Happy Year of the Dog with festive gifts: “Gan Cui Takeaway Dishes” and “Taiwanese Red Bean New Year Cake” are perfectly seasonal

Just over three weeks to go until Lunar New Year this year—2018 is the Year of the Dog, and you’ve got six days off. Have you planned where to celebrate? In addition to the essential festive dishes for reunion dinners and “sweet treats” believed to bring good luck, how about trying something new this year? This season, hotels are also offering more distinctive options, including unique regional delicacies from Taipei, Tainan, and Taichung. Don’t let Mom worry—bring home a taste of festivity that’s both impressive and delicious. Let’s ring in the New Year joyfully and auspiciously.

Limited-edition “Gan Cui Takeaway Dishes” for Chinese New Year (left), and “Top Festival Gift Choice” sweet treats (right), as provided by two hotels.

● Celebrate the holidays thoughtfully with “Gan Cui Takeaway Dishes”

Is it always hard to satisfy everyone’s picky tastes during reunion meals? The “Gan Cui Restaurant” at Tainan Laureate Hotel breaks away from the traditional family hotpot setup, offering a buffet-style shared dining experience that caters to the diverse palates of all family members.

Moms, don’t stress out—the “Gan Cui Takeaway Dishes” from Tainan Laureate Hotel are here to help. The menu features Chef’s specially prepared 【Scallop Aroma Halibut Steamed with XO Sauce】, made with classic XO sauce; 【Oyster King Braised Abalone with Sea Cucumber】, which combines carefully selected fresh abalone and sea cucumber; and 【Bordeaux Truffle Braised Beef Cheek】, where mellow Bordeaux wine is paired with tender yet chewy beef cheek for a dish that lingers on the palate. Orders are now open, and those placed before January 31 come with a complimentary handmade “Grape & Walnut Bread” to add a touch of happy baking aroma to your New Year feast.

“Gan Cui Restaurant” private dining room. (Provided by Tainan Laureate Hotel)

● Healthy “Sweet Treats” bring warmth and sweetness

Cantonese preserved meat radish cake (left) and Taiwanese red bean New Year cake (right). (Provided by Eslite Hotel)

A poem from the late Qing Dynasty reads: “People always aspire high; they craft foods that echo their hopes, aiming for each year to surpass the last, praying for good fortune in the coming year.” New Year cake is an indispensable festive food, bringing renewed hope every year.

The sold-out “Sweet Treats” gift box from Tainan Laureate Hotel for the past two years is the perfect choice to convey festival blessings. Embodying the essence of holiday sweets, it includes Cantonese preserved meat radish cake and Taiwanese red bean New Year cake. This year, it adds even more flavor with 【Pork Fat Glutinous Rice Cake】, 【Red Bean Sesame Cake】, and 【Mugwort Rice Cake】. It’s a dignified option when visiting relatives and friends. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive Eslite Hotel “Prosperity Red Envelope” set. With sincere wishes packed inside, it brings strong festive flavors and good fortune for the coming year. Enjoy early-bird pricing before January 31, so you don’t miss out on giving thoughtful gifts that warm the hearts of loved ones.

“Eslite New Year Gift | Sincere Double Cake Gift Box.” (Provided by Eslite Hotel)

Eslite Hotel makes its first foray this year into limited-edition New Year gift boxes with the “Eslite New Year Gift | Sincere Double Cake Gift Box,” featuring Cantonese preserved meat radish cake with a hint of sorghum aroma, and Taiwanese red bean New Year cake made from carefully selected Pingtung Wandan red beans. These two classic flavors satisfy travelers’ taste buds, making them a tasteful choice for visiting family and friends during the holidays. Also included exclusively is one set of Eslite Hotel’s limited-edition “Prosperity Red Envelopes.” With heartfelt sincerity, it brings rich reunion flavors and wishes for smooth sailing in the coming year. Reservations are open from now until February 10.