Welcome the Year of the Dragon on Saturday, 10 February.
In Chinese culture, the Year of the Dragon holds a place of majesty and power. Marked by the celestial creature of myth and legend, this year is believed to be imbued with an energy of ambition, innovation, and success. With that in mind, here are 14 of the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year in Dubai.
Buddha-Bar Dubai
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with at the renowned Buddha-Bar, situated within Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai. Indulge in a special edition of the popular ‘Buddha-Bar Nights’ evening, featuring a free-flowing sharing-style menu inclusive of house beverages. The celebration embraces a red décor theme, symbolising the Year of the Dragon, accompanied by an unforgettable show. Anticipate an evening filled with captivating performances by the resident DJ and dancers, and a menu of Aburi Seabass Sushi, Roasted Duck with Hoisin Sauce, and Wagyu Beef Short Rib. Saturday, 10 February from 8pm. AED 788 per person.
GO: Call 04 317 6556 for reservations and more information.
Demon Duck
Chef Alvin Leung’s culinary hotspot at Banyan Tree Dubai will mark the Year of the Dragon with a five-course tasting menu complemented by a traditional dragon dance. Indulge in a symphony of flavours with offerings such as Dragon Beard Dumplings, Hot & Sour Lobster Soup, Lo Hei Salmon Slaw, and the signature Slow-Roasted Demon Duck served with lettuce wraps, calamari buns, and CNY sauce. The menu further entices with 48-hour Beef Short Ribs with kalbi sauce, Lobster featuring green onion & ginger, Lo Hon Mixed Vegetables, and Stir-Fry Long Life Noodles with mushrooms. Culminating the feast on a sweet note is the irresistible Crepe Flambe served with mandarin and coconut ice cream. Available from 9 to 18 February. AED 520 per person.
GO: Call 04 556 6466 for reservations and more information.
Hakkasan Dubai
Hakkasan Dubai invites diners to usher in the Year of the Dragon with a limited-edition menu. The eight-course menu include a lobster salad with nashi pear created by Hakkasan Dubai’s Executive Chef Andy Toh; a smoked eight treasure duck from Hakkasan Abu Dhabi; the ‘Wishes of Prosperity’ dim sum from Hakkasan Riyadh; and a claypot Galician seabass with spring onion and pepper from Hakkasan Shanghai. The meal concludes on a sweet note with the ‘Auspicious Dragon’, a cayenne chocolate mousse paired with a spicy raspberry compote and salted streusel. Available from 9 to 24 February. AED 788 per person.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
Hutong
Hutong Dubai welcomes diners to immerse themselves in a celebration of flavours and festivities this Chinese New Year. The restaurant in DIFC will offer an array of exclusive a la carte dishes, specially crafted cocktails, and captivating entertainment. Delight in the Chinese New Year Dim Sum Platter (AED 228), Five Spices with Foie Gras (AED 198), Flaming Peking Duck (AED 548) and Lobster Lao He (AED 428). Complementing these exclusive dishes is the Long Wang (Dragon King) cocktail. As the sun sets on 9 February, an enchanting evening awaits with a live DJ, Dragon Show, and the mystique of Face Changing Mask. The Chinese New Year menu is available from 9 to 11 February, from 12pm to 12:45am.
GO: Visit www.hutong-dubai.com for reservations and more information.
LAO
Indulge in a Lunar New Year Extravaganza at LAO, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s acclaimed Asian restaurant. Chef de Cuisine Bayu Fidiyanto has skillfully crafted a Chinese New Year’s night brunch, promising a traditional Chinese Lion Dance performance and festive giveaways, including Chinese fortune cookies and hand fans. February 9, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. AED 270 (food only), AED 350 (soft beverages), AED 495 (house beverages) and AED 175 (children aged six to 11 years).
GO: Visit www.hilton.com for reservations and more information.
Ladurée
Embracing the spirit of the Year of the Dragon, the luxury French patisserie brand Ladurée has unveiled a limited-edition eight-piece macaron collection. Renowned for its mastery of macarons, Ladurée’s specially curated selection is presented in a box adorned in auspicious shades of red and gold. These colours, symbolising fortune and blessings, form a visually captivating masterpiece that pays homage to the cultural significance of the Chinese New Year. Guests can customise their macarons with an assortment of flavours at branches across Dubai, including Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Nakheel Mall. AED 150.
GO: Visit www.laduree.ae for reservations and more information.
