Food will always be one of the highlights in any celebration, and the Chinese New Year is no exception. While the Spring Festival is all about family and tradition, it seems that people in Tianjin have other ways of celebrating the Year of the Rooster.
During the holiday, Chinese families would come together, make dumplings, and have a feast while watching a gala program on the television. Pomelos, tangerines, longevity noodles and sesame balls are just few among the essential dishes being prepared for the Lunar New Year celebration.
While people in other parts of the world are preparing traditional Chinese dishes for the celebration, people in Tianjin are choosing to "eat foreign" on the eve of the Lunar New Year.
"I'm from the northeastern part of China. This is the first time for me to celebrate the Chinese New Year without going back to my hometown. I'm not good at cooking so I'll be dining out. I think I'll go have pizza just like usual at weekends, and have some beer with friends," said Dai Bin, a 25-year-old who is based in Tianjin. He also shared that he is only one among many who have opted out to go home for the holidays.
Foreign cuisine is not something unusual in Tianjin. The area was a trade concession before the Second World War and had become a home to foreign restaurants of various styles.
While the fast food business has been growing in China, fine dining has not been left behind.
"We prepared for the Chinese New Year festival something new. We prepared a new menu about food, a new menu about drink. We have some booking from foreign people, but also from Chinese. Because we have a lot of customers, that come frequently. Many for eight or nine years," shared Renato Pegoraro, owner of the Venezia Club.
With so many dining options available--from fast food to fine dining--China's taste in food have progressed over time. The diversified taste in food is a signal of China's inclusiveness.
No matter the background or personal preferences, good food is always a great way to celebrate the Lunar New Year.