8 Lucky Best Eats for Chinese New Year

There’s no better way to celebrate the biggest cultural event on the lunar calendar than to eat your way through it, so we’re serving up eight of the tastiest options around town that are sure to fill your tummies with good food and good luck for the coming year!

RED EMPEROR RESTAURANT

Nestled in the heart of the city, overlooking the Yarra River, the Red Emperor is the perfect place to welcome in the Year of the Rooster. On 28 January, the Red Emperor will offer a traditional yum cha and a-la-carte menu for lunch and two dinner sittings – the first at 5.45pm – 7.45pm and the second at 8.00pm – 10.30pm – filled with a sumptuous smorgasbord of culinary delights. Blending old traditions and customs with modern practices, a special not-to-be-missed Lion Dance and Blessing Ceremony will also take place at 8.30pm.

For more information or to book, contact (03) 9699 4170 or [email protected]

EUREKA 89 – ASIAN FUSION DINNER

With its spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Melbourne, Eureka 89 is the highest vantage point for a true celebration of Chinese New Year! Treat yourself to an Asian fusion dinner at this sky-high venue on Wednesday 8 February, featuring a special address from celebrity chef, author and television presenter Elizabeth Chong. For delicious food and memorable views, this has got to be top of the list!

For more information or to book, head to www.eureka89.com.au

THE FOOD TRUCK PARK

Food Truck lovers are in for a treat when The Food Truck Park rolls into Queensbridge Square and Docklands from 27 January – 12 February. Experience Asian street food on a whole new level with rotating trucks like The Hungry Panda, Satay Truck, Chatime Australia and Flying Woks stopping by to celebrate. Indulge amongst the spectacular lighting installations, cultural performances and family-friendly activities of the biggest cultural celebration of the year!

For more information, head to https://thefoodtruckpark.com.au/2017/chinese-new-year-2017/

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

Another great spot for the foodie fan in you is the Queen Victoria Market! From 27 January – 12 February, this vibrant inner-city market that we all know as the heart and soul of Melbourne will be bustling with traditional performances from local and international acts, mythical creatures and messages of prosperity from the Hongbao wishing wall. Plus, go into the lucky draw for the chance to win prizes and special offers like a hot air balloon flight over Melbourne. And if that isn’t enough, Elizabeth Chong will also be dropping in on 28 January to give a live cooking demonstration!

For more information, head to http://www.qvm.com.au/event/lunar-new-year/

SEA LIFE

Did someone say dumpling station? Welcome in the Year of the Rooster with a cocktail on arrival and canapes in hand at Sea Life Melbourne from 28 January – 4 February between 6pm – 10pm. Amongst all the dragon dancing performances and spectacular fireworks, feast on the cultural fare coming from the dumpling station and indulge in the unlimited drinks.

For more information or to book, head to www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/functions.

CHINATOWN – ASIAN DELIGHTS

Don’t miss the cultural extravaganza taking place in Melbourne’s Chinatown! Quality hawker stalls and produce stores will run up Russell Street on 29 January for family and friends to explore. Perfect if you can’t quite decide what you want to feast on or if you just want to eat it all! Stick around and meet the Gods of Prosperity and roving performers that will take to the streets of Chinatown at twilight too.

For more information, head to http://melbournechinesenewyear.com/?portfolio=asian-offerings

SECRET KITCHEN AND RAMEN BANKARA – CHINESE NEW YEAR’S EVE FEAST

Secret Kitchen and Ramen Bankara have teamed up to deliver the feast of all feasts on Chinese New Year’s Eve! Honour the Year of the Rooster in a special outdoor a-la-carte dining experience in the heart of Chinatown. Hosted by Secret Kitchen and Ramen Bankara, the dining experience will have you salivating over a wide range of seafood dishes, including oodles and oodles of ramen and dumplings! Count down to the New Year and catch the epic fireworks too.

For more information or to book, contact (03) 9988 7778.

MAN MO – CHINESE NEW YEAR’S EVE LUNCH

The candlelit temple-style restaurant that is Man Mo will also be hosting a banquet of sorts on Chinese New Year’s Eve. Perched on the banks of Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River, Man Mo offers fine dining with both traditional and modern dishes inspired from the cooking styles of Chinese culture. Menu items on the night include Peking duck (not the singing kind!), crab claw, king prawns and copious amounts of special fried rice.

For more information or to book, contact (03) 9077 9598.

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And there you have it! If you prefer to keep the tradition at home, why not whip up a feast of your own lucky cuisine? Make sure you have all the cooking essentials, including a selection of fresh Asian produce, delicious AYAM products and a juicy Luv – A – Duck for good health. It’s the blueprint for the ultimate oriental feast on Chinese New Year’s Eve!

Also, for some quick and easy recipes from Festival Ambassador Lee Chan, take a look here.