Chinese New Year 2024: 26 celebratory menus to try at some of London's best restaurants

Chinese New Year in London just happens to be the biggest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside of Asia, so we’re pretty confident in saying this isn’t one to miss if you love all the pomp and majesty that goes along with international celebrations.

2024 brings with it the Year of the Dragon, which is revered as a symbol of strength, power and prosperity in Chinese culture. In line with traditional thinking, those born during the Year of the Dragon are said to be blessed with natural courage and high levels of intelligence and are meant to take on the world with an air of enthusiasm and confidence.

Aside from the fascinating folklore that surrounds Chinese New Year in London, there are also typically plenty of events, restaurant deals and entertaining acts to seek out. Chinatown is set to be the focus of the celebrations, with thousands due to gather in London's west end to witness the parade and ring in the beginning of the Year of the Dragon.  But no celebration would be complete without somewhere to eat and, as luck would have it, plenty of London's top restaurants are putting out speciality menus that'll run throughout the entire celebration - so you could definitely try more than one!

We've rounded up our favourite celebratory menus across the capital, combining that with all the information you could need to know for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations - including dates, parades and the Trafalgar Square celebrations. The restaurants are a mix of high end spots and cheap and cheerful Chinese restaurants, so there should be something for every occasion, whether you're looking to impress a special someone or just want a quick bite to eat with the whole family.

When is Chinese New Year 2024 in London?

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 10 February. It’s nearly always celebrated on the rising of the second new moon following the winter solstice, which makes it a movable feast, a bit like Easter in the Christian calendar. Because of this timing in the year, Chinese New Year typically falls in between January and February. Across Asia the celebrations last 16 days, with seven of those days typically gifted as national holidays. 

Best Chinese New Year restaurants in London

It’s no surprise to any one that London’s restaurant scene is taking the festivities by storm and creating speciality dishes for the Year of the Dragon. From fine-dining set menus to classic dim sum and bao, take a dive into these celebratory menus launching across the capital.

Tattu, Soho

What: A restaurant that is known as much for its award-winning interiors as its food, this Soho establishment is a guaranteed way to see in the Lunar New Year in style. Expect a two week long celebration, starting 9 February, complete with a limited edition food menu, theatrical cocktails and an unmissable end to the festivities with traditional lion dancers. This year's menu will include 'money bag' dim sum, intended to bring luck to diners, alongside a unique dessert that will pay homage to the Year of the Dragon.
Where: Denmark Place, WC2H 0LA
Book now: Tattu

Hutong, London Bridge

What: With a sky-high position on the 33rd level of The Shard, dinner views don’t get much better than Hutong. This year, Hutong is offering a spectacular three-course 'Golden Dragon' menu for diners to enjoy from 7 to 12 February. Highlights include a traditional Lo Hei (meaning 'mix it up') salad, wok-fried tiger prawns, and Hutong's signature roasted Peking duck with sichuan pepper and pickled chilli. Lion dancers and an authentic Chinese calligrapher are set to perform on Saturday 10 February and the Shanghai bar is offering a festive cocktail menu throughout the celebrations. 
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Book now: Hutong at The Shard

Mimi Mei Fair, Mayfair

What: An extravagant multi-story restaurant in Mayfair, Mimi Mei Fair pulls out all the stops for the Lunar New Year with intricate decorations of hand painted silk walls and a botanical archway dotted with traditional red envelopes. For the festivities, the team is offering a special menu which starts with a ‘basket of wealth’ – three styles of dim sum, filled with steamed sea bass, garlic-chive chicken and cabbage. The main event includes ‘Fortune’ Norfolk pork and chicken sprinkled with garlic. This year, from 1-24 February, the team is partnering up with Courvoisier to deliver carefully crafted cocktails to honour the Year of the Dragon.
Where: 55 Curzon Street, W1J 8PG
Book now: Mimi Mei Fair

Park Chinois, Mayfair

What: If you’re eager to get the celebrations underway this year then Park Chinois will be kicking them off early with seatings available from 1 February. Surrounded by the restaurant’s plush 1930’s style interiors, you can sit back and relax in style as you marvel at the array of entertainment. This will vary from day to day until 11 February, but you can look forward to performances such as the iconic lion dance and authentic Chinese drumming. The group dining menu features a selection of starters, some luxurious mains like wagyu rib-eye beef with pineapple XO sauce and a specially created Year of the Dragon dessert to finish.
Where: 17 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EA
Book now: Park Chinois

