Celebrate Chinese New Year at one of these top London restaurants

The year of the pig begins on 5 February 2019, so make sure you celebrate the coming of spring in a fittingly porky manner at one of these great Asian eateries.

Chinese New Year is a spring festival celebrated around the world. This year, it takes place on 5 February, with celebrations normally beginning the day before and lasting until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the year.

In London, the main events will happen in Chinatown, the West End and Trafalgar Square on 10 February. Make sure you take a break in your celebrations and sample one of these top restaurants

Try something new at Duddell’s

From 1–13 February, you can order a ‘family-style’ celebratory spread at glamorous Duddell’s in London Bridge, which includes truffle-roasted black cod, and truffle and scallop egg white fried rice. If you’re in town on 5 February, you’ll even be able to enjoy a performance from traditional Chinese dragon dancers while you eat.

Want to fully embrace the occasion? Tuck into sea cucumber. The Asian delicacy is one of the centrepieces of the Lunar New Year menu at Duddell’s.

Duddell’s is a well-known restaurant in Hong Kong (it attracts an arty and stylish crowd) and theGrade II listed St Thomas Church in London is its first international home. Its high ceilings, dramatic windows and modern chandeliers set the scene for a grand feast.

9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

Make a wish at Hakkasan

Michelin-starred Hakkasan has produced the capital’s most exclusive fortune cookies. The restaurant asked novelist and food critic Will Self to write 88 witty and thoughtful messages on the ribbons placed around its macarons. You can try one if you visit either of its two London outposts between 28 January and 24 February for its Chinese New Year menu. Dishes include crispy suckling pig with sticky rice, wok-fried lobster with spinach and lily bulb, and Rhug estate lamb with shiitake – a tick list of luxury dining that includes exotic flavours, succulent meats and photo-worthy presentation.

Hakkasan is one of London’s culinary hotspots – sophisticated, talked about and award-winning. This makes it a go-to option for those out to impress. Make sure you arrive early to try a cocktail at its 16m bar (we love the Hakkatini), and – this being Chinese New Year – don’t leave before adding your own wish to the ribbons hung around the restaurant during the festive period.

Hakkasan, Hanway Place, W1T 1HD
Hakkasan Mayfair, 17 Bruton St, Mayfair, London W1J 6QB

Dynamite dim sum at Yauatcha

Dim sum house Yauatcha is having a makeover inspired by the year of the pig. Until 24 February, ceiling installations, illustrations and ornaments by design team Isabel and Helen studio, and inspired by pigs, will be displayed at its two London addresses.

Yauatcha Soho is exactly the kind of sultry basement – complete with a fish tank and backlit tables – that is great for privacy and (hopefully) romance, while Yuatcha City is ideal for groups thanks to its large roof terrace that has a real buzz.

Food-wise, dumplings are its forte and there’s an eight-course menu for this time of year that includes a range of dim sum alongside light bites like Peking-style pulled pork buns. Can’t make it through so much food? This place has a selection of teas that rival any local wine list – from light white peony blends to the full-bodied Mini Tuo Cha Puer cake tea. The latter has a fitting name because people also flock to Yuatcha for its pastries.

Yauatcha Soho, 15-17 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 0DL
Yuatcha City, 1 Broadgate Cir, London EC2M 2QS