In London, Chinese New Year, taking place at a different time each year, is a huge celebration--the largest outside Asia. London decorates Chinatown and the surrounding areas, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square, with traditional Chinese symbols such as lanterns and paper chains. More than 300,000 visitors flock to Chinatown during Lunar New Year to celebrate with parades through the West End, fabulous food, and folk arts and crafts from the Far East. Attendees can watch dragon and lion dances, see a fireworks display, and performances from local artists and musicians.
Chinese New Year
chinatownlondon.org
With 78 restaurants in this relatively compact area, Chinatown is packed with savory dishes and tasty treats for every visitor. For a quick and easy Chinese bite, check out the Baozi Inn for authentic dumplings and noodle dishes. Adventurous foodies can order up pigeon and eel at Fung Shing on Lisle Street, which serves seafood and Cantonese specialties. Asian food isn't all Chinatown has to offer however, and fancy French cuisine can be found at Rