31/01/2022
An annual tradition celebrated by billions of people around the world, Lunar New Year falls shortly after the northern hemisphere’s winter solstice each year. The period is observed in different ways all across Asia but the traditions most familiar to many Australians are those from China, where the 15-day celebration is also known as the Spring Festival.
Tuesday 1 February marks the first day in the Year of the Tiger, who in Chinese tradition is the proud king of all the animals. Anyone keen to break the cycle of the past few years will be happy to know that the Year of the Tiger is especially associated with change, renewal and overcoming challenges.
And no matter what animal the year is associated with, Lunar New Year is a time to gather with friends and family, to celebrate the year that’s been and to look forward to the new one. Footpath decals spread throughout the Parade are helping to bring the holiday spirit but if you want to really get into the swing of it, invite your loved ones along to a celebratory banquet.
Hsin Fortuna - 217 The Parade
The roots of Hsin Fortuna stretch all the way back to 1970, and since then it has evolved into an elegant fusion restaurant with a mix of authentic Chinese cuisine and more modern touches.
To celebrate Lunar New Year, Hsin Fortuna is offering a ten dish set menu including spring rolls, steamed whole barramundi, Sichuan chilli chicken and special fried rice for a minimum of four people. Or splash out and upgrade to the deluxe version with scallops in XO sauce, steamed whole coral trout, Singapore chilli lobster, roasted duck and six more opulent dishes.
Both are available all this week (you’ll need to pre-order for the deluxe banquet), and the celebration reaches a climax on Sunday February 6 when the dinner sitting includes an extravagant lion dance and kung fu performance from 7 o’clock.
Eastern Garden Chinese Restaurant - 185 The Parade
After closing down over the holidays, the newly upgraded Eastern Garden Chinese restaurant is ready to celebrate the year of the tiger in style, and the party will be going all the way until the full moon on Tuesday 15 February.
For the next two weeks diners can enjoy two special banquets, each for a minimum of four people. The first features traditional favourites including spring rolls (which derive their name from their association with the Spring Festival), golden prawns and scallops with snow peas while the deluxe version has ten dishes including Peking duck pancakes, duck san choy bow and salt and pepper flounder.
