The Lunar New Year falls on Sunday 22 January this year, ending the Chinese Year of the Tiger and beginning the Year of the Rabbit.
Celebrated all around the world, by over a billion people in China and East and South East Asia, the festive season is only just beginning.
Brush off the January blues, gather your friends and family and head over to Paddington for a taste of Asia.
London hosts the largest celebration of Chinese New Year outside of Asia, easily accessed from Paddington on the Elizabeth line to Tottenham Court Road, enjoy the Chinese New Year Parade and Dragon dance in Trafalgar Square but avoid the crowds in China Town and head to Paddington for some delicious food.
Here are our top picks:
Happy Lamb Hotpot – The perfect reprieve from the winter cold, warming up the body and soul with 6 hour simmered broths and a great selection of meats and vegetables. Located on 82-84 BISHOP’S BRIDGE RD, LONDON W2 6BB.
Pearl Liang – Classic Cantonese food, great for large groups with sociable large round tables and a 10 course banqueting menu including a whole suckling pig and baked lobster with ginger and spring onions.
Chinese Little Princess – Only a 6 minute walk from Paddington Station, located on the Ground Floor, 6 Craven Terrace, you will find this little gem. Only for those in the know this small place offers classic dim sum as well as set menus for 2 and above. With options to book or order online give it a try!
Maximini – Owned by the famous Malaysian born shoe designer Jimmy Choo, Maximini offers Chinese dishes such as crispy duck and Hong Kong style steamed seabass as well as Malaysian dishes such as sambal seafood and curries.
Tukdin – 4 minutes walk from Paddington Station Praed Street Exit, 41 Craven Road. Classic Malaysian Hawker food, such as Nasi Nemak and Mee Goreng and don’t forget to wash it all down with an iced milo or sweet Malaysian tea.
Satay House – Last but certainly not least, one of our all time favourites Satay House is a must for food lovers in London. Fragrant Laksa and melt in your mouth beef rendang is waiting to fill your bellies.
People born in a year of the Rabbit are called “Rabbits” and are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious.
The Chinese Lunar New Year lasts for two weeks between a New Moon and the next full Moon. So in 2023 it begins on Sunday, 22 January 2023, and ends on Sunday, February 5, giving you plenty of time to gather some friends and enjoy the best of Chinese and Asian food in and around Paddington.
