Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals worldwide, marking the beginning of spring and a time for family gatherings, fireworks, and, most importantly, feasting. New York City, known for its rich Chinese culinary scene, offers a wealth of restaurant options that provide both traditional flavors and inventive twists on Chinese classics, making it an ideal place to ring in the Year of the Snake. From dim sum and dumplings to Peking duck and spicy Sichuan fare, these Chinese restaurants stand out for their festive atmosphere, authentic dishes, and seasonal specialties perfect for welcoming luck, prosperity, and good fortune in 2025.
JOE’S SHANGHAI
Joe’s Shanghai has long been an NYC institution, beloved for the rich, savory soup-filled dumplings in pork or crab varieties. To celebrate Chinese New Year, Joe’s Shanghai goes beyond dumplings, offering classics like crispy scallion pancakes and aromatic Peking duck served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and slivers of fresh cucumber. The lively, casual ambiance makes it ideal for families and friends to gather to welcome the New Year. Reservations are highly recommended as lines can be long during the festive season, and tables often fill up quickly with eager diners ready to savor these memorable, authentic Chinese flavors. Info: joeshanghairestaurants.com
HUTONG
Hutong brings Northern Chinese cuisine to New York’s Midtown with an elegant touch, making it an exceptional choice for celebrating Chinese New Year in style. Known for its chic decor inspired by 1920s Beijing, this upscale spot offers a special atmosphere perfect for festive gatherings. Hutong’s menu showcases signature dishes like crispy Peking duck and fiery Sichuan chicken, providing flavors that capture the essence of traditional Northern Chinese cooking. A highlight during the Lunar New Year is the “Red Lantern” crab, a towering presentation of crispy soft-shell crab garnished with vibrant chili peppers. The stylish ambiance and attentive service make it an elevated, memorable experience, while each dish is crafted to highlight bold, authentic flavors.
Info: hutong-nyc.com
NOM WAH TEA PARLOR
A true Chinatown icon, Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been serving dim sum and Chinese classics since 1920, making it a beloved destination for Chinese New Year celebrations. With its retro decor and nostalgic charm, Nom Wah offers a warm and inviting setting for families and friends to enjoy time-honored dishes. Known for its shrimp and pork dumplings, fluffy roast pork buns, and crispy egg rolls, Nom Wah’s menu embraces traditional flavors. During the Lunar New Year, the restaurant adds special seasonal dishes to its lineup, embracing the themes of prosperity and longevity. This timeless tea parlor is always bustling during the New Year, so prepare for a bit of a wait, but rest assured—the experience and flavors make it worthwhile. Info: nomwah.com
MÁLÀ PROJECT
MáLà Project brings a distinctive Sichuan “dry pot” experience to NYC, ideal for those who love bold flavors and a little heat. The dry pot, unique to MáLà Project, skips the traditional soup and instead infuses meats, vegetables, and tofu in a blend of Sichuan spices and aromatic oils, creating layers of intense flavor. With locations in the East Village and Brooklyn, the customizable dry pot is a popular choice for Lunar New Year gatherings, allowing diners to pick from a variety of ingredients to suit their taste. With a sleek, minimalistic decor and warm lighting, the restaurant’s ambiance perfectly complements the spiciness of its dishes. MáLà Project also offers seasonal specials to mark the New Year, adding a festive twist to their already vibrant menu. Info: malaproject.com
HAN DYNASTY
With locations in the East Village and Upper West Side, Han Dynasty serves traditional Sichuan dishes in a bustling, laid-back atmosphere perfect for a spirited Chinese New Year celebration. Known for its Dan Dan Noodles, Mapo Tofu, and spicy Cumin Lamb, the restaurant is a go-to spot for those craving the unmistakable heat and boldness of Sichuan flavors. The spice levels can be tailored, making it accessible to all guests, from spicy food aficionados to milder palates. With generous portions designed for sharing, Han Dynasty is ideal for groups, offering a lively dining experience for ringing in the New Year. The dishes here are prepared with authenticity in mind, making it a popular choice for fans of Sichuan cuisine. Info: handynasty.ne
ALLEY 41
Hidden in Downtown Flushing is the city’s newest gem known for serving authentic Sichuan cuisine that captures the bold, spicy flavors of Southwestern China. With a sleek, minimalist decor that combines traditional Chinese elements with modern flair, the restaurant offers a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. The menu boasts an extensive selection of Sichuan specialties, each dish more tantalizing than the last. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or a fan of flavorful Chinese cooking, Alley 41 is a culinary adventure worth taking. Info: alley41.com
SHUN LEE PALACE
Shun Lee Palace, one of NYC’s oldest and most refined Chinese restaurants, has long been a staple for Chinese New Year celebrations. With a formal dining ambiance and classic decor, this Upper East Side restaurant serves traditional Cantonese and Northern Chinese dishes, perfect for a special occasion. Known for its signature Peking duck and lion’s head meatballs, Shun Lee Palace brings a luxurious touch to familiar flavors. The menu is expansive, featuring hot and sour soup, whole crispy fish, and other festive dishes
NAN XIANG XIAO LONG BAO
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in Flushing, Queens, is renowned for its authentic Shanghainese cuisine, particularly its exceptional soup dumplings, or xiao long bao. The restaurant, often bustling with both locals and visitors, is celebrated for its expertly crafted dumplings, which feature thin, delicate wrappers encasing a savory, juicy pork filling and a rich, flavorful broth. Each dumpling is handmade with care, and the dumpling-making process is visible in the open kitchen, adding to the immersive dining experience.
While the soup dumplings are the star, Nan Xiang offers an extensive menu that includes scallion pancakes, steamed buns, noodles, and various Shanghai-style appetizers. The casual, no-frills setting emphasizes the food quality, allowing diners to fully savor each bite and has become a beloved spot for those seeking traditional Chinese flavors and a memorable, authentic experience. Info: nanxiangxiaolongbao.com