Pre-cooked food being sold in a supermarket in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

As the lifestyle and culinary preferences of the younger generation evolve, pre-cooked dishes are rapidly gaining favor in China. These convenient options have now become a popular component of the Lunar New Year's Eve dinner, a cherished occasion for family reunion in the nation.

This trend is evident in Taizhou, located in East China's Zhejiang province. With the Spring Festival on the horizon, the demand for pre-made food is skyrocketing across numerous supermarkets in the city.

In addition to customary New Year essentials such as nuts, beverages, and decorations, pre-cooked dishes have emerged as highly sought-after items in downtown supermarkets. For instance, the Century Mart on Shifu Avenue offers a diverse selection of over 60 pre-cooked dishes, including boiled fish with Sichuan pickles as well as sweet and sour ribs, ranging in price from 15 yuan ($2.09) to 499 yuan.

Luxury dishes such as Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, a renowned dish in Fujian cuisine, are available at the Donghai branch of RT-Mart. According to Li Junjie, fresh food manager at the supermarket, the market for pre-cooked dishes has been steadily expanding, particularly in the month leading up to the Spring Festival, when sales peak. In January, sales of pre-cooked dishes in the supermarket surged several times compared to the usual.

Li added that the majority of customers purchasing pre-cooked dishes at supermarkets are young people around 30 years old. Some opt for convenience, while others are unable to cook.

Pre-cooked dishes are prefered by the younger generation for their consistent flavors and convenience, as they can be quickly reheated and enjoyed after returning home from work.

"Simply take them out to thaw before leaving home, and within just a few minutes after returning, a sumptuous meal can be ready, making it a cost-effective choice," remarked a local resident surnamed Yang, born in the 2000s.

Despite the convenience and variety offered by pre-cooked dishes, concerns have been raised about their health implications and taste, particularly for the Lunar New Year's Eve dinner.

"I wouldn't use pre-cooked dishes for the New Year. While I might purchase them during busy workdays, the Lunar New Year's Eve is special and calls for well-prepared meals," expressed Ms Xu, a local resident.

For her, the New Year's Eve dinner is about fostering a lively and harmonious atmosphere, with "the stove burning brightly and the aroma of food sizzling in the pan". She believes that during the New Year, it's important for family members to enjoy dishes prepared by their own hands, and cooking a few extra dishes won't take much time.