33 of the best ways to celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai
It’s Chinese New Year – welcome the Year of the Snake…
No matter what the celebration, there is a space for it in Dubai. We pride ourselves on being the residents of a melting pot of cultures, and for the opportunities we have to experience traditions, customs and festivals from far and wide. Chinese New Year will be soon upon us, on January 29, and if you celebrate, here are some of the best ways.
Hutong
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Hutong Dubai invites diners to indulge in an elevated Chinese New Year experience. On January 28, you can savour artful creations iconic dishes such as Lo Hei, symbolizing prosperity and unity, alongside an exclusive menu of authentic delights. A DJ will entertain on the night of along with a lion dance performance and a live Chinese drummer. Pair your experience with Chinese New Year-inspired cocktails and mocktails. The venue will be decked out timeless red and gold decor, lanterns, and intricate details.
Hutong, DIFC, Jan 28, from 7pm onwards, Tel: (0) 4 220 0868, @hutongdubai
Hakkasan
Hakkasan is celebrating with a limited-edition menu featuring exclusive new dishes like a festive cocktail and a special dessert created just for the occasion. On the entertainment front, a unique lion dance is also planned throughout the evening on Wednesday, January 29. To keep up with traditions, guests are invited to write their wishes on a red ribbon before tying it to the restaurant’s wall latticing in hopes that they will come true. The nine-course set menu is priced at Dhs738 per person, and has been created by Hakkasan’s Executive Chefs from around the world.
Hakkasan, Atlantis The Palm, Jan 28 to Feb 12, 6pm to 11:45pm, Dhs738, special cocktail at Dhs98, Tel: (0) 4 426 0752, @hakkasandubai
Ling Ling
Head to Ling Ling for premium celebrations – diners can select from special dishes starting from Dhs130, including crispy chow mien with sliced smoked duck breast, steamed razor clams featuring vermicelli, ginger scallion confit and bao with short rib, galbi sauce, pickle carrot, daikon and cilantro. While the exclusive dishes can be complemented with a fitting rattlesnake highball cocktail or a serpentine mocktail, guests can also treat themselves to a delightful snake-inspired dessert to celebrate the occasion. Continue the party with a table at the Ling Ling Ultra Lounge.
Ling Ling, Atlantis The Royal, Jan 28 to Feb 7, 6pm to 1am, Tel: (0) 56 997 1642, @linglingdubai
Demon Duck
Celebrity Chef Alvin Leung is bringing the exclusive for Chinese new Year this year, with a specially-curated tasting menu with a creative twist from January 27 to February 2. There will also be traditional Chinese dragon dance to honour the customs of the festival. Dishes include lo hei slaw RAW, dim sum, slow-roasted Demon Duck, grilled lobster, Wagyu beef, Long Life noodles, and the indulgent Demon Dessert Platter. Entertainment on January 28 and 29.
Demon Duck, Banyan Tree, Bluewaters Island, Jan 28 to Feb 2, Tel: (0) 4 556 6466, @demonduckdubai
Shanghai Me
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Shanghai Me’s themed celebration will take place on January 29, and is offering a a specially curated Chinese New Year Menu with creamy lobster soup with napa cabbage, Chinese-style salmon sashimi with a chili vinegar dressing, duck pepper bao, wok-fried whole lobster in prik phao sauce and tender lamb spare ribs. Complete your dining experience with longevity dan dan soup noodles. Shanghai Me’s outdoor spaces will be transformed into a massive snake decoration that evokes Chinese New Year’s spirit and grandeur. Guests will be entertained with a snake performance, a Guzheng performance, and more.
Shanghai Me, Gate Village, DIFC, Jan 29, to Feb 15, from 8pm, Tel: (0) 4 564 0505, @shanghaimedxb
LAH LAH
Head to LAH LAH’s Asian nightlife inspired terrace and indulge in an exquisite set menu. The menu includes Chinese delights such as XO scallop dumplings, wagyu foie gras rolls, chicken wonton, the iconic Beijing crispy duck and main courses like szechuan chili lobster, cantonese wagyu rib-eye, or Asian-style seabass. There will also be an array of dessert platters and fortune cookies. The menu will be available for one day only, on January 29, for both lunch and dinner and is priced at Dhs375 including two hours of beverages. Celebrate in style.
