Celebrate the Lunar New Year by dining at these recommended spots:
Explore the vibrant flavours of Manhattan this Chinese New Year with a selection of restaurants offering special menus to mark the occasion. From contemporary Chinese eateries to traditional Cantonese cuisine, there's something for every taste bud.
Kick off your celebrations at Hunan Slurp East Village, located at 112 1st Ave., where they are serving Mao's Braised Pork and Pepper Stir Fried with Berkshire Pork, topped with a pan-fried egg, for the Year of the Pig. This contemporary Chinese eatery, which opened last May, is a great spot to experience modern Chinese cuisine.
In the East Village, Little Tong, 177 1st Ave., is another noteworthy option. Their Chinese New Year menu features Truffle Sangjimudu (crispy pork soup dumplings with truffles), Char Siu Baby Back Ribs, and Wild Mushroom and Sausage Mixian. The latter is a delightful mix of chanterelle, pioppino, and nebrodini mushrooms, Chinese sausage, smoked pancetta, sunchoke chips, and edible flowers.
For those who prefer hot pot, Tang Hot Pot offers an array of ingredients such as Prime Rib Eye, Tiger Prawns, Chinese Yam, Rainbow Dumplings, and more. Don't forget to indulge in their dessert options like Rice Ball in Sweet Fermented Rice Wine or Sticky Rice Dumplings Filled with Black Sesame during the Chinese New Year.
The Corner Chinese in Hell’s Kitchen is a great spot to celebrate with authentic flavours. They offer generous portions and high-quality ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a festive meal. Their menu includes Peking Imperial and West Lake beef soup, among other dishes.
Uncle Lou in Chinatown serves family-style Cantonese cuisine, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for a shared meal among friends and family. Their menu includes classic dishes like roast duck and steamed fish.
Lei Chinatown, near the historic Nom Wah Tea Parlor, offers a modern twist on Chinese American cuisine. Dishes like Lady Edison Jin Hua ham and hand-rolled cat’s ear noodles with cumin lamb provide unique flavours to celebrate the New Year differently.
Atlas Kitchen, an Upper West Side newcomer, is collaborating with artist Qui Anxiong for a Chinese New Year menu from February 5-21. The menu features inventive dishes such as Coral Lobster with Salted Duck Egg and Grilled Quail with Cumin.
MáLà Project is offering a special "15 Days of Celebration" menu for the Chinese New Year at their East Village and Midtown locations. The East Village location rotates their offerings every day during the Chinese New Year period.
Lastly, Little Alley, a restaurant specializing in Shanghainese flavors, is showcasing Dungeness Crab with Salted Duck Egg, Cheese Baked Lobster, and Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple from January 31 to February 10.
Remember, while specific Chinese New Year special menus are not always explicitly listed, these restaurants are known for their quality Chinese cuisine in Manhattan and are likely to offer festive dishes or specials around the holiday. For the most accurate and updated specials, contacting the restaurants directly or visiting their official websites ahead of the celebration would be advisable.
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated from February 5 to February 19 this year. Whether you're looking for traditional flavours or a modern twist, Manhattan's restaurants have something to offer for everyone to enjoy this festive occasion.
Embark on a cultural-travel experience as you venture through Manhattan's vibrant food-and-drink scene during Chinese New Year. Explore the East Village's Lei Chinatown, known for its modern Chinese American cuisine with unique dishes to mark the occasion.
After a delicious meal, continue your travel by visiting Uncle Lou's in Chinatown, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for a shared family-style Cantonese meal. Embrace the rich cultural-travel experiences Manhattan's restaurants have to offer this Chinese New Year.
