The Lunar New Year traditionally centers on gathering around the table, where food symbolizes abundance, renewal and shared fortune. Across Metro Manila, a number of Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants inside SM Supermalls are presenting a dining guide inspired by the zodiac, encouraging guests to choose meals that match their tastes and personality.

Rather than framing dining as a checklist of promotions, the lineup reads as a culinary trail that moves through different interpretations of Chinese cuisine, from refined seafood feasts to comforting Taiwanese classics. The idea ties the celebratory season to food choices meant to reflect individual preferences while highlighting long-established restaurant brands found across SM properties.

For diners drawn to generous portions and celebratory spreads, Tung Lok Seafood at S Maison offers Singaporean-Cantonese flavors known for premium seafood and large-format dishes suited for groups. The setting aligns with the spirit of communal dining that defines many New Year gatherings.

At Paradise Dynasty in SM Aura, the focus shifts to variety. The restaurant is known for its Eight-Flavored Xiao Long Bao and layered Chinese dishes that appeal to diners seeking a broader exploration of flavor and texture. Paradise Dynasty also operates in S Maison and SM Podium, giving guests multiple locations to experience the concept.

Comfort-driven dining is represented by Lugang Café, located in SM North EDSA, with additional branches at SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura and SM Megamall. The restaurant’s menu centers on familiar Taiwanese staples, positioning it as a destination for diners looking for familiar flavors during the holiday season.

For those preferring modern interpretations, TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie in SM Megamall brings contemporary takes on Hong Kong-style dishes in a French-inspired setting. The restaurant also has branches in SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA and SM Aura, reflecting the growing popularity of updated regional Chinese cuisine among younger diners.

Heritage plays a central role at Du Hsiao Yueh, which traces its roots back to 1895. Located at SM Mall of Asia’s North Entertainment Mall and also operating in SM North EDSA, the restaurant is best known for its signature Dan Zai noodles and traditional Taiwanese dishes that emphasize craftsmanship and history.

A lighter, more understated approach can be found at Putien in SM Podium. The restaurant’s award-winning Fujian cuisine focuses on carefully sourced ingredients and balanced flavors, offering diners a quieter counterpoint to the festive abundance often associated with Lunar New Year meals.

Together, the restaurants create a dining map that moves from hearty celebratory spreads to refined, heritage-inspired plates. The campaign places food at the center of the celebration, framing the holiday as a moment to explore Chinese culinary traditions through both familiar and contemporary lenses.

The Lunar New Year season often invites reflection on new beginnings, and these dining destinations present an opportunity to mark the occasion through shared meals rather than spectacle. In malls that increasingly position dining as a destination in itself, the focus remains on the table, where family, friends, and tradition come together through food.