LAH LAH, Zabeel House, Jan 29, lunch and dinner, Dhs375 including two hours of beverages, Tel: (0) 4 519 1111, @lahlahdxb
Moli
Moli by SHI will kick off celebrations with a special menu featuring 8 authentic Cantonese dishes, including the zesty mix seafood salad, the aromatic furong chicken, and the perfectly seasoned jue jue red snapper. The celebrations reach their peak on January 28 and 29 with an exclusive five-course set menu priced at Dhs299. the space will also be hosting live performances throughout the week, from the soothing melodies of a Guzheng player to the high-energy Lion Dance and graceful Hand Fan performance. Guests can also take part in a meaningful tradition by penning wishes on red envelopes and adorning bonsai trees at the entrance – a beautiful way to usher in luck and prosperity.
Moli, Dubai Hills Business Park, until Feb 2, Dhs299, Tel: (0) 4 276 3338, @molidubai
Salvaje
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This Chinese New Year, celebrate in style at Salvaje. Until February 12, indulge in an exclusive 5-course set menu that masterfully blends vibrant Latin American flavors with the finesse of Japanese techniques. Sample dishes like the Salvaje salad, avocado ceviche, the Salvaje roll, aubergine maki, roasted salmon and end your meal on a sweet note. Priced at Dhs300.
Salvaje, Opera District, Address Residences, Downtown Dubai, until Feb 12, Dhs300, Tel: (0) 4 570 3653, @salvaje.dubai
Arrogante
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Celebrate with Arrogante’s Festiva della Fortuna – a special three-course set menu celebrating Chinese New Year with an Italian twist, designed to bring prosperity and good fortune into the year ahead. Sample dishes like baci di pizza, pizza margherita, Italian salad, dorada al limon, tagliatelle alla bolognese, and a specially crafted seasonal dessert to to end your meal on a sweet note. All this, with stunning, sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa. Priced at Dhs250.
Arrogante, Opera District, Address Residences, Downtown Dubai, until Feb 12, Dhs250, Tel: (0) 4 570 3653, @arrogantedubai
Barfly by Buddha Bar
Celebrate Chinese New Year in style at Barfly by Buddha-Bar with a special Soirée Brunch on Thursday, February 1, at 7pm. Set against the vibrant ambiance of The Palm Jumeirah, this exclusive event blends traditional Chinese flavors with Barfly’s signature Asian fusion cuisine. Savor a curated menu featuring festive highlights starting from Dhs365 for food and soft beverages. The evening’s magic is elevated with mesmerizing Chinese décor and an enchanting traditional dragon performance, ensuring an unforgettable celebration to ring in the Year of the Snake.
Barfly by Buddha-Bar, The Palm Jumeirah, Feb 1, 7pm, prices from Dhs365, @barflydubai
Hawkerboi
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Celebrate Chinese New Year in style at Hawkerboi, JLT’s neon-lit haven for Southeast Asian-inspired flavors. From January 23 to 29, indulge in a special festive menu priced at Dhs240 per person, starting at 6pm. Taste all the incredible seasonal delights such as kung pao soup, mushroom spring rolls, spicy beef dumplings and mango pudding with coconut cream and fresh mango. Guests will also receive fortune cookies with surprise gifts, including exclusive EATX experiences.
Hawkerboi, The Park, JLT, Jan 23 to 29, 6pm onwards, Dhs240 per person, Tel: (0) 50 427 5217, @hawker.boi
MiMi Mei Fair
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Shang Palace
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Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Shangri-La Dubai with a vibrant culinary journey at Shang Palace. From January 28 to February 12, indulge in specially curated Cantonese set menus, offering a blend of traditional flavors with modern flair. The Chinese New Year Set Menu (Dhs388 per person) from January 28 to February 3 features a delectable selection Guests can also enjoy the yusheng Chinese rainbow raw fish salad (Dhs118 for 2-4 guests, Dhs236 for 6-10 guests) on January 29, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Ring in the celebrations with a traditional Lion Dance from January 28 to February 3, and mark the end of festivities with a Lantern Festival Menu on February 12 (Dhs288 per person).
Shang Palace, Shangri-La Dubai, Jan 28 to Feb 12, Tel: (0) 4 355 1747, @shangriladubai
Tang Town
Tang Town, located with stunning views of the Dubai Mall Fountain, invites guests to celebrate Chinese New Year in style with a luxurious dining experience, available from January 28 to February 12. Honoring the rich culinary heritage of China, Tang Town offers curated menus ranging from Dhs1,988 to Dhs20,888, perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger family celebrations. The festive menus feature iconic dishes from banquet Chinese dining.