Chino Latino, Lambeth

What: Ringing in the Lunar New Year with an appropriate level of ceremony is Chino Latino. The menu has been designed to showcase a selection of dim sum along with a collection of Chino Latino favourites, including the rainbow seafood dumplings, followed by crispy duck pancakes and suckling pig. All of this comes complete with a signature dessert platter packed full of fresh and fruity flavours. The menu kicks off on the new year itself and runs for the following two weeks, allowing you to keep the celebrations going!
Where: Park Plaza Riverbank London, SE1 7TJ
Book now: Chino Latino

Daddy Bao, Tooting

What: South Londoners won't miss out this year thanks to Tooting's Daddy Bao’s new year specials. Drop in for a one-off feast on 11 February and you’ll be met with a menu centred around traditional Chinese dishes and symbolic nods to the celebrations. Think chicken or cabbage siu mai to start and noodle-wrapped prawns or mushrooms in a ginger and scallion sauce for mains. There are even special menus for veggies and pescatarians too to keep everyone happy.
Where: 113 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PE
Book now: Daddy Bao

Mei Ume, The City

What: Offering both tasting and a la carte special menus for Lunar New Year, Mei Ume combines celebratory dishes with magical surroundings. The entrance to the restaurant is typically set with a sea of red origami lanterns, an installation that really sets the scene for an evening of merrymaking. The tasting menu, available on Saturday 10 and 17, begins with a traditional prosperity toss salad full of salmon, jellyfish, and crispy wonton skin topped with a five spice and plum dressing. Indulgent mains of steamed jumbo tiger prawns or the 'eight treasures' duck forms the centrepiece of the feast while dessert is set to take the form of hibiscus infused apple confit. To ensure the evening is extra special, you should expect authentic and mesmerising dances accompanied by traditional drums.
Where: 10 Trinity Square, EC3N 4AJ
Book now: Mei Ume

Bao, Soho and other locations

What: The Bao dynasty is one that never misses the opportunity to mark a special occasion in a creative, playful way, and according to co-founder Erchen Chang, in Taiwan, eating bao is considered good luck over Lunar New Year. Available for just two days, 10-11 February, Bao stores will be serving specialist dragon claw buns stuffed with molten chocolate and cherry that are not to be missed. There will also be the opportunity to win a whole host of prizes through Bao’s app, including a handmade Year of the Dragon rug or the chance to get a free Bao everyday for a year! If you don’t fancy hitting the streets then there’s also the possibility to purchase a ‘Made By You’ kit so that you can benefit from the good luck without ever having to leave your home.
Where: 53 Lexington Street, W1F 9AS
Book now: Bao Soho

TING, London Bridge

What: Enjoy lavish sky-high dining with TING's Chinese New Year special menu of large and small plates of indulgent Chinese cookery. Crispy duck bites come accompanied by Chinese pancakes and Oscietra caviar for starters while mains are set to include a choice of barbecue pork belly or Dragon fried rice made with a mix of scallops, prawns and crab. If guests prefer they can skip the set menu and enjoy the feast a la carte, with the specials running for just five days.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Book now: TING

China Tang at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: This fine-dining Chinese restaurant boasts dramatic, deco-style interiors, sharp service and peerless celeb-spotting opportunities – even supermodel Kate Moss is a fan. When it comes to the buzzy vibe, things are dialled up another notch come Chinese New Year, when the restaurant is typically transformed by its resident florist into a spectacular scene of spring blossoms and red lanterns. Those dining around the new year will be treated to a multi-course menu (although the regular menus are also available if guests prefer). This year's offerings include creatively named dishes such as 'Longevity Dragon Roams the Four Seas' or the 'Eternal Spring Returns'.
Where: 53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Book now: China Tang at The Dorchester

