Traditional Chinese restaurants in the Netherlands are reportedly struggling with increased competition from other cuisines, long working hours and difficulty finding successors. Customers are choosing alternatives such as sushi and teppanyaki, while younger family members are often pursuing education and other careers instead of taking over their parents’ businesses. Sociologist Jan Rath of the University of Amsterdam said the market had become saturated and that Dutch restaurants were also serving more Asian dishes.

At the annual trade fair of the Association of Chinese Cafeteria Entrepreneurs in Hilversum, business owners discussed ways to make their companies more resilient, including healthier products, takeaway services and more specialized menus. Some entrepreneurs are changing their operations to require fewer staff or to no longer depend on Chinese chefs. Rath said there was still a market for Chinese restaurants, although he expected them to become more specialized and less focused on fast snacks.