Long Yin
Prepare to usher in the Year of the Dragon at Long Yin in Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. Immerse yourself in a buffet that will guide you through the rich culinary heritage of China. Diners will witness Chef George showcase his expertise in preparing handmade stir-fried noodles. Live cooking and barbecue stations on the promenade terrace promise an array of traditional dishes, with the Peking Duck taking centre stage. Friday, 9 February from 7pm to midnight. AED 325 (soft beverages), AED 425 (house beverages) and AED 165 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Visit www.longyin-dubai.com for reservations and more information.
Maiden Shanghai
Secret Parties celebrate Chinese New Year with special editions of its acclaimed Naughty Noodles brunch at FIVE Palm Jumeirah. Welcoming the Year of the Dragon, this sizzling party brunch promises a fusion of Chinese cuisine and sensational entertainment. Expect culinary delights like Boom Boom Chicken, Crispy Seafood Roll, Dim Sum, Kung Pao Prawns, and Wild Mushroom with Smoked Chilli. Saturday, 10 and 17 February, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 350 (soft beverages) and AED 450 (house beverages).
GO: Visit https://secret-parties.com/event/naughty-noodles-brunch-owXJBt2tSFSn for reservations and more information.
MOLI by SHI
Located in Dubai Hills, MOLI by SHI will usher in the Chinese New Year with flair. To kick off the Lunar New Year festivities, guests will be treated to a personalised Zodiac Cocktail before tucking into a four-course set menu, highlighting the flavours of the Far East, accompanied by live entertainment. The menu includes Angus Beef Kimchi, Caramelised Chilean Sea Bass with Truffle, Cornfed Chicken with Morel Mushroom, Crispy Angus Beef Eggplant Roll, Dragon Fruit Tiger Prawn and Lobster Dumplings. Available from 5 to 11 February. AED 350 per person.
GO: Call 04 276 3338 for reservations and more information.
One&Only Royal Mirage
Eauzone, the contemporary Asian culinary haven at One&Only Royal Mirage, commemorates the Year of the Dragon with a Chinese New Year feast. Serenely positioned between the reflective water features of Arabian Court and a turquoise swimming pool, guests can experience the “Taste of Abundance Reunion Dinner,” a celebration featuring Chinese delicacies, including fresh seafood, and participate in the customary prosperity toss. 9 and 10 February, from 12pm to 11pm. AED 388 per person for the sharing menu (food only).
GO: Visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com for reservations and more information.
Shanghai Me
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Chinese New Year at Shanghai Me with a themed celebration in honour of the Year of the Dragon. This year’s festivities will embody the strength, courage, and good fortune associated with this majestic creature. Diners can indulge in a special menu featuring Chinese-style Salmon Sashimi, Creamy Lobster Soup, Long Bao, Scallop Xiao, and Temari Dragon Rolls. Outside, two trees adorned with mini lanterns and hanging wish cards await guests’ personal touches. The celebration reaches its peak on 10 February with a lion dancer and calligrapher who will inscribe guests’ names upon a memento to cherish. Available from 7 to 22 February, from 7:30pm.
GO: Call 04 564 0505 for reservations and more information.
SHI
As Dubai embraces the festivities of the Chinese New Year, SHI extends a warm invitation to guests to enjoy its Dragon Feast culinary journey. To kick off the celebration, each guest will receive a traditional red envelope, symbolising good luck and prosperity for the New Year. These tokens are then artfully displayed on bonsai trees at SHI’s entrance, creating a forest of aspirations. The feast then commences with Braised Lamb Pot, Crispy Chicken with Lime Sauce, Crispy Duck Maki Roll with Volcano Sauce, Crispy Duck Saladm Dragon Fruit Tiger Prawn and Wagyu Beef with Black Vinegar. The meal concludes with the chef’s special dessert. Available from 5 to 11 February. AED 400 per person.
GO: Visit https://shirestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
Sui Mui
The lively pan-Asian eatery in The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is celebrating Chinese New Year with an array of dishes inspired by the vibrant streets of China. Tuck into Cantonese Taro Dumplings, Crispy Prawn Toast, Hong Kong Beef, Guangzhou Fried Rice, Hong Kong beef, Stir-Fried Ngo Kuay before concluding your feast with Stuffed Black Sesame Dumpling. Available from 11 to 15 February, from 7pm to 10pm. AED 195 (soft beverages) and AED 265 (house beverages).
GO: Call 04 511 7373 for reservations and more information.
Tàn Chá
Diners can celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon at Tàn Chá by embracing the values of honour, good luck, charm, and power. The restaurant will host a traditional dragon dance and live DJ while diners immerse themselves in the festivities with a special set menu and welcome drink. Available on 9 and 10 February. AED 400 per person.
GO: Visit tanchadubai.com for reservations and more information.
