Chinese families cool off on pre-made meals for Lunar New Year after scandal
South China Morning Post
by He HuifengFebruary 16, 2026
As families across China gather for the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, pre-made dishes at their reunion dinners – the centrepiece of Spring Festival celebrations – have again come under scrutiny.
Chinese households, many of which tend to reduce their budget, have increasingly been cautious, following a high-profile row over food transparency and quality involving a star influencer with millions of fans online and a national restaurant chain.
“I work all year round overtime and do eat pre-made food...
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/16/2026