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A Chinese New Year for Everyone


Chinese New Year is particularly auspicious this year as it falls on the Australia Day long weekend. Instead of simply donning the green and gold and running around our respective cities and states shouting, "Oi, oi, oi!", I suggest we add a little red to our clothes (for good luck) and run around shouting, "Oi, oi, oi, Kung Hei Fat Choy (Happy Chinese New Year!)"

The restaurants on this list offer a few choices for those who may want to experience a technicolour lion dancing to the rhythmic beat of a drum while firecrackers sound off in the background, ringing in the New Year with true aplomb. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of the dancing lion or not; this long weekend affords patrons the opportunity to enjoy some delicious Chinese cooking with family and friends. Whether it's the sizzle of a few snags on the barbie or the sizzle of beef with capsicum, onion and black bean sauce, one Chinese proverb truly sums up the importance of community at this time of year: "Only when all contribute their firewood can they build up a strong fire".

1
 
House of Guangzhou
Haymarket
Once a popular eatery among politicians and old-school media personalities, the food at this restaurant mixes Shanghainese specialties with well-known Cantonese classics, such as black pepper beef or sweet and sour chicken. The lion will be dancing and the friendly staff dress in red t-shirts to bring good fortune to diners.

2
 
Regal
Sydney
Very much the "old dame" among Chinese eateries in Sydney with its ornate mix of marble and gold decor, this venue is offering two banquet options at $58 and $72 per person. The steamed scallops in black bean sauce, and the lobster with ginger and shallot are just some of the dishes available.

3
 
The Chairman and Yip
City
"The Chairman" will be open this Chinese New Year but don't expect any pageantry. This restaurant makes the cut as it's a lovely mix of East meets West with its pop-art takes on Mao Zedong. (One painting portrays a caricature of a man with a very Australian beer belly and the head of Chairman Mao). The food is consistently good, with the hoisin duck pancakes, and beef, mushroom and scallop hotpot favourites among customers.

4
 
Bamboo House
Melbourne
Offering specialties predominately from northern China, this eatery gives patrons the option of a $90 banquet, with dishes such as Peking duck and hot and sour soup on offer said to bring prosperity in the New Year. Patrons should also have their little red envelopes ready, as the lion is coming to dance and ring in the New Year.

5
 
Lau's Family Kitchen
St Kilda
The staff at this chic but comfortable eatery are coy when asked about the possibility of a dancing lion appearing during festivities. However, they are offering the same delicious staples, such as crispy-skinned spatchcock, and bean curd with minced pork.

6
 
Obsession Chinese Restaurant & Bar
South Bank
Obsessive Chinese food fans of Brisbane will love the food and slick decor of this eatery, which gives diners the full dancing lion and firecracker experience. Offering two specific banquet menus for the celebration, the Lucky Banquet ($39) and the Fortune Banquet ($59), dishes proffered include double-cooked fish with orange sauce, and Sichuan spiced beef tenderloin with chilli, onion, carrots and celery.

7
 
The Bund in Shanghai
Sandy Bay
This is a quaint Chinese eatery and, due to its smaller size, the auspicious lion and the band of accompanying drummers will not be attending the festivities. However, the gracious hosts will be offering a banquet with dishes such as egg and fish ball soup and honey pepper prawns. Banquets start at $55 per person.

8
 
Citi Zen Chinese Restaurant
Adelaide
This Adelaide diner is offering a banquet for four people at $38 per person. The festivities run for three days, from January 27 to 30, with the lion dancing on all three nights (I'm sure he's got the energy - he is a mythical lion, after all). On offer are dishes such as duck soup and honey-sesame steak.

9
 
Foo Gwai
Applecross
This popular yum cha destination among Perth diners is offering two banquets for $40 and $45. The lion is dancing twice, at 6.30pm and then again at 8.30pm - perfect for parents wanting to enjoy the festivities with the wee ones. The menu here changes constantly and features 60 dishes, so expect a slew of delicious offerings such as salt and pepper prawns or crispy-skinned chicken with vinegar sauce.

10
 
Dragon Court
Darwin
This Darwin restaurant is a popular eatery, with its refined Chinese interior sure to add a sense of grandeur to an already grand event. There are three banquets available, priced from $38, $48 and $60 per person. The salt and pepper bug tail and the stir-fried prawns with pine nuts are two dishes being served.