Pork is out and ducks are in for this Chinese New Year, as price hikes deny ancestors their annual offerings of pork.
As Chiang Mai’s Chinese residents gear up for next week’s Chinese New Year, the regular brisk sale of pork has been noticeably absent this year.
Ribs, belly and loin, which was selling at 550 baht per kg last year is now on sale at 700 baht per kg. Duck is at 450 baht per kg and chicken 300 baht per kg, both far more affordable, especially in these hard economic times.
“This is the most expensive pork I have experienced in decades.” Said one vendor in Warorot Market to CityNews. “My sales have dropped by 50% when compared to last year. However, last year I had 500 ducks pre ordered at this time leading up to the new year, whereas this year it has gone up to 800 ducks.”
Warorot is currently bustling as Chinese residents are preparing for the Chinese New Year on the 1st February.