Premium Seafood Costs More As Big Day Nears

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A must-have dish: Chng holding the Chinese pomfret at his stall at Cecil Street Market in George Town, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Prepare to “pay the price” if you have not stocked up for your home-cooked Chinese New Year feast.
A check on local markets found that in the classic economic rule of demand and supply, the price of premium food like jumbo prawns has soared.
At Teluk Kumbar Market, the price of jumbo prawns fluctuates depending on their grade, ranging from RM70 to RM90 per kg during the festive season.
These large prawns typically sell for RM45 to RM65 per kg during the off-peak season.
Fish trader Chan Kok Seng, 47, said fish like the grouper and Chinese pomfret are priced between RM120 and RM150 per kg during this period. During the off-season, they are only priced at around RM50 per kg.
Chan also observed a shift in trends, saying that the younger generation is increasingly less inclined to cook for their CNY reunion dinner.
“Instead of selling these types of fish to households, I now mainly supply to restaurants and hotels.
“This change reflects evolving dining habits, with more people opting to dine out or order in.
“They leave traditional home-cooked celebrations behind in favour of more convenient, restaurant-hosted reunion dinners,” he added.
At Cecil Street Market, fishmonger Chng Meng Siang, 39, noted that while many are willing to splurge on premium seafood despite the higher prices, some still prefer more affordable options.
“Right now, medium-sized prawns are plentiful and priced at around RM66 per kg.
“These prawns are a popular choice for Chinese New Year, often served in steamboat dinners.
“The price is expected to remain stable in the days leading up to the holiday, but may decrease after the festive week,” he said.
Chng also highlighted other popular seafood choices for reunion dinners, such as the grouper and large Chinese pomfret.
He said groupers are priced at RM50 to RM55 per kg, while a 600g to 800g Chinese pomfret can cost about RM150.
Chicken trader Lai Kean Seang, 53, said the chicken supply would remain sufficient and prices stable, with standard chicken priced at RM9.40 per kg.
“Ayam kampung is slightly more expensive during the festive period, costing RM25 per kg compared with the usual RM22 per kg.”
Meanwhile, businessman Jason Chua, 45, said he had bought jumbo prawns as early as December last year for the CNY reunion dinner.
“At that time, the price of big prawns was still affordable at RM60 per kg. I bought them early and stored them in my big fridge at -18°C.
“As long as they’re packed properly, the prawns can stay fresh for a longer period,” he said.
Chua said cooking at home for the reunion dinner is much more cost-effective, especially for dishes like steamboat or poon choy, which aren’t difficult to prepare.
“Ordering poon choy at a restaurant can cost at least RM400, but if you buy the ingredients early, the cost of preparing homemade poon choy is only around RM150.
“We can cook it ourselves and take our time savouring the food.
“What is important is having a good freezer and knowing how to pack food for freezing to preserve the quality,” he said.
Poon choy is a traditional Cantonese dish often enjoyed during Chinese New Year and other special occasions. It is particularly popular in Hong Kong and southern China.
This one-pot feast features a layered combination of various ingredients, typically served in a large basin or clay pot, making it a festive and communal dining experience. - Star

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