Year eve reunion dinner is a tradition that families hold dear.
Nevertheless, the practice of serving home-cooked food is slowly becoming a thing of the past.
Instead, many urban folk prefer to have their reunion dinner at restaurants, which are fully booked weeks or months before the occasion.
The reunion dinner tradition originated from China at a time when it was difficult and expensive for families living in different parts of the country to meet.
It was then that the idea of gathering once a year during Chinese New Year for a reunion dinner came about.
It has since become a tradition and an important occasion during the festive season.
Tai Thong Group, a famous restaurant, is fully booked for the first three days of Chinese New Year. The restaurant will be open during the festive season and can cater up to 400 people (40 tables) per session.
“Customers booked their tables as early as two weeks ago,” said its spokesman.
Its set meal, priced between RM838 and RM1,898, comprises eight dishes, including dessert and drinks.
“Our specialty is crab, cooked in various methods according to our customers’ liking.”
The Noble chain of restaurants under the Oriental Group, which is located in the Klang Valley, is also fully booked.
Unlike Tai Thong, Noble will be open only on the eve of Chinese New Year.
“Most of our customers have opted for the set meals. However, we are open for ala carte orders.
“Our specialties are a wide array of dishes with a choice of meat, seafood and vegetables. Once our customers have finalised their orders, we will recommend them the cooking style for the dishes,” said its spokesman.
The restaurant can accommodate up to 600 people (60 tables) per session. It serves dinner packages from RM1,200 onwards.