Eating your way through Chinese New Year
Damian O’Keeffe
Well Chinese New Year celebrations have well and truly kicked off, with major events planned throughout Australia to mark the Year of the Tiger. While the Tiger might seem rather fierce apparently those born under the Horse, Dog and Pig sign are the most compatible with Tigers. Snake and Monkey signs are advised to steer clear.
Celebrations are running until February 28 and there’s plenty on. Markets in each city offer the best in traditional food, gifts and crafts. For those who prefer something with a little more excitement check out the acrobat shows or dragon boat races. Flamboyant lion dance will entertain while some states are screening Chinese films. The most enjoyable, and probably easiest, way to celebrate New Year is to gorge yourself senseless on delicious Asian cuisine.
If you’re in Sydney the first port of call should be Chinatown in Haymarket. Forget the restaurants with hawkers out the front and head straight to the food court in the Sussex Centre. Cheap and cheerful you’ll find big services and big range of flavours for less than $10. Nearby is a Sydney institution, the Golden Century. One for seafood lovers the restaurant boasts 24 tanks where you can pick your meal while it swims.
Easy to spot with a never ending line out the front is Mamak. Unfortunately you can’t book so be prepared to wait for their deliciously spiced curries. If you head down to Cockle Bay Wharf go straight to the roof terrace and Chinta Ria – modern décor, menu and harbour views. If you want to avoid the city head to Ashfield’s New Shanghai where you can watch the pork dumplings being made.
Melbourne diners can enjoy impeccable service and exquisite dishes in Australia’s most awarded Chinese restaurant, Flower Drum. If overdosing on chilli is your thing try Spicy Fish in Melbourne’s Chinatown. There is seafood in the dish but tasting anything after the extreme spice could be difficult.
The yum cha carts in South Yarra’s Oriental Tea House do the rounds seven days a week. They serve over 80 varieties of tea so if you can’t find one you like then you should probably give up on tea. If you’re visiting St Kilda then Lau’s Family Kitchen is the place to eat. The super friendly staff are happy to make suggestions, even going so far as to choose your entire meal.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Asian cuisine with plenty of thriving restaurants dotted throughout Australia. Where you will be eating over the Chinese New Year?
