We’re approaching Lunar New Year, and it’s time to start planning family gatherings. But for business owners, it’s important to bear in mind the threat of COVID. With the Omicron variant causing anxiety abroad, more outbreaks in Taiwan are a possibility. That could be a spanner in the works for New Year. At restaurants taking early bookings, contingency plans are a must. We spoke to two big establishments about their strategies to ensure customers won’t be disappointed.
An authentic Sichuan hotpot bubbles away. Da Hong Pao tea and Sichuan pepper flavor chunks of duck blood cake and tofu. Or how about a fish pickle hotpot? The mahi mahi gradually infuses everything with its rich, sweet flavor. These homemade side dishes are all one-of-a-kind. This hotpot store has 20% extra orders in the run up to Lunar New Year, but COVID precautions are still a necessity.
Chang Yung-hua
Restaurant owner
A pandemic is a natural disaster. No one can predict it. If the government gets into that situation, and if some COVID alert is imposed, we’ll definitely refund customers’ deposits in full.
At another well-established eatery, the receptionist is juggling endless calls. Many are for weiya banquets, while others are for family New Year’s Eve gatherings. This entire page is full with bookings for the night before New Year’s Eve. A deposit is required to secure a booking.
The menu includes champagne pork chops and giant shrimp tofu rolls…
The house special duck…
And fried jellyfish with pork loin. All of these are pricey delicacies, and if COVID flares up in Taiwan again, the show must go on. The owner has contingency plans in place.
Wu Yun-chia
Restaurant owner
We remind the customers that if they are really unable to come out to dinner on the night, then we will deliver the food to their house, or let them pick it up.
For those takeaways or deliveries, the typical 10% service charge will be waived.
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