Chinese New Year is on the horizon. On Saturday February 10, celebrations for the Lunar New Year, as it is also known, will take place across the world. As you’d expect, Dubai’s Chinese restaurants are planning some serious feasts, while some of Dubai’s top family destinations will be celebrating with parties and parades as well. So here’s where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Dubai.
Demon Duck
Dinner outside at Demon Duck Credit: SuppliedBring in the year of the dragon at one of the restaurants shortlisted for best Chinese restaurant in Dubai. An exclusive five-course tasting menu by celebrity chef Alvin Lueng will cost diners Dhs520 per person at the Banyan Tree Dubai spot. A dragon dance – symbol of wisdom, power and wealth believed to bring good fortune – is the highlight of the festivities as the restaurant transforms itself for the lunar new year. Highlights on the menu include hot and sour lobster soup, 48-hour beef short ribs with kalbi sauce, and slow-roasted Demon Duck in lettuce wraps.Dhs520 per person. Fri Feb 9 – Sun 18 Feb (tasting menu), Fri Feb 9 – Sat Feb 10 for entertainment. 6pm – midnight. Banyan Tree Dubai. (04 556 6466), guestservice-dubai@banyantree.com.
Eauzone
Eauzone Credit: SuppliedA Chinese New Year feast is on offer at Eauzone in the Arabian Court at the One&Only Royal Mirage. For Dhs388 per person, guests can enjoy a shared menu of Chinese delicacies in a picturesque setting. The menu will include fresh seafood and the customary prosperity toss –a traditional lunar new year raw fish salad called Yusheng considered to be a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor. Dhs388 per person (excludes beverages). Fri Feb 9 – Sat Feb 10. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina. (04 315 2412), restaurants@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae.
Hakkasan
From Friday February 9 until Saturday February 24, Cantonese restaurant, Hakkasan Dubai is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with a limited-edition menu featuring new dishes, a festive mixed drink and a special dessert created just for the occasion. Plus, there will be a unique lion dance for Saturday February 10 February to commemorate the coming year. As a traditional custom of the Chinese New Year, you’ll find a ‘wishing tree’ to bring you good luck, prosperity, and success. The menu features a lobster salad, smoked eight treasure duck and ‘wishes of prosperity’ dim sum. Dhs788 (per person). Fri Feb 9-Sat Feb 24, 6pm-11.45pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 2626).
Hutong
Credit: HutongHutong Dubai welcomes the Year of the Dragon in style with special festive Chinese New Year dishes available on Friday February 9 and Saturday February 10. The restaurant is another to have made Time Out’s shortlist of the best Chinese restaurants in the emirate. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in festive dishes, including the flaming peking duck or the lobster lao he. A colourful festive dim sum will also be served. Entertainment will include a dragon show and the mystique of the face changing mask.Dhs288 (soft drinks) Dhs448 per person (house beverages). Feb 9 -10, brunch 12.30pm – 4pm, dinner 6pm-11.30pm. Gate Building 6, DIFC Dubai (04 220 0868)
LAH LAH
Credit: SuppliedPan-Asian restaurant LAH LAH at Zabeel House The Greens will have a special brunch celebration on Saturday February 10. A dragon dance performance and a DJ will get the party going from 7.30pm until 10pm on the big day. Chinese classics including Beijing crispy duck and chicken wontons are on their special celebratory menu until Friday February 16. A variety of packages are on offer starting from Dhs250 with soft beverages. Dhs250 per person (soft drinks), Dhs345 per person (house drinks), Dhs365 per person (sparkling package). Sat Feb 10 (performance), Sat Feb 10-Fri Feb 16 (menu). Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Sheikh Zayed Road. (04 519 1111). lahlah@jumeirah.com.