Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown London, are the largest in the world outside of China. Located in the heart of the West End, spanning across 11 streets, including Gerrard St, Wardour St and Lisle St – Chinatown London is the capital’s window into East and Southeast Asia with over 50 restaurants, bars, shops, and businesses.
Experience traditional celebrations, feast on celebratory delicacies and come together for this special time of year.
The Year of the Dragon
The dragon is unique because it is the only mythical creature of all the animals in the Chinese zodiac. Unlike the dragons found in Western culture, Chinese dragons are gentle, friendly, and wise. Depicted as benevolent figures in mythical dragon drawings, it is easy to understand why the beautiful Chinese dragons were loved and worshipped.
Much of the Chinese dragon symbolism and mythology is tied to a specific colour. The Chinese dragon colours are significant to their power and can be used as good luck symbols and support for manifesting goals. This year marks the year of the green dragon – representing a time for new beginnings, fresh starts and the potential for growth/progress. The colour green can be seen as a metaphor for life and vitality, just as plants need water, sunlight and nutrients to flourish, so we need to nourish our minds, body and spirit to achieve our full potential.
Chinese New Year in Chinatown London
From 10-24 February, London will take to the streets to celebrate Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year (CNY). The annual Chinese New Year parade will take place on Sunday 11 February across the West End, and to support the spectacle, Chinatown London will host a number of stalls on Gerrard Place and Newport Court, as well as lion dancing and of course, there are plenty of places to stop off for a Chinese New Year feast throughout the 15 day celebration period.
Join in celebrating CNY in Chinatown with our pick of the best food, drink and experiences:
Celebratory dishes and delicacies
Throughout the CNY period, restaurants across Chinatown London will be serving celebratory dishes, each with their own traditional symbolism over the festive period, as well as limited edition creations.
Jiaozi dumplings
In Northern China, dumplings are traditionally eaten on the eve of Lunar New Year, however most people enjoy this comforting dish throughout the celebratory period. It is believed that the more dumplings you eat during CNY, the more money you will make that year. Jiaozi dumplings especially, are considered to be lucky, due to their boat-like shape resembling Chinese Ingots. Chow down some delicious dumplings at Dumplings’ Legend, Tao Tao Ju, China Modern or Orient London – the perfect dish to share!
Nian Gao
As with most Chinese dishes, the north and south have different variations of the iconic Nian Gao (also known as Chinese New Year cake) – though it’s always a sticky-sweet cake prepared from glutinous rice. Chinese families will buy or make this treat for their CNY celebrations, in the hopes of having a better year ahead. It’s also a popular gift to give when visiting family and friends during the festivities. Tuck into this sweet treat at the Chinatown Bakery, Sakurado and Four Seasons.
Tangyuan
Tangyuan, also known as ‘soup ball’, is associated with reunion and family togetherness. This is a celebratory dish, particularly popular in Southern China and is made from glutinous rice flour and served in boiling water or sweet syrup, with many fillings – sweet and savoury. Try for yourself at sweet spot Candy Cafe or choose from a selection of flavours at See Woo to enjoy at home with loved ones.
Lobster
A popular delicacy for CNY family feasts, lobster is a staple dish. In Chinese culture, lobsters are thought to resemble dragons, which are a significant symbol during the festivities. When cooked, they turn red which is known as the colour of luck. Head to Plum Valley for their delicious braised lobster with ginger and spring onions, savour fresh steamed lobster at Lotus Garden and lobster with chilli sauce at Haozhan.
Chicken
Chicken is a homonym – in Chinese, the pronunciation of ‘Chicken’ 鸡/jī/ is similar to ‘Luck’吉 /jí/. As such, chicken dishes are very popular and are usually served on the eve of CNY for dinner, one of the most important meals over the fortnight’s celebrations. Chicken feet are said to help you grasp onto wealth, whilst the wings help you to fly higher and the bones represent achievement. Enjoy an array of delicious chicken dishes including C&R cafe’s Hainanese chicken rice, New China’s Lemon Chicken and Cantonese chicken buns at Bun House.
Whole Fish
An indispensable guest at the CNY dinner table, the fish, represents a whole and healthy family. Traditionally the centrepiece of the table and eaten across Chinatown London during the festivities, fish also symbolises an increase in prosperity. When served, the fish should be placed with the head facing towards the distinguished guests. Both Golden Phoenix and Jin Li serve a delectable whole steamed seabass with ginger and spring onions
Noodles
Noodles are a staple of all Chinese diets, but at Lunar New Year they get a little bit, well, longer! Longevity noodles are considered the key to a long and healthy life. Kung Fu Noodle is the first live hand-pulled noodle concept within Chinatown London. With a menu of moreish noodle soups and dishes from Gansu province in Northwest China. Leong’s Legend offers a moreish Beef Noodle Soup, a popular delicacy on the streets of Taipei, whilst
Yu Sheng
A unique “lucky” staple of the Singaporean celebrations of CNY, Yu Sheng salad is a symbolic sharing dish to bring longevity, peace and prosperity. The ritual of eating Yu Sheng is very important in itself. Families and friends gather around the dining table and toss the ingredients into the air with chopsticks, whilst shouting out auspicious wishes to usher in prosperity for the New Year. Set yourself down at Rasa Sayang to experience this fresh, vibrant dish.
Things to do together
Get into the spirit and get together with loved ones and family to enjoy the celebrations…
Continue the festivities at home and pick up authentic ingredients to recreate your favourite CNY dishes. Check out specialist Asian supermarkets including New Loon Moon and Oseyo and browse the towering shelves of ESEA produce and you can even pick up traditional red envelopes to give to someone special.
Raise a glass and toast to the year ahead! Step inside 1920s Shanghai themed Opium and sip on deliciously, luxurious cocktails or head upstairs at Speedboat Bar and enjoy ice cold beers and whisky sodas whilst shooting a game of pool.
