It is indeed a significant occasion as it brings family members near and far back to their hometowns to enjoy a meal together.
Many Chinese families hold this tradition dear as it is rare for the entire family to gather under one roof owing to long distances, demanding careers, and/or personal commitments.
In addition, the reunion dinner carries profound meaning as it symbolises unity and reinforces family bonds.
With all this in mind, is it necessary to have a lavish reunion dinner?
While some go all out, sparing no expense to prepare or pay for an extravagant dinner, others believe the essence lies in simply spending quality time together as a family.
Zeen Chang is the managing partner of Bai Chuan Management Sdn Bhd, which oversees Kwai Chai Hong on Petaling Street here. She said her family, especially her paternal grandmother, places great importance on the reunion dinner.
“In Chinese families where the son is the eldest, the entire family gathers at his house for the reunion dinner.
“The eldest son, whether single or married, is responsible for hosting and managing the menu, as well as overseeing the activities leading up to midnight, a practice known as ‘shou shui’ (waiting for the New Year).
“If we choose to eat at a restaurant, the eldest son usually pays, but in our family, we take turns every year,” said Chang, the youngest of five siblings.
Sunway Resort Hotel executive chef Peter Lee, meanwhile, regards the reunion dinner as an age-old tradition that must be cherished as it only happens once a year.
Gathering all family members at one table is rare outside of CNY, he said, adding this is why many Chinese families place great importance on the reunion dinner and are even willing to spend extra on a sumptuous meal.
The reunion dinner traditionally features yee sang as the starter, followed by dishes like steamed fish, prawns, chicken soup, abalone and “poon choi”, or one-pot vegetables.
“Each dish holds symbolic meaning,” he said. “For example, fish represents blessings and abundance, while yee sang symbolises luxury, wealth, happiness and prosperity, ensuring good fortune for the family in the New Year.”
For Teoh Yee Shen, 34, who works at a publishing company, the essence of the reunion dinner is not tied to the type of dishes served or location but the meaning behind it.
“A reunion dinner can be held at a mamak stall or roadside eatery. It doesn’t have to be Chinese food. It can also be Malay or other cuisines, as long as the family gathers together,” he opined.
“Furthermore, the reunion dinner doesn’t necessarily have to be held on the eve of the Lunar New Year. It can be held anytime during the 15-day celebration as long as the family gathers.”
Teoh said even the act of cleaning the house together before the New Year can be considered a “reunion because it’s about being together and doing things as a family”.
She nevertheless acknowledged that not all Chinese families share her views, as many – especially the older generation – place great importance on lavish and expensive reunion dinners.