Tang Town, Dubai Mall Fountain Views, Jan 28 to Feb 12, Dhs1,988 to Dhs20,888, Tel: (0) 4 555 5555, @tangtown_dubai
The Citronelle Club
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The Citronelle Club invites you to celebrate the rich heritage of Mongolian and Chinese-inspired cuisine. Honouring Chinese New Year traditions, this exclusive a la carte menu will be available for both lunch and dinner from January 28 to 31. Sample dishes like tofu and herb salad, Mongolian spiced goose and the sizzling tofu hotpot. Also try some Chinese New Year-themed cocktails, including TomYum in Paris and One Night in Chiang Mai.
The Citronelle Club, SO/ Uptown Dubai, JLT, Jan 28 to 31, lunch 12pm to 3pm, dinner 6pm to 11.30pm, Tel: (0) 4 820 8888, @thecitronelleclub
Mott 32
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Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Mott 32, perched high on the 73rd floor of Address Beach Resort, offering panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline. From January 27 to February 2, guests can savoUr a special menu crafted by Executive Chef Frankie Yang Tao. Highlights include lobster and abalone lo hei salad, delicate crab roe Shanghainese soup dumplings, fried Qingyuan chicken with black truffle and stir-fried spicy lobster with rainbow quinoa. Don’t miss the exclusive Penfolds wine-paired dinner on January 29 for Dhs888, or the festive Chinese New Year-themed Brunch 32 on February 1 from 12.30 pm to 4pm, complete with themed entertainment and décor.
Mott 32, Address Beach Resort, Jan 27 to Feb 2, Tel: (0) 4 278 4832, @mott32dubai
Armani/Caffè
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Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel
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The Great British Restaurant is hosting Chinese New Year celebrations with a delicious buffet feast including dishes such as chicken char siu salad, peking duck, Cantonese steamed fish and more, with a spectacular lion dance and a live DJ. To add to the vibe this evening brings, guests can also enjoy live cooking stations around the restaurant. Priced at Dhs190 per person. Dukes Bar is also marking the occasion with Chinese New Year-themed cocktails. From January 28 to February 28.
Great British Restaurant, Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel, Jan 29, 7pm to 10.30pm, Dhs190, Tel: (0) 4 455 1111, @dukesthepalm
Mosaico
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Mosaico at Palazzo Versace will be hosting a special themed Chinese New Year high tea. Guests are invited to celebrate in the festive and opulent setting of the venue with panoramic views of the Dubai Creek. The celebration will be complete with an array of traditional Chinese entertainment, ranging from dragon dances to design and décor to enthrall guests. From January 28 to February 2, 10.30am to 7pm, priced at Dhs420 per stand for two.
Mosaic, Palazzo Versace, Jaddaf Waterfront, Jan 28 to Feb 2, 10.30am to 7pm, Dhs420, Tel: (0) 4 556 8888, @palazzoverdsacedubai
Giardino
Giardino is hosting a Chinese New Year themed feast with an exquisite dinner buffet featuring authentic Chinese delicacies for guests looking to indulge in a tasteful dining experience. Tuck into delicacies like live hand pulled noodle soup with condiments, steamed live grouper fish and sticky rice dumpling with beef.
Giardino, Palazzo Versace, Jaddaf Waterfront, Jan 28 to Feb 2, 7pm to11pm, Dhs275 for buffet only, drinks charged accordingly, Tel: (0) 4 556 8888, @giardinodubai
Tenggara
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Tenggara, nestled within the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai is offering a specially curated menu that brings the essence of Chinese New Year to life. The theme is A Feast of Fortune, and the menu features an exquisite range of flavors designed to delight and bring good fortune. Sample dishes like lo hei yee sang, Singapore chilli prawns, Hong Kong steamed chicken, crab meat soup, deep-fried fish in Thai sweet chilli sauce, and Tenggara’s traditional Nian Gao – the New Year’s cake with its sweetness denoting good fortune and success for the year ahead.
Tenggara, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, until Feb 12, daily, 12pm to 12am, Tel: (0) 4 377 1163, @tenggaradubai
Griffin Lounge
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Ladurée
The luxury French patisserie is introducing an exquisite limited-edition 12-piece macaron box adorned in the shades of red and gold. Guests can customize their macarons with assorted options, priced at Dhs210. Available for purchase at all outlets across Dubai, including the iconic Dubai Mall restaurant, the Tea Room at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates’ Tea Room, Dubai Festival City Mall, Nakheel Mall, Dubai Hills restaurant, City Centre Al Zahia restaurant, Abu Dhabi Mall restaurant, Yas Mall restaurant, Al Bateen,and Marina Mall restaurant.
Ladurée, across various locations, Dhs210, @ladureeuae
Images: Supplied