Tag: Chinese New Year

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Melbourne

Lunar New Year at NGV is back, and trust us, you don’t want to miss this vibrant celebration packed with culture, delicious food, performances, and fun activities for all ages. Mark your calendars for Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February 2025, when NGV International will be buzzing with energy to welcome the Year of the Snake. With free events spread over two days, it’s basically impossible to leave without feeling inspired—or at least full from all the incredible eats. Chef and restauranteur Victor Liong, a shining star of Melbourne’s culinary scene and the genius behind Lee Ho Fook, has crafted a menu for the occasion so good it’ll ruin all other meals for you. Think Kashgari cumin lamb skewers, dumplings, five spiced duck sausage rolls, jasmine tea cream choux puffs… and we’re just getting started. Lee Ho Fook, by the way, is no small fry—it’s got two Chef’s Hats and is consistently ranked among Victoria’s top restaurants. Oh, and HSBC is sponsoring this bespoke menu, too. Fancy. Victor Liong will also join food writer and TV presenter Jennifer Wong in a fascinating culinary discussion for Lunar New Year. They’ll mix tradition with modern flair, serving up an insightful conversation on how food symbolizes prosperity and connection while sharing personal stories about family and heritage. Bonus for the audience? Complimentary loose-leaf tea from Lee Ho Fook to sip on at home. Yes, please. If you’ve got little ones in tow, keep them happy with an illustrative workshop hosted by artist Yiwon Park. Kids will decorate Korean… Read More

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Style at the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Mahjong Club

To welcome the Year of The Wood Dragon with flair, renowned Sydney chef Dan Hong and Crazy Rich Asians actor Remy Hii have teamed up for a modern take on the traditional tile game at the exclusive Johnnie Walker Blue Label Mahjong Club. On Saturday, February 17th, the iconic duo will transform Merivale’s Bridge Street landmark, Est., into a vibrant space for Sydneysiders to immerse themselves in the festive spirit of Lunar New Year. Guests will have the opportunity to try their hand at mahjong under the guidance of a local master, while indulging in a specially curated menu featuring Hong’s fusion flair and unique Johnnie Walker Blue Label-infused cocktails. In the beautifully designed blue-washed environment, combining Est.’s classic architecture with contemporary Chinese elements, Hong will delight attendees with six delectable bite-sized dishes. These include king crab and scallop potsticker dumplings, rock lobster bao with ginger and shallot, prawn toast with otoro tuna belly and finger lime, as well as a tantalizing hot and numbing wagyu skewer. Additionally, guests can savor a modern twist on longevity noodles with the chilled truffled noodle topped with caviar, and end the meal with Hong’s rendition of a Hong Kong-style warm egg tart. To complement the culinary delights and enhance the flavors of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, renowned mixologist Jonathan Liu has crafted three distinct cocktails infused with popular Asian flavors. Highball enthusiasts can enjoy the Hi-Prosperity, featuring notes of ginger, yuzu, and chrysanthemum. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the Blue Wishes, a cocktail infused with… Read More

Celebrate Chinese New Year’s ‘Year of the Rabbit’ in Sydney & Melbourne

The Year of the Rabbit ?? symbolises longevity, positivity, auspiciousness, wittiness, cautiousness, cleverness, deftness and self-protection. So, why not ring it in by eating like a Ming Dynasty king around Sydney? There are countless options on offer for Chinese nationals, friends and families and their friends and family from locally and abroad, which is great, because if Chinese New Year is about one thing: it’s about eating a lot, making a lot of noise (refer Chinese dragons!) and bringing in the new year with generosity, friendliness and good times. Here’s a round up of a few options around town to add to your diaries. Chinese New Year in Sydney Sokyo’s prosperity lobster The Star Sydney will illuminate itself with opulence and colourful activities to delight the senses during the Festival of Abundance, a two-week long Lunar New Year celebration of food and art, from Saturday January 21 st to Sunday February 5th. Ringing in the Year of the Rabbit, The Star Sydney’s signature restaurants will each offer dishes created from the finest ingredients that have cultural significance to the Lunar New Year, bringing diners good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead. Australia’s most expensive sashimi platter will be served up by Sokyo’s skilled chefs, sure to satisfy seafood lovers. The stunning $888 “Prosperity” lobster sashimi platter is packed with twelve kinds of fish and lobster, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Aria – Seven-course tasting menu Aria’s limited-edition tasting menu showcases prestige ingredients to match their unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour. The Lunar… Read More