Chinese Cricket Club, Blackfriars

What: Don't let the name fool you, there will be no sports here! Just classic and delicious Chinese cuisine in a relaxed and elegant dining room. Head chef Tony Truong has created a feast, designed for a minimum of two, to honour the Year of the Dragon. This year's set menu offers dishes including the traditional prosperity salad, along with Peking duck and BBQ prawns. With early bird offers including complimentary dessert and fruit platters, this is one you’ll want to get sorted as soon as possible!
Where: 19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 6DB
Book now: Chinese Cricket Club

Chai Wu, Knightsbridge

What: Taking up residence on Harrod’s fifth floor, Chai Wu is putting on a real spectacle for the Year of the Dragon. Alongside the regular menu, diners will be able to enjoy one of five special dishes designed to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who partake in this luxurious menu. Available from 1-13 February, start your evening with the dragon roll served alongside flame-grilled eel and fresh avocado, followed by a traditional Lo Hei made with fresh salmon and topped with gold leaf.
Where: 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL
Book now: Chai Wu

Inamo, Covent Garden

What: Ring in the Year of the Dragon with good fortune at Inamo. Here, guests dining from 9 - 11 February will be gifted with a red envelope, also known as 'hongbao', each coming with the chance to win a number of exclusive treats. Inamo will be giving away £20,000 worth of prizes - such as free bottomless brunch, complimentary comedy tickets, free cocktails and more. Alongside this, you can partake in a sushi class delivered by Inamo's head chef, learning how to create this year's signature dragon roll that's made with tempura shrimp, avocado and a touch of mayo and rolled into this unique style! 
Where: 11-14 Hanover Place, WC2E 9JP
Book now: Inamo 

Feng Shang Princess, Primrose Hill

What: A truly unique experience, Feng Shang Princess is offering diners the chance to ring in the Year of the Dragon on a floating barge. Located just along from Regent's Canal, this three-tiered floating restaurant offers a selection of sharing plate set-menus alongside mains of chicken, beef, shellfish and even tofu options. It's the perfect novelty for such a special occasion that is sure to be one you'll remember long after the new year. 
Where: Cumberland Basin, NW1 7SS
Book now: Feng Shang Princess

The Tent (at the End of the Universe), Fitzrovia

What: With a name like The Tent (at the End of the Universe), you may not be surprised to hear that these Chinese New Year celebrations are not designed for the faint hearted. This year's festivities will take place for just a few days from 21-24 February for a week-long kitchen takeover in celebration of the Year of the Dragon. A set menu full of traditional Chinese dishes will be available for diners alongside a welcome drink. It's definitely worth keeping an eye on this one!
Where: 17 Little Portland Street, W1W 8BP
Book now: The Tent (at the end of the universe)

Royal China, Marylebone and other locations

What: The beloved Royal China Club may be closed this winter, but you’re still able to get elegantly presented dim sum at one of its sister restaurants across London. Dim sum offerings at Royal China include traditional steamed pork dumplings alongside minced squid paste wrapped in seaweed and scallops wrapped in rice paste rolls. Guests last year were also treated to lion dances as well as each table receiving a red envelope filled with prizes. On unveiling the red envelope guests were in with the chance of winning things like Champagne, wine and vouchers to spend at the restaurant.
Where: 24-26 Baker Street, W1U 3BZ
Book now: Royal China

JM Oriental, Collindale

What: If you’re wanting to avoid the crowds and the chaos of Chinatown, then why not take the trek out to north London for this Cantonese concept restaurant? Headed up by chef and founder Andrew Huang, JM Oriental puts an innovative twist on traditional Chinese cuisine in stylish and contemporary surroundings that put as much of an emphasis on the social experience of dining as the food itself. With reservations now being taken for the Lunar New Year, be sure to get your table booked and celebrate with the JM signature Peking duck, also available in a vegan option, as well as braised lobster tail or a variety of steamed dim sum.
Where: 28 Heritage Avenue, NW9 5GE
Book now: JM Oriental 

Min Jiang, Kensington

What: Praised equally highly for its excellent food and stunning views, this Kensington gem with chic is a safe bet for a special evening. In years gone by we’ve seen extravagant eight-course menus for the new year, but plans this year are more low-key, with an a la carte menu designed for the Year of the Dragon. Dishes are sure to be as spectacular as ever with options including lobster in yuzu and egg yolk sauce or steamed tofu with egg white and crab roe. This one is available from 4-24 February, so you can pretty much celebrate at any point in the month! 
Where: 2-24 Kensington High Street, W8 4PT
Book now: Min Jiang

