Shanghai: Yakult, a black-and-white collie named after a Japanese yogurt drink, eagerly dove into his Lunar New Year feast of shredded chicken and boiled lettuce, licking his lips with satisfaction. He was one of eleven dogs brought together with their owners at the Kongshan Yunnan eatery in Shanghai for a festive dinner that mirrored the traditional reunion meal held on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
This cherished tradition, celebrated in Chinese-speaking communities worldwide, marks the end of one year and welcomes the next. This year, the gathering heralded the Year of the Snake, officially beginning on Tuesday.
However, with pet ownership surging in China as more people opt for furry companions over children, restaurants and online platforms have embraced this trend. They now offer special events and meal sets tailored to pets, such as the dinner held early on Saturday.
A Special Celebration for Pets and Owners
“He’s my soulmate; he gives me a lot of emotional support,” said Momo Ni, 27, Yakult’s owner. “Since it’s time for the reunion dinner, I wanted to have one with my good friend, so that he may experience the Lunar New Year atmosphere.”
Social media platforms like RedNote are abuzz with options for “pet’s Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner,” showcasing offerings ranging from freshly prepared meals to themed gift boxes. Some sellers even create pet-friendly versions of traditional Chinese dishes, such as “eight treasures duck rice,” reimagined to suit canine tastes.
Dining with Companions
Gu Jiayu, co-owner of the Kongshan Yunnan eatery, explained the restaurant’s decision to cater to pet owners during the Lunar New Year. “These days, especially in the big cities, many people work very hard and are under a lot of stress. They see their pets as their companion and even their own kids,” she said.
While the human patrons enjoyed dishes like mushroom chicken stew, their furry friends indulged in freshly prepared shredded chicken breast, boiled lettuce, and dog treats.
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China’s Growing Pet Market
The rising popularity of pets in China reflects a broader trend. The country’s pet care market, encompassing food, cat litter, and dietary supplements, has surged by nearly 40% since 2020, reaching a value of 94.6 billion yuan ($13.06 billion) in 2023, according to Euromonitor.
Daisy Xu, 28, who brought her Maltipoo named Rousong (Chinese for “pork floss”), said her family would also include their pet in the New Year’s traditions. “We’ll make her a dog meal, and when it comes to New Year gifts, my parents will probably give her a red packet,” Xu said, referring to the lucky red envelopes traditionally filled with money during the Lunar New Year.
With events like this, it’s clear that pets are becoming an integral part of family celebrations in China, showcasing the evolving dynamics of companionship and culture.
