23rd January 2012
Chinese New Year 2012
New Year’s resolutions not going so well? Winter wearing you down? Chinese New Year, which starts on Monday 23rd Jan and welcomes the beginning of spring in the Far East, acts as a cheery lantern among these dark January days.
2012 is The Year of the Dragon, a particularly fortuitous figure in the Chinese zodiac calendar. The only fictional creature in the calendar, in Chinese mythology Dragons are associated with celestial power and authority, and are deliverers of good fortune and prosperity.
Everything associated with Chinese New Year is meant to reflect good fortune and positive affirmations, and the clean, zinging flavours, crisp textures and beautiful colours found in good Chinese food lend themselves to resolutions of healthy eating, and a revitalised lifestyle.
London’s Chinatown hosts the biggest celebration of Chinese New Year outside China. Sample some top tastes of China and be part of the action by grabbing a table at some of The Good Food Guide’s Far Eastern favourites:
- Yauatcha, 15-17 Broadwick Street , for high end dim sum, exquisite desserts and heady teas
- Haozhan, 8 Gerrard Street, for a modern oriental menu that combines fusion dishes with traditional favourites
- Bar Shu, 28 Frith Street, a red-hot Szechuan trailblazer spread over three floors
or the failsafe Mr Kong, 21 Lisle Street, with its regionally eclectic menu that scores plenty of hits.
If you’d rather escape the hustle and bustle of Soho’s festival crowds, head to menu-free Hunan on Chelsea’s Pimlico Road; once you’ve discussed preferences and a budget simply put your trust in chef Michael Peng who creates feasts inspired by China’s diverse regional cuisines. Alternatively the longstanding Mandarin Palace in Gants Hill still gives Chinatown establishments a run for their money. A new entry in the 2012 Guide, Taipan in Milton Keynes has the best dim sum for miles. Further north, the Guide recommends the Orchid Restaurant in Harrogate which serves authentic pan-Asian cuisine and is currently offering a special Chinese New Year menu.
So whether it’s with a delicious meal or by channelling the spirit of the Dragon, let Chinese New Year be the perfect excuse to invigorate your palate and your life. Kung Hei Fat Choy!*
* Roughly translated as: wishing you good fortune and happiness!
Got any recommendations for other Chinese restaurants, or want to tell us about a meal you had at any of the above? Send us your feedback today!