A. Wong, Pimlico

What: Andrew Wong's two Michelin starred restaurant in Pimlico is one of the best places in London to celebrate Chinese New Year (if you can get a table, that is). Paying homage to the Imperial Banquets of the Qing Dynasty, you can enjoy the 'collections of China' menu with options to add wine pairings. Dishes include 'memories' of smoked Peking duck, garlic steamed wild tiger prawn with mung bean noodles, and sweet and sour corn-fed chicken with pineapple and candied walnuts. This one is definitely on the pricier side of things but it's a favourite for a reason.
Where: 70 Wilton Road, SW1V 1DE
Book now: A. Wong

Hakkasan, Fitzrovia

What: For high-end fine dining it doesn’t come much better than a meal at globally renowned restaurant Hakkasan. Conceived by Christian Liaigre, Hakkasan hits the spot every time with its Michelin-starred menu. With just a ten-minute stroll to the heart of Chinatown from the front door, why not dine here before or after taking in the wonders of the parade? This year Hakkasan will be serving a celebratory Red Dragon cocktail, made especially in collaboration with Moet & Chandon Champagne and Belvedere vodka. Adorned with the much-loved wishing tree, guests are invited to create their own good fortune and hang red ribbons on the tree. 
Where: 8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HD
Book now: Hakkasan

Din Tai Fung, Covent Garden and other locations

What: Din Tai Fung has long been looked at as some of the best dumplings in London, with fans regularly willing to queue for their xiao long bao and salted egg yolk custard lava buns. This year's menu includes a number of signature dishes including Shanghainese drunken chicken alongside fortune fizz and prosperity punch cocktails. 'The Golden Giveaway' adds a sense of prosperity to the new year, allowing diners to win a basket of dumplings on the house if they find one of the hidden golden dragon coins.
Where: 5 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8PT
Book now: Din Tai Fung Covent Garden

The Duck and Rice, Soho

What: The Duck and Rice is a Chinese restaurant housed in a former Soho pub. This vibrant history results in an equally as lively restaurant with the brand celebrating every festival and holiday they can get their hands on. Chinese New Year – as might be expected – is one of the biggest dates in the team’s diary. Across the weekend, The Duck and Rice will be hosting its own lion dances with performers making their way through the bar and restaurant before spilling onto the market outside to give the public a slice of the action. Special Chinese New Year dishes include things like Szechuan chilli wings, stir-fried turnip cakes and steamed garlic lobster all washed down with speciality dragon fruit cocktails.
Where: 90 Berwick Street, W1F 0QB
Book now: The Duck and Rice

Chop Chop at The Hippodrome, Leicester Square

What: Housed in London’s landmark casino in Leicester Square, Chop Chop at The Hippodrome is just a few steps from Chinatown's action. Celebrations here are sure to be in full swing with a selection of specially crafted buns and dumplings hitting the menu to commemorate the Year of the Dragon. Try the signature Cantonese roast duck and follow up with delicious desserts made in collaboration with Japanese patisserie Sakurado. Pistachio mille crepe cake and yuzu cheesecake are sure to go down a treat. The best part? Chop Chop is open until 4am so you can keep the party going long after you’ve finished your meal.
Where: Cranbourn Street, WC2H 7JH
Book now: Chop Chop at The Hippodrome

Yauatcha, The City and Soho

What: Dumpling fans this one's for you! Dim sum tea house Yauatcha is not to be missed when it comes to Lunar New Year, serving up a seven-course menu in honour of the festivities. The special menu also includes specialty curated cocktail, The Dragon Tail, which is made in collaboration with Tanquerary. Restaurants are set to be decked out with colourful and bespoke dragon decor and lanterns to mark the occasion. Yauatcha's sweet pineapple pastries will also be returning for this year's celebrations making the perfect gift for loved ones.
Where: Broadgate, EC2M 2QS; 15-17 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL 
Book now: Yauatcha City; Yauatcha Soho

