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<p>With the <strong>Year of the Snake</strong> fast approaching on <strong>January 29, 2025</strong>, Lunar New Year presents a unique opportunity for restaurants to celebrate tradition while meeting evolving consumer preferences. A recent analysis by <strong>Chinese Menu Online (CMO)</strong> of over <strong>7 million orders from 3,000+ Asian restaurants</strong> reveals key trends shaping customer dining choices this holiday season.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.chinesemenuonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chinese-New-Year-Springroll-1024x796.jpg" alt="Spring rolls with Chinese New Year decorations" class="wp-image-6182"/></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1. Chicken Entrées</strong> Lead the Way</h3>
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<p>Classic dishes like <strong>General Tso’s Chicken</strong>, <strong>Sesame Chicken</strong>, and <strong>Orange Chicken</strong> continue to shine, ranking among the top 20 most-ordered items. Their enduring appeal makes them a great candidate for festive promotions.</p>
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<p><br><strong>Tip</strong>: Create celebratory bundles featuring these dishes alongside sides like fried rice or spring rolls.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2. Growing Demand for Healthy Options</strong></h3>
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<p>Health-conscious diners are driving demand for lighter, plant-based, and steamed dishes. Dishes like <strong>General Tso’s Tofu</strong> and <strong>Sesame Tofu</strong> are gaining popularity, balancing modern preferences with cultural significance.</p>
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<p><br><strong>Cultural Note</strong>: 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”.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.chinesemenuonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chinese-New-Year-Dumplings--1024x796.jpg" alt="Steamed Dumpling with Chinese New Year Decorations. " class="wp-image-6179"/></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>3. Appetizers: Small Plates, Big Sales</strong></strong></h3>
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<p>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.</p>
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<p><br><strong>Suggestion</strong>: Promote appetizer platters or festive-themed variations to boost holiday sales.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong><strong>Why These Insights Matter</strong></strong></strong></h3>
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<p>As Lunar New Year celebrations highlight tradition, <strong>CMO’s analysis</strong> empowers restaurants to cater to both cultural and modern customer preferences. The snake, symbolizing <strong>wisdom and adaptability</strong>, reminds us that transformation and innovation are keys to success.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Top Ordered Items in 2024 (% of Total Orders)</strong></strong></strong></strong></h3>
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<li>Egg Roll (18.23%)</li>
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<li>General Tso's Chicken (14.84%)</li>
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<li>Crab Rangoon (10.92%)</li>
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<li>Sweet and Sour Chicken (10.05%)</li>
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<li>Sesame Chicken (8.57%)</li>
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<li>Wonton Soup&nbsp;</li>
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<li>Chicken Lo Mein</li>
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<li>Orange Chicken&nbsp;</li>
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<li>Chicken with Broccoli&nbsp;</li>
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<li>Chicken Fried Rice&nbsp;</li>
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<li>Beef with Broccoli&nbsp;</li>
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<li>Spring Roll&nbsp;</li>
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<li>Egg Drop Soup</li>
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<li>Hot and Sour Soup</li>
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<li>Shrimp Fried Rice</li>
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<li>Fried Chicken Wings</li>
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<li>Fried Dumplings&nbsp;</li>
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<li>Vegetable Lo Mein&nbsp;</li>
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<li>Steamed Dumplings</li>
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<li>Beef Lo Mein</li>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>About Chinese Menu Online</strong></h3>
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<p>Chinese Menu Online (CMO), along with <a href="http://www.springroll.com">Springroll.com</a>, 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 <a href="http://www.chinesemenuonline.com">www.chinesemenuonline.com</a> or contact us at <strong>info@chinesemenuonline.com</strong>.</p>
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