As the 2026 Lunar New Year approaches, Chengdu's culinary scene is witnessing a remarkable revival of tradition. Restaurants across Sichuan's capital report a 300% increase in orders for the iconic nine-bowl feast (jiu da wan), a symbolic banquet featuring nine steamed dishes representing prosperity and family unity.
At Lao Chuanwei Restaurant, head chef Zhang Wei oversees a bustling kitchen where teams work round-the-clock to prepare signature dishes like steamed pork with rice flour and eight-treasure rice pudding. "This year's demand surpasses pre-pandemic levels," Zhang noted while coordinating multiple bamboo steamers. "Families increasingly value these edible cultural artifacts that connect generations."
The resurgence reflects both cultural preservation efforts and economic vitality in western China. Food delivery platforms report a 150% year-on-year increase in premium banquet set orders, with overseas customers from Southeast Asia and North America accounting for 20% of sales through cross-border e-commerce channels.