Bun House, Chinatown

What: If you’re after a quick fix rather than a full sit-down dinner, why not grab a hot Cantonese steamed bun and take it with you while you wander around Chinatown’s celebrations? This year's offering includes carefully crafted lantern buns, filled with miso brown sugar. Grab one from the Lisle Street restaurant from 9 - 11 February, where they’re served hot and ready to eat, before heading off into the crowds. Alternatively, the buns will be available as part of the Chinese New Year Set which will be available from 12 - 29 February, including exclusive dishes of Kung Pao meatballs and char siu pork.
Where: 26-27 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BA
Book now: Bun House

Best Chinese New Year afternoon teas in London

Let it not be said that any holiday passed without a three-tiered extravaganza of treats prepared in its name. Chinese New Year is no different, with hotels usually stepping up to the mark to provide where others have yet to venture. Expect all the usual favourites, with a Chinese twist. We’ll add more to this section if additional places offer up a Chinese New Year afternoon tea before the big day itself.

Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific, The City

What: We’re of the opinion that more is more when it comes to celebrations. Alongside booking into one of London’s best Chinese restaurants, why not treat yourself to an afternoon tea spread in honour of the Year of the Dragon? The Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific is decked out with glamorous interiors, and guests celebrating the new year will find a special afternoon tea menu packed with tempting bites packaged onto a beautiful stand designed in collaboration with Bun House. Signature buns come filled with lamb and toasted cumin, or  bamboo shoot filling that has been specifically designed for this afternoon tea. This will be followed by a collection of white peach and oolong or pineapple and Szechuan pepper buns to finish. 
Where: 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
Book now: Straits Kitchen at Pan Pacific

Chinese New Year parade London 2024

What better way to kick off the Year of the Dragon than with the traditional Chinatown parade? Lion and dragon dances are set to make their way through the streets to mark the occasion. This is one that you won't want to miss.

Every year vibrant colours adorn Chinatown in a spectacle of such scale that nowhere else outside of Asia can beat it. This year you can expect all the regalia that goes with Chinese New Year in London, from the beautiful red and gold hanging lanterns to the special craft and food stalls that pop up throughout the city’s Chinese quarter. This year, as with every year, we expect hordes of people will be set to witness the lion and dragon dances as they make their way through Chinatown, stopping by restaurants to wish the owners good luck. The parade is due to take place on 11 February so make sure to get there early and bag a good spot, as the streets quickly get busy come procession day. There are usually regular performances passing by, so don’t be disheartened if you only see the tail end (if you’ll pardon the pun) of one as there should be another along shortly. 

Chinese New Year Trafalgar Square celebrations 2024

An honoured tradition, Trafalgar Square is the place to be - outside of Chinatown of course - if you’re wanting to ring in the new year. Be sure to get the date in your diary and celebrate amongst the crowds with food stalls and a number of different performances.

This year the Chinese New Year festival will take place on Sunday 11 February, the day after the new year begins. This party - which is typically hosted from Trafalgar Square each year - is legendary, with full stages setup for traditional performances. There are often additional supporting performances on stages on Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. Expect shows screened on huge televisions, with things to see likely to include firecrackers, speeches and the traditional lions’ eye-dotting ceremony. 

For those who like a hands-on approach there are also usually workshops and activities as well as a family zone. The most important aspect though is of course the food and in former years there have been stalls and stands aplenty to choose from! The events in Trafalgar Square and around the West End are usually free and unticketed, so expect large crowds.

What’s the difference between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year?

When speaking about them in the context of the wide-spread celebrations across Asia each year, they’re effectively the same thing but have different names according to various people’s stance. You see, outside of China it can come across as offensive to celebrate ‘Chinese New Year’ specifically when so many other cultures across Asia follow a lunar calendar, and so celebrate their new year at the same moment. There are of course similarities across some aspects of the celebrations, but with countries like Vietnam, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia all celebrating, there are also marked differences in traditions.

There has also recently been controversy over labelling the celebrations as Lunar New Year at all, as some other religions and cultures – including Jewish and Muslim people - use a lunar system and some think it’s insensitive to those groups to use a blanket term that doesn't reference their celebrations.

Once you're finished at the celebrations in Trafalgar Square, be sure to check out one of these Chinese restaurants nearby!