Year of the Rooster: Our Picks for Chinese New Year Dining and Events

Firework Dinners and Lion Dances

The time of year for lai see packets, kumquat trees and fireworks is approaching. Whether you’re new to Hong Kong or seasoned in all of the events happening over the festivities, we’ve put together a handy list of things to do. From our favourite firework-viewing restaurants, to lion dances and parades we’re here to wish you a very Happy Chinese New Year!

Read more: Chinese New Year: What To Do in Hong Kong

Main Events

Cathay Pacific Parade
One of HK’s most loved CNY events is back to ring in the Year of the Rooster! The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade is a beautiful extravaganza of music and colours, with a festive feeling in the air all around you! The best vantage points are along Canton Road outside Harbour City, Haiphong Road or the junction of Nathan and Peking Roads outside Chungking Mansions or watch from home (the entire event is broadcast on TVB Jade).

When: Saturday, 28 January, 8pm – 9:45pm
Where: Starts at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui (for ticket holders only). Free viewing is allowed as the parade proceeds along Canton, Haiphong and Nathan Roads, ending at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.
How much: Free viewing along the parade route. Tickets for the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza are sold out.

Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree
Paying a visit to the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree is a popular tradition during the Chinese New Year. It’s simple: just write your wish on a paper, tie a string with an orange and toss it over the tree, it should successfully catch on one of the branches and remain hanging for your wish to come true!

When: Wednesday, 8 February – Monday, 27 February
Where: Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

Fireworks
The CNY fireworks are a magnificent display of beautiful colours bursting in the sky. The world-class show takes place in Victoria Harbour each Lunar New Year. Enjoy the show from a high vantage point or cosy up on the sofa and watch it on your telly while munching away on some traditional CNY grub.

When: Sunday, 29 January, 8pm ’til late
Where: Victoria Harbour between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: Free entry

Dining With a View and CNY Specials

Gia Trattoria
Dine with a view whilst you make your way through gorgeous rustic Italian food. With expansive waterfront views, and no set menu, this a la carte offer has a $700 minimum charge for the evening. Step away from the crowds, and enjoy an intimate celebration with friends and family!

Gia Trattoria, 1/F Fleet Arcade, Fenwick Pier, 1 Lung King St, Wan Chai, www.giatrattoriaitaliana.com

Seafood Room
Seafood Room is all about bringing a new (interactive!) seafood dining experience and the rooftop lounge is an ideal spot to sip on cocktails whilst you soak in the New Year display. Opting for a full food course? A festive five-course feast is available for $1,388 per person with an alternative vegetarian option.

Seafood Room, 26/F, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay, www.seafoodroom.hk

Jinjuu
Looking for a Korean take on Chinese New Year? Jinjuu is treating guests to exciting prizes and complimentary champagne. From Monday, 23 January ’till Saturday, 11 February, each guest who orders the Jinjuu Tong Dak Whole Korean Fried Chicken ($680) receives a lucky red pocket containing an attractive prize (a brunch for two, a bar tab at Jinjuu worth $500, a two-course set lunch for two, a $100 dinner dining coupon or a buy 1-get-1-free Standard Drink voucher). Parties of four who order Jinjuu’s signature fried chicken will also be given a complimentary bottle of champagne!

Read more: Kitchen Tips and Tricks from Iron Chef Judy Joo

Jinjuu, UG/F, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.jinjuu.com

Ho Lee Fook
This spot brings an extra special touch to our favourite Chinese dishes. Make the most of it all at the Ho Lee Fook Festive Banquet, running from Friday, 27 January to Monday, 30 January – and ideal for groups of five or more. From $458 per person, the banquet features the restaurant’s beloved version of Chinese New Year specialties.

Read more: Ho Lee Fook – Contemporary Chinese cuisine from Chef Jowett in Soho, Central

Ho Lee Fook, G/F, 1-5 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2810 0860, www.holeefookhk.tumblr.com

The Upper House’s Café Gray
Fireworks and dinner at The Upper House sounds pretty perfect to us, girls. Priced at $1,288, the five-course menu includes everything from Oysters to Lobsters to Foie Gras Pastilla (with vegetarian menus also available). As a prime spot for fireworks (happening at 8pm on Sunday, 29 January), make sure you book soon!

The Upper House’s Café Gray, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong,www.cafegrayhk.com

Gaucho
Head over before the end of the month and sample some of their new Chinese New Year themed cocktails and mocktails (we got your back, dry January goers!). Set up for the night and sample a from 12 different drinks, each representing a different zodiac sign of the Chinese calendar. Happy sipping!

Gaucho, 5/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, www.gauchorestaurants.com

Invisible Kitchen
CNY BBQ, anyone? We’ve got your catering covered. Invisible Kitchen has a special 7-Course CNY Prosperous Picnic Hamper for alfresco feasting. The BBQ Menus are available for $250 per head ($540 per head for the deluxe option), with a minimum of 15 people. If you’re on the hunt for a gift idea, check out their Festive Chinese New Year hampers (from $888).

Invisible Kitchen, Honour Industrial Centre, 6 Sun Yip St, Hong Kong, www.invisiblekitchen.com

Have a wonderful year of the Rooster, girls!