If you’re hoping for a fortuitous 2020, you could be in luck. As of 25th January, it will be the Lunar New Year, and the humble rat happens to be a symbol of intelligence in the Chinese zodiac.
In parts of Asia it’s tradition to celebrate Lunar New Year by gathering together your nearest and dearest and eating lucky foods such as dumplings and sticky rice cakes. To save on washing up, we’ve rounded up some of the best Chinese restaurants in the UK, where you can feast on oriental dishes to your heart’s content…
Yauatcha
Sugar addicts should head to Michelin-star holder Yauatcha in London’s Soho, a unique fine dining restaurant and patisserie where European culinary techniques meet Asian flavours. Dim sum is the savoury dish to gorge upon in Yauatcha – think black truffle dumplings, scallop shui mai and pillowy soft char siu buns. Finish your feast with a sweet treat from the Yauatcha patisserie, where you’ll find the most beautiful sweet treats that are (almost) too pretty to eat.
Min Jiang
Feeling fancy? Located on 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, Min Jiang is the place to go for Chinese fine dining with a side of stunning views over Hyde Park (trust us when we say they’re nothing short of breath-taking). Signature dishes include langoustines in spicy Sichuan chilli sauce and whole 48 hour wood-fired Beijing duck, which is carved at the table for maximum wow factor!
Tattu
Modern Chinese food combined with exquisite Instagrammable décor, Tattu Manchester is regarded as one of the Manchester’s best Chinese restaurants for good reason. Feast on signature dishes including sea bass dim sum parcels, seared tuna and caramel soy beef whilst seated under the branches of a dreamy pink cherry blossom tree. Expect a glamorous crowd, Manchester’s footballers and their spouses are often spotted dining here.
Wongs
Wongs in Bristol is renowned for traditional Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine that’s truly authentic. Inside the restaurant you’ll find dark wood interiors, Chinese paper lanterns and fretwork screens that offer the complete Oriental experience. Menu highlights include chilli-boiled sea bass and Sichuan Mala beef, both of which were rated highly by Michelin star chef Tom Kerridge when he visited Wongs.
Red Chilli Chinese Restaurant
Stepping into Red Chilli restaurant in Leeds is like stepping back in time thanks to the elegant red and gold décor styled after the Shanghai of the 1920s. With Sichuan cooking on offer here, signature dishes include steamed sea bass, fermented bean curd in chilli sauce and peking duck. Don’t miss the dessert menu either – Red Chilli’s deep fried banana balls are a favourite with regular customers.
