WITH almost three weeks to go before the Chinese New Year celebration starts on Feb 1, demand for the popular traditional cookies is increasing amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although the festive atmosphere may be a little muted this year due to the ongoing pandemic, several of the biscuit bakers in Penang have continued to receive orders from their customers.
In a check by Buletin Mutiara, cookies like love letters, pineapple tarts and peanut biscuits, are among the customers’ favourites.
According to La Patisserie de Emilia owner Emily Shung, many customers from Penang and outstation had already placed their orders.
“Some of them were from Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Cameron Highlands.
“The traditional treats are still in demand, but it might be slower compared to previous years.
“For this year, I am accepting only 50 sets of order as I want to maintain the quality of the cookies for my customers’ satisfaction,” she said.
Shung added that only four kinds of signature biscuits were launched.
They were the chocolate chip cookies, French butter cookies, pineapple tarts and almond biscuits.
Yeap Poh Looi, who has been selling traditional treats for about 10 years, said that her business has been relatively slower this year.
“It’s still too early now as last-minute shopping spree will usually occur.
“Most of my customers are my regulars while some of them were recommended by friends.
“There are around 15 types of traditional treats that I have. The most popular types are love letters, peanut biscuits and pineapple tarts,” she said.
Ng Kee Cake Shop owner Loh Mun Loong told Buletin Mutiara that the pace of his business for this year was slower.
“It’s normal due to the pandemic but our orders are still coming in.
“These traditional treats are a must have items during Chinese New Year,” he said when interviewed at his shop in Cintra Street.
Lee Kee San, who is operating his business from his house in Jelutong, said the festive atmosphere was not as merrier as previous years.
“It’s understandable but we are stll receiving orders for Chinese New Year cookies.
“They may not be as much as previous years, but there are still demand for it
despite the rising costs recently,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of interviewees