We’re about to welcome in the Year of the Dragon. In the Chinese zodiac the dragon, which is associated with strength, courage and independence, is the 5th of 12 animals honored each year.
The Lunar New Year is always a time of celebration here in New York City and of course food is at the center of many celebrations.
Where to celebrate Lunar New Year? While lunar new year falls on February 10th, celebrations take place before and after the 10th. I recommend heading to one of NYC’s Chinatowns (Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens) where there will be festivities outside in the streets or inside at many restaurants.
Or visit one of these innovative restaurants, all of which have partnered with Tsingtao brewery to celebrate Chinese cuisine and ring in The Year of the Dragon with Tsingtao-infused dishes and drinks along with other specialties. While this celebration is being held from January 30th – February 12th, 2024, you can dine at the Chinese restaurants all year long.
Enjoy!
Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year?
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at one of these innovative NYC Chinese restaurants!
January 30th-February 12th
Hutong
For a glamorous dining experience consider Hutong, which serves Northern Chinese fare and innovative dim sum in a 1920s New York and Shanghai-inspired Art Deco. Enjoy such specialties as crispy soft shell crab, flaming Peking duck, Wagyu beef millefeuille and lobster dumplings along with creative cocktails from the restaurant’s lounge.
Tsingtao-infused dishes and drinks:
- “Xingréng Pijiu”: A creative beer cocktail combining Tsingtao with tomato juice, Maggi seasoning, and a blend of spices, served with a Tajin and ground Sichuan red peppercorn rim, garnished with a red chili pepper and dehydrated yuzu wheel.
- “Qingfu Pijiu”: A refreshing beer cocktail featuring Tsingtao with passion fruit purée, honey, yuzu, and a hint of Sichuan red peppercorn spice, garnished with a banana leaf and orchid flower.
- Beef Tenderloin with Leeks: A flavorful dish of pan-seared beef tenderloin and leeks, cooked with Tsingtao, ginger, scallions, and seasoning, finished with potato starch water and sesame oil.
- Mala Beer Prawns: Shrimp boiled with Tsingtao and tossed with ginger, scallions, peppers, Chinese celery, and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a bold and spicy flavor.
731 Lexington Avenue at East 59th Street
MáLà Project (four locations)
Founded by four friends, the MáLà Project serve Neo-Sichuanese cuisine, from fiery dry pots with the choice of various spice levels to comforting Northern Chinese cuisine. Since co-founding the restaurant in 2015, Amelie Kang has dedicated herself to the hospitality industry and lead the way for Chinese restaurants in the East Village.
Tsingtao-infused dishes and drinks:
- White Jade: A mix of Tsingtao Beer Syrup, white rum, spiced ginger tea, and lemon.
- Chino Barrio: A bold concoction of Tsingtao Beer, bourbon, bird-eye chili pepper, grenadine, pineapple, and lime.
- Dragon Dance: A celebration in a glass with Tsingtao Beer, rosemary Aperol, grapefruit, and honey.
Hunan Slurp
Step inside this sleep, modern oasis, which doubles as an art gallery, in NYC’s East Village for contemporary Chinese restaurant. Chef Chao Wang, an art lover who grew up in Hengyang, serves Hunan rice and noodle dishes along with regional specialties, including Hengyang Chicken, Beef & Lotus Root and Tiger Prawns with Hunan Spicy Sauce.
Tsingtao-infused dish:
- Beer Duck: Duck braised in a rich sauce of chili pepper, ginger, and Tsingtao beer.
112 First Avenue at East 7th St
Milu
Milu means “rice road” and sounds like the Chinese words for “getting lost.” This notion grasps what the three owners brought to their literal table: a menu with flavors, ingredients, and techniques that reflect their diverse backgrounds. Milu, which was inspired by historic Hong Kong-style cafes, is casual and comforting, the perfect place to enjoy the Canto-American food.
Tsingtao-infused dishes and drinks:
- Tsingtao Marinated Chicken: Half chicken marinated in Tsingtao, served with sesame garlic sweet potatoes, and rice. Available for dinner only.
- Umeshandy: A refreshing blend of Tsingtao beer with umeshu, sherry, and lime, rimmed with salted Sichuan pepper. Available for dinner only.
333 Park Avenue South at East 25th Street
