Foodies across Dubai are in for a treat this Lunar New Year as the city’s top restaurants are serving up authentic flavours and festive dining experiences from feasts of fortune to specially curated Asian menus. 

 

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the celebrations offer food lovers an opportunity to indulge in specially curated menus and authentic flavours at some of the city’s top eateries - from Michelin-starred restaurants to beloved homegrown concepts and every bite in between.

 

This is the perfect opportunity for Dubai residents and visitors to embark on unforgettable culinary adventures that cater to every taste during this vibrant celebration, be it exquisite fine dining or lively family feasts.

 

Dubai Mall Fountain Views’ premier Chinese restaurant Tang Town celebrates the spirit of the Lunar New Year with an opulent dining experience until 12 February. Exquisitely crafted menus, ranging from AED1,988 to AED20,888, have been specially designed to cater to both intimate gatherings and large family celebrations.

 

Michelin-starred dining takes centre stage at Hakkasan Dubai at Atlantis, The Palm with a limited-edition, 9-course dinner menu featuring the finest Cantonese dishes until 12 February, priced at AED738 per person. This exclusive offering experience will be paired with traditional lion dance performances on 29 January. 

 

Andy Toh, Executive Chef, commented: “In celebration of China’s most important festival of the year, Hakkasan Dubai welcomes the Lunar New Year with a limited-edition menu that features ingredients deeply embedded in Chinese culture, like Nian Gao—a sticky rice cake symbolising continuous improvement, whether in stature, status, or success. To add to the celebrations, a traditional custom of the Chinese New Year is hanging wishes on a ‘wishing tree’ to bring good luck, prosperity, and success.”

 

For an immersive dining experience, foodies can savour celebrity chef Alvin Leung's innovative Asian cuisine at Demon Duck at Banyan Tree Dubai on Bluewaters Island. Guests can enjoy a specially curated dinner menu priced at AED620 until 2 February, and immerse themselves into the festive spirit with traditional Chinese décor and electrifying Lion Dance performances on 28 and 29 January. 

 

Commenting on the celebrations, Chef Alvin said: “This Lunar New Year, we’re honouring traditions with a menu that celebrates togetherness and prosperity, reimagined through the bold and innovative flavours of Demon Duck Dubai. With key ingredients like longevity noodles for a wish of long life and mandarin oranges for good luck, we’ve designed every dish and drink to tell a story of celebration. At Demon Duck, we’re not just serving a meal; we’re creating an immersive Lunar New Year experience filled with flavour, culture, and unforgettable moments.”

 

Diners can celebrate the festive season with special Cantonese dishes and Chinese-inspired entertainment at XU, located within Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates. The celebration runs until 30 January, from 7pm to 1am, promising an evening filled with flavors and festivity. 

 

Head Chef Lai Min Wei said: "Chinese New Year is a time of great cultural significance, where we celebrate family, prosperity, and the continuation of cherished traditions. As a Cantonese restaurant, it is our responsibility to honour these traditions authentically and offer our guests an immersive taste of the celebrations. What we hope guests take away from this celebration is more than just a wonderful meal – we want them to feel a deep connection to the traditions, to one another, and to the shared hopes we’re all carrying into the new year."

 

Hutong in DIFC features an exclusive menu of authentic dishes until 2 February, paired with cultural entertainment like dazzling Lion Dance performances, rhythmic Chinese drumming, and a live DJ on 28 January. The festivities start nightly from 6pm. Noting the significance of the celebrations and the inspiration behind the festive menu, Chef Ren Dingxu said: “For me, the Lunar New Year is a spiritual cleansing and a rebirth. It is more than just a milestone; it is a precious moment to reunite with family, reflect on the past, and look forward to the future. Every firecracker that bursts, every dish that is served, carries profound blessings and hopes. To me, the Lunar New Year is a time to redefine myself and embrace my dreams anew.”

 

Shanghai ME in DIFC unveils a bespoke menu crafted by Executive Chef Yukitaka Kitade, available until 15 February. On 29 January, guests will be treated to an immersive experience with Guzheng performances, dynamic drummers, and live entertainment from 11pm onwards.

 

Jumeirah Mina Al Salam’s award-winning Chinese restaurant Zheng He’s welcomes diners to celebrate the Lunar New Year with an exclusive menu available until 9 February. Specially curated by Head Chef Wong Lian You, the dishes blend authentic Chinese flavours with a festive twist. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere will be traditional Lion Dance performances on 28 and 29 January, set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Guests can complete their experience with a decadent flourish by indulging in limited-edition cakes from the acclaimed Margaux pastry boutique.

 

A "Feast of Fortune" is waiting to be discovered at Tenggara, located at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel with dishes starting at just AED35, served daily from 12pm to 12am until 12 February. Chef Francis Chang, Asian Head Chef, notes: “Under the enchanting theme of A Feast of Fortune, our meticulously crafted menu features an exquisite range of flavours designed to delight and bring good fortune. The menu incorporates ingredients with deep cultural significance—fish for abundance, oyster sauce for prosperity, mushrooms for longevity, ginger for health, and the traditional Nian Gao dessert symbolises growth and family unity.”

 

In addition to these standout experiences, diners can also celebrate the Lunar New Year at Al Dana, A.O.C Restaurant, Blue Jade, Barfly by Buddha Bar, Gardenia, Hawkerboi, Local Waterfront, Sumibiya China Club & Yum, Toshi, and Vyne Business Bay, each offering festive menus and immersive dining experiences that make these festivities truly unforgettable. – TradeArabia News Service