As the ancient Chinese proverb goes, "To the ruler, the people are heaven; to the people, food is heaven." What to expect in the Year Of The Rabbit? Guru by Bangkok Post has a list of food and beverages to begin with.
Centara Grand at CentralWorld
From Jan 20-22, Cantonese restaurant, Dynasty, is offering a festive set menu curated by Chinese chef Kongsun Sae-Liang, featuring nine lucky dishes. The special feast is available for bookings of a minimum of 10 people. In addition, the restaurant will also have a la carte options to celebrate the Year Of The Rabbit. The set menu starts at B14,900++ for 10 people and offers delights like Deep-fried seaweed and seafood spring rolls, Braised shredded fish maw and black mushrooms in brown soup, Roasted duck flavoured with green tea, Sautéed scallops with broccoli and much more. Diners can also enjoy specialties such as yi sang or Cantonese salmon salad, Baked snow fish with XO sauce and more from the a la carte menu. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
The Peninsula Bangkok
The hotel has a line-up of special festive events, menus and offers that let guests mark the occasion with their families in signature Peninsula style until Jan 30. On Jan 22, a lion dance, which symbolises prosperity and good luck, will kick off the holiday celebration from Jan 20-24 at the porte-cochere, amid elaborate festive decorations featuring blossoms tree, orange tree and festive lanterns. Workshops in traditional arts like Chinese calligraphy, will also be held. At River Café & Terrace, savour an international buffet with an extensive selections of Chinese dishes like Suckling pig, Roast duck, Lo hei, Jelly fish, Steamed garoupa and Wok-fried tiger prawns XO. Available from Jan 20-24, 6-10pm and priced at B2,380++ per person. At The Lobby, celebrated with traditional Yum Cha, available until Jan 30 from 2-6pm at B1,288++ per person or B2,188++ for two. At Mei Jiang, enjoy modern Cantonese and a plant-based cuisine that embraces traditional flavours and sustainability. The new menu offerings are from Jan 20 onwards. Chinese New Year Hampers are priced at B6,888 nett per set and The Peninsula Egg Tart, an eight-piece box is priced at B488 nett. Call 02-020-2888, email diningpbk@peninsula.com or visit peninsula.com/en/bangkok.
Aloft Bangkok
The “Lunar New Year” package offers special rates, free breakfast, Thai afternoon tea, early check-in and a variety of gifts. Starting at B3,799++ per room per night in a Chic room, guests can enjoy perks like free breakfast, an 11am early check-in (based on availability), an afternoon tea set with a Thai twist, 20% off food and beverage, and more. Guests must make a reservation by Feb 28, for arrivals no later than April 30. Visit aloftbangkoksukhumvit11.com.
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
Craft welcomes the lunar new year with special treats from Yumcha, gourmet dim sum eatery that fuses the traditional flavours with modern twists. The Yumcha Pop-Up, is available from 10am-4pm from Jan 20-27 with dim sum prices starting from B150++. Ring in the Year Of The Rabbit with a Chinese New Year Brunch at Stock.Room, available from noon-3pm on Jan 22 at B2,550++ per person, including soft drinks, B3,500++ per person including alcoholic beverage and B888++ per child between the ages of six and 12. The 40-floor tropical rooftop Bar.Yard joins in the festivity and introduces “baco”, a bao-inspired taco with very own Bar.Yard twists. The two varieties, a Roasted duck bao taco and a Chinese BBQ pork bao taco taco, are available Jan 20-27. Also from Jan 20-27, don’t miss out on the special Chinese-inspired cocktails at Craft, Ms.Jigger and Bar.Yard. Snag the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok Chinese New Year 2023 stamp card and order a Chinese-inspired drink at each participating bar to receive a B500 discount for a minimum spending of B1,000 spent at Stock.Room. The discount is valid until April 30. A Dragon Dance Show by The Mongkorn Yok Troupe will be held at the Urban Oasis on Jan 25 at 5pm. Call 02-056-9999 or email taste.kimptonmaalai@ihg.com.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Goji Kitchen + Bar at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, will have a variety of traditional Chinese dishes as part of its international buffets and brunches. From Jan 20-22, savour handcrafted dim sum, soups and main dishes. A dedicated BBQ Station will showcase suckling pig, char-sui pork, roasted duck (Saturday lunch) and Peking duck (Sunday brunch). On Jan 22, chef Oscar Pun will bring a special trolley to each table, piled high with “Salmon Yu Sheng” and a special Chinese dessert. All other international buffet stations and dishes will be available, including an array of fresh seafood on ice, handcrafted sushi, and sashimi, a salad bar, roasted premium meats, sweet treats and more. Friday to Sunday dinner is priced at B2,299++ per person, Saturday lunch at B2,299++ per person and Sunday Brunch at B 2,600++ per person. Call 02-059-5999, email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com or book via sevn.ly/xyCBKcjP.
Capella Bangkok
Riverside retreat Capella Bangkok will celebrate the Lunar New Year with sumptuous treats at its sun-warmed Thai restaurant Phra Nakhon and salon Stella. On Jan 22, feast on Pan-fried prawn dumplings, Pork belly baos and Fresh spring rolls with crab meat and Chinese sausage, as well Peking duck and Trang-style suckling pig. Phra Nakhon’s Chinese New Year Sunday Lunch is priced at B4,500 net per person (B2,250 net for children below the age of 12). At Stella, indulge in Chang Shou (“long life” in Mandarin) is a gin-based drink that’s inspired by the healthy properties of gingko. Drink to good luck and abundance with Haidao Gala, served in a delicate tea cup. The two special cocktails are available from Jan 18-25. Call 02-098-3888 or email contact fb.bangkok@capellahotels.com.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok
Riverside Terrace and Spice & Barley restaurants at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort will be hosting festive get-togethers with live entertainment and lucky red packets. At Spice & Barley, guests can usher in the new year with a sumptuous feast on Jan 21-22 From 11.30am-9.30pm. The special edition of all-you-can-eat dim sum experience will feature lucky “yee sang” salmon, prosperity noodles, crispy Peking duck, foie gras dumplings, har gao lobster and other delicacies for B1,488 nett per person, including free-flow soft drinks. At Riverside Terrace, on Jan 22 from 6-10pm enjoy a Chinese New Year Buffet dinner alongside a roaring lion dance. The buffet is priced at B2,388 nett per person, including free-flow soft drinks Call 02-47600022 or email riversidedining@anantara.com.
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
Executive Chinese chef Leslie Du presents his signature 10-course set for lunch and dinner at Man Ho, featuring traditional Cantonese dishes with a modern twist. The highlight is an auspicious Salmon yu sheng, a Cantonese-style raw fish salad with a fun practice in which everyone at the table is invited to toss the salad together for good luck. The festive set starts at B15,888 per set for 10 people and is available from Jan 21-28. The lunchtime dim sum buffet is also not to be missed. On Jan 21-22, enjoy a medley of dim sums, including steamed “cheung fun” with crispy shrimp and jumbo pork and shrimp siu mai with tobiko for B1,500 nett per person. Call 02-656-7700.
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
The hotel is embracing all things sweet by offering a collection of delectable egg tarts, pillowy muffins and eco-friendly Chinese New Year hampers filled with classic seasonal flavours rich in symbolism. A special range of creamy egg tarts are available in four traditional flavours: black sesame, purple potato, green tea and sweetened egg custard. Mocha & Muffins egg tarts are priced at B220++ for four or B450++ for nine. The Luna muffins made with auspicious ingredients such as mandarin orange or sesame and featuring edible Lunar New Year-themed ornaments are priced at B85++ a piece. Available at Mocha & Muffins till Jan 31. Eco-conscious festive hampers are filled with individually wrapped oranges, chocolate bunnies and other treats in golden foil for good luck. Hampers are priced at B1,880++ and can be collected from Mocha & Muffins or delivered within the city limits until Jan 31. Call 02-126-8866 or visit anantara.com/en/siam-bangkok.
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Bring in the Lunar New Year at 57th Street. On Jan 22, a buffet featuring Chinese delicacies from Lobster Szechuan sauce, Seafood on ice, Crispy pork, Roasted duck and BBQ pork, Chinese seafood soup, a Dim sum station, Peking duck and much more will be on offer. It will also include Drunken chicken, Hokkien noodles, Stir-fried fish maw with seafood, as well as XO fried rice and Chinese desserts. The buffet is priced at B1,499 nett per person and is from noon to 3pm. Call 02-797-0000 or emaildiningbangkok@marriott.com.
Mahanakhon Eatery at Mahanakhon Cube
Indulge in the “Golden Fortune Bunny” at Ici, G Floor of Mahanakhon Eatery from Jan 19-28. The Golden Fortune Bunny, carefully crafted with Valrhona yuzu chocolate, cheese mousse and yuzu ganache, along with mandarin choux bursting with the flavours of orange chocolate, plus kalamansi ganache and hazelnut vanilla diplomat is priced at B999 per set (pre-order two days in advance). Call 02-677-8721 or Line: @MahanakhonCUBE.
Banyan Tree Samui
A sumptuous Chinese New Year BBQ buffet will be available from 7-10pm on Jan 22 at Sands Restaurant on the beachfront on the south coast of Koh Samui. The price of B2,688 nett per person, includes live music and a fire show. Banyan Tree Samui will also host a Chinese Afternoon Tea Set from Jan 20-31, priced at B1,300 for two persons, including coffee or tea. Email samui@banyantree.com.
Banyan Tree Krabi
On Jan 21, kick off the Lunar New Year at The Naga Kitchen, the esteemed beachfront restaurant of Banyan Tree Krabi resort. At B2,600 per person, the meal includes a welcome drink and live music. Call 07-581-1888 or email naga-krabi@banyantree.com.
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle, turns its focus on family get-togethers and a culinary journey through the robust flavours and textures of Asia. Led by executive chef Jaeyoung Lee, the culinary palate is a colourful exposition of Asian cuisine from January through March, offering vibrant dining experiences this Lunar New Year. At Khao, a pan-Asian journey takes guests from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the skyline of Seoul, in one momentous feast. Made-to-order are wholesome Korean bulgogi and braised seabass in a Japanese wine sauce, while a live BBQ carving station with beef short rib in soy and pork collar in miso paste add an extra ounce or two of sizzle to this sensational buffet dinner. North transforms into a seafood lover’s haven as lobsters, king prawns, salmon and more, are showcased to perfection throughout the set menu with a finishing touch of strawberries. Call 05-329-8181 or email fb.chiangmai@fourseasons.com.
So Sofitel Hua Hin
Gather around a simmering pot of flavourful broth and enjoy a range of meat and seafood, including Kojibuta pork, fish wonton, premium fish ball and more, balanced with mixed vegetables and customised dipping sauces. The Hot Pot Set Menu is priced at B1,888++ for two and is available from 6-10pm, from Jan 20-22. Visit bit.ly/3hZGwNz.
If you're planning on getting away from Thailand for the Lunar New Year and do something different, here's a short list.
Regent Phu Quoc
Usher the first day of Tết with a lion dance performance at Regent Phu Quoc and look forward to a special calligraphy art desk. Rice Market offers a traditional Vietnamese set menu on Lunar New Year's Eve, the Flavours of Asia live buffet, Phu Quoc Fisherman Grill Live dinner with famous egg squid, fresh shrimp, crabs and fish. Ocean Club will bring in a DJ performance to the sound of waves lapping on the shore, with highlights such as Surf ’N’ Turf Dinner, a special BBQ Beach Dinner, and an Ocean Sunset Brunch, which serves Mediterranean Brunch with oyster bar, sushi and sashimi stations, chef’s live grill, ceviche stations all served at the table, and a dessert bar. Oku, the Salon de Boeuf and omakase atelier will offer a five-course dry-aged wagyu ribeye menu or a 24-Carat gold wagyu striploin. Serenity, the yacht of Regent Phu Quoc will set sail for the festive season from Jan 21-27 January on daily expeditions, making the most of the optimal sea weather. Visit bit.ly/3Wb55Wt.
The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong
If you’re planning on a Chinese New Year getaway to Hong Kong, The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong is offering an “Auspicious Beginnings” package until Jan 31 with rates starting from HK$1,996++ per room per night. The offer includes daily breakfast for two and three festive tokens, which can be redeemed for activities, including a pour-painting rabbit making class, an auspicious preserved flower wall art workshop or a 45-minute session at the indoor kids’ play zone, The Explorers, or gifts from The Fullerton Collection such as a limited-edition Lunar New Year panda soft toy and pu’erh tea cake. Visit fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-ocean-park-hotel-hongkong/offers/auspiciousbeginnings.
The Hari Hong Kong
Amid the bustling neighbourhoods of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, The Hari welcomes a new year with a touch of Japanese at Zoku Restaurant & Bar or Italian at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar. At Zoku indulge in the signature Japanese weekend brunch, priced at HK$688 for food only with add-on free flow options at HK$988 for cocktails, sake, wine and beer and HK$1,288 for upgraded premium cocktails and Champagne. At Lucciola, delight in a five-course set menu, with prices starting at HK$438 with an additional free-flow optional at HK$198 for prosecco, wine, beer, soft drinks and juice. Visit book.bistrochat.com/lucciola or book.bistrochat.com/zoku.
Shangri-La Bangkok
A selection of auspicious goodies will be on offer to welcome Chinese New Year 2023. Available until Feb 5, the selection includes a Prosperity Chinese New Year’s Hamper at B5,888 nett, which features signature items of Shang Palace, including Shang Palace XO sauce, caramelised walnut with sesame, Chinese new year’s cake (nian gao), baked Chinese pastry with lotus seed paste fillings and premium Chinese tea with tea pod. A Custard rabbit bun is priced at B788 nett per box of nine pieces; Chinese New Year’s Cake at B1,288 nett per box of two pieces in big and small sizes; and Baked Chinese pastry with lotus seed paste fillings (golden bag) at B588 nett per box of six pieces. Call 02-236-7777 or buy at bit.ly/CNYGoodies2023AtShangPalace-Media. Meanwhile, Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant will host a Cantonese feast on Jan 21-22 with three set menus for lunch and dinner. The Fortune Set is priced at B2,888 nett per person for four; the Prosperity Set at B3,888 nett per person for four; the Longevity Set at B4,888 nett per person for four; and the Premium All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum Lunch at B2,888 nett per person. Choose to celebrate with the traditional “Lo Hei”, from Jan 21 to Feb 5 with Lo Hei Salmon for three to five persons at B488 nett and for five to 10 people at B888 nett. Shang Palace’s a la carte menu will also be available. The dining experience for the Chinese New Year celebrations will be enhanced by a live guzheng performance. A traditional lion dance will be held at the Shangri-La Wing entrance on Jan 22 at 10:15am. Call 02-236-7777 or email restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com.
The Standard, Maldives
The hotel in the Maldives will be celebrating Chinese New Year with a few events on Jan 22. Lunar lovers can indulge at Bā n Raa with Chinese cuisine cooked live at Kula. There will also be a movie screening at Todi's Beach to usher in the new year, while The Standard Spa will shower you with special treats inside a red ang pao at. Take up residence in paradise and treat yourself to traditional Chinese medicine with Dr Rui. Call +960-658-5555 or email mv.reservations@standardhotels.com.
