Tue Jan 28 13:50:27 UTC 2025: ## Chennai’s Kim Ling Restaurant Celebrates 28 Years and the Year of the Snake

**CHENNAI, INDIA (January 28, 2025)** – Kim Ling, a beloved Indo-Chinese restaurant in Chennai’s Anna Nagar, celebrated Chinese New Year’s Eve with a traditional ceremony, marking not only the start of the Year of the Snake but also the restaurant’s 28th anniversary. Owners Susan and Julie Lama, along with brother-in-law Peter Lama, performed a small puja, offering prayers for a prosperous year. The ceremony included traditional offerings such as candles, port wine, and various foods, alongside the distribution of *hóngbāo* (red envelopes containing lucky money).

The Lama family, originally from China, arrived in India in the 1930s, establishing businesses in beauty and hospitality before opening Kim Ling in Chetpet and later relocating to Anna Nagar in 1997. The restaurant, known for its popular dishes like dragon chicken and momos, has become a Chennai institution, witnessing the city’s dramatic transformation over the years. The family expressed gratitude for the consistent support of the Chennai community and its evolving culinary scene.

While some traditions, like annual staff picnics and dragon dances, have faded, the family continues to uphold core celebrations, gathering for a family dinner featuring dumplings and roast meat on Chinese New Year. Despite adapting to the changing city, the Lamas have retained Kim Ling’s traditional charm, creating a welcoming atmosphere for generations of Chennai residents. The restaurant’s enduring success is a testament to its delicious food, warm hospitality, and the family’s deep roots in the city.

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