Don’t get lost in the rat race – these offers make celebrating Chinese New Year 2020 easy… 

Chinese New Year 2020 was officially on January 25, with this year marking the Year of the Rat. Restaurants across Dubai and Abu Dhabi are still celebrating the occasion with a host of deals more delicious than a bucket of Chinese crackers and a jug of sweet chilli sauce.

Expect to see splashes of red and gold, which symbolise wealth, luck and prosperity, across the cities until February 10. As the legend goes, the rat won the Jade Emperor’s race with a cunning plan and by getting up extra early.

So, take a leaf out of the wiley ol’ rat’s book and get moving.

Dubai

Asian5

There’s no messing about at one of Dubai’s best street food spots. To most, a slap up Chinese meal of course means Peking duck covered in lashings of sauce, topped with crunchy cucumbers and spring onions all wrapped in a tender pancake. And, that’s exactly what you’ll get for Dhs79 at each of Asian5’s three branches. We wouldn’t judge you if you punt for the gyoza, dim sums, springs rolls, dynamite prawns and calamari as well. Just note, it’s dine-in only so don’t eat away your ability to stand up this Chinese New Year.

Asian5, various locations include Downtown Dubai, BurJuman and DAFZA, until January 30, prices vary. asian5restaurant.com

Asia Republic

Keep things casual on the Palm with a trip to Asia Republic where a set menu (priced from Dhs160 to Dhs200) boasts favourites such as siew mai, gyoza, pho laksa, stir-fried noodles and dim sum. With a focus on sharing dishes, this is the perfect place to celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 with friends and family.

Asia Republic, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, until January 30, Sat to Thurs 12.30pm to 10pm, Fri noon to 11pm, from Dhs160. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantis.com

Hakkasan

We know it, you know it, everyone knows Hakkasan as a result of its always-excellent Cantonese cooking. And, if you’re looking for an extra special something to kick-start the Chinese New Year 2020, then let the excellent chefs here show you the way. Diners will be taken on a voyage around China with a bespoke set menu, which aims to showcase the very best of the nation’s cuisine. It will be complimented by a special mixed drink and rounded off with a salted caramel ganache. A DJ will perform every night as the celebrations run between January 24 and February 8.

Hakkasan, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, until February 8, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs498 includes one mixed drink. Tel: (04) 426 2626. hakkasan.com/dubai

Saffron

Diners can expect the usual gargantuan array of food including an entire section dedicated to Peking duck, dim sum, hot pots, rice, noodles and everything else you could think of ordering from your local Chinese takeaway – only done to Saffron standards. There will also be live lion dances and a cracking fireworks display at 8pm on the night. The special Saffron brunch runs until January 30, however the live entertainment and fireworks seen on the Chinese New Year weekend do not.

Saffron, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, until January 30 6pm to 11pm, Dhs265 food only, Dhs132.50 kids aged four to 11, free for kids under three. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantis.com/dubai/restaurants/saffron

Shanghai Chic

You won’t leave this place hungry if opting for the set menu, trust us. The Reunion special is available until February 22 every night and sees chefs rustle up a vast array of dishes from an even greater array of ingredients including lobster, seabass, rib-eye steak, prawns, vegetables and more. 

Shanghai Chic, Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate, Sheikh Zayed Road, until Feb 22 6.30pm to 11pm, Dhs188 soft drinks, Dhs288 house beverages. Tel: (04) 444 5613. movenpick.com

Shake Shack

A trio of newcomers will spice up the burger chain’s menu this month… Szechuan-style. Ring in the New Year with a twist on three menu favourites – the cheeseburger, chicken burger or cheesy fries. All three will be given a Chinese makeover and are available for a limited time only across the UAE.

Shake Shack, Various UAE locations, January 15 onwards. shakeshack.com

Abu Dhabi

Dai Pai Dong

An all-day Prosperity Feast will run on January 25 from noon to 11pm – with your four-hour drinks package beginning on arrival. Expect live stations for soups, duck and chicken specialties and lots of grills, plus plenty of dim sum and desserts. From January 26 to February 10, the Al Maryah Island hotspot will be offering a special eight-course set menu including specialities such as lobster rice rolls, roasted duck, wagyu beef and a dessert platter fit to feed all 12 zodiac animals.

Dai Pai Dong, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Prosperity Feast: Jan 25 noon to 11pm, Dhs388 soft drinks, Dhs488 house beverages. Set menu: Jan 26 to Feb 10, noon to 11pm, Dhs298 includes free drink. Tel: (02) 813 5520. rosewoodhotels.com

Hakkasan

HKS 2020 CNY @Hanway = Seabass Dragon Well Tea Broth

Nights out don’t get much more elegant than eating at one of the world’s best-loved Cantonese restaurants situated in the majestic grounds of the Emirates Palace. So, treat yourself and loved ones to a special night at Hakkasan where chefs will craft a delectable three-course menu to mark the Year of the Rat. Highlights will include golden treasure pockets plus finely fried dumplings decorated with gold leaf in the shape of a money bag. The centrepiece will be a dessert presented as a lucky Chinese knot to signify good fortune for the year ahead. The Lucky Jie is a salted caramel ganache with mandarin, chili and cocoa. Lucky we dug out this deal for you. 

Hakkasan, Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, until February 8, Dhs498 per person. Tel: (02) 690 7739. hakkasan.com/abu-dhabi/

Shake Shack

Ring in the New Year with a Szechuan twist on three menu favourites – the cheeseburger, chicken burger or cheesy fries. All three will be given a Chinese makeover and are available for a limited time only across the UAE.

Shake Shack, Various UAE locations, Jan 15-onwards. shakeshack.com

Dusit Thani Hotel

Choose between the Pan Asian Wednesday night buffet (January 29, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs200 with soft drinks), or the Friday Dusit Brunch (January 31, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs270 with soft drinks, Dhs400 with house drinks), both of which star popular Chinese delicacies including a Peking duck station, noodles and dumpling counters. 

Urban Kitchen, Dusit Thani Hotel, January 29 and January 31. dusit.com

Images: Provided/Social