February is a busy month for celebrations: Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year are within days of one another, causing the city to feel more energetic than ever as we secure last-minute reservations and celebrate before the Ramadan slow-down begins. Chinese New Year will see in the Year of the Horse on 17 February, with traditional celebrations and rituals continuing until 3 March. The Horse is a symbol of enthusiasm, strength, freedom and perseverance, and reflects a stage of life where possibilities feel endless and opportunities for personal growth are plentiful. Restaurants across Dubai are ringing in the New Year with traditional ingredients, limited-time collaborations and live performances; MOJEH curates a list of where to celebrate Chinese New Year below.
Mimi Mei Fair
A wishing tree welcomes guests at Mimi Mei Fair, inviting them to pause and set intentions ahead of the New Year (and ahead of their meal). A four-course menu celebrates abundance and starts strong with a curation of dim sum dubbed ‘the basket of wealth.’ Rock oysters, xo okra and the signature wok-baked lobster come next, followed by mains of chilean seabass, sweet and sour chicken and braised truffled mushroom and a traditional dessert. 5 February to 4 March, Address Residences Dubai Opera. Book now
Hakkasan Dubai
A ‘fortune money bag’ bursting with crab and scallops kicks-off the nine-course dining experience at Michelin-starred Hakkasan Dubai this Chinese New Year, leading the way on a menu of festive delights inspired by tradition and prosperity. Meaningful ingredients are found throughout, from water chestnuts, a name that directly references the horse; red sea bream to represent abundance and success; and lotus seeds, traditionally associated with family harmony. Diners can also take part in a wishing ribbon ritual and be treated to a lion dance when visiting on 17 February. 16 February to 3 March, Atlantis The Palm. Book now
Demon Duck
Demon Duck by celebrity chef Alvin Leung welcomes the Year of the Horse with a five-course family-style menu rooted in Cantonese traditions. Lobster lo hei, prosperity fish dumplings, gold and silver steamed seabass, and the signature Demon Duck are all on the menu, which concludes with a selection of desserts. Though the Chinese New Year menu will be available all week, MOJEH recommends visiting on 16 February so you don’t miss out on the lion dance. 16 to 22 February, Banyan Tree Dubai. Book now
Madame Li
Set within The Fore, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s multi-venue dining concept, Madame Li presents a luxurious Pan-Asian experience to welcome the Year of the Horse. Chef Andrew Yeo and executive chef Mehmet Ipar are hosting a four-hands dinner to mark the occasion, presenting plates including a Yu Shen salad, Peking duck, dumplings and glazed grouper, bringing together the flavours of Asia in one celebratory meal. 20 and 21 February, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Book now
Mott 32
Mott 32 is hosting a first-of-its-kind collaboration with couture designer Lisa Von Tang to celebrate Chinese New Year. An extravagant couture installation – which marks the designer’s regional debut – greets guests at the entrance of the restaurant; the menu is inspired by the collection, bringing to life its textures, colours and philosophy through meaningful plates. Traditional flavours reign supreme at Mott 32 year-round and the Chinese New Year menu continues to highlight premium ingredients rooted in heritage – think bird’s nest, abalone, lo hei salad and grouper. 17 February to 8 March, Address Beach Resort. Book now
Yù & Mì
High above the bustle of Sheikh Zayed Road in the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, Yù & Mì brings the spirit of 1960s Hong Kong to life. The restaurant marks the Year of the Horse with a five-course dining experience rooted in Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. It will also host a Yu Sheng Salad Ceremony on 17 February; a Chinese New Year tradition, the ceremony or ‘prosperity toss’ involves tossing the dish – a salad of sashimi-style fish and vegetables – as high as you can with chopsticks while calling out wishes for the New Year. 8 February to 8 March, Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai. Book now
Shanghai Me Dubai
Shanghai Me Dubai brings traditional Chinese New Year festivities to the heart of DIFC to mark the Year of the Horse. Traditional lanterns and decor are found throughout the space and guests can write their intentions for the year ahead on wishing cards. The menu features special dishes that reflect prosperity and indulgence, from ginseng soup with duck meatballs, slow-cooked lamb shank, king crab puff with caviar and roasted pineapple cake in a pouch. Until 3 March, DIFC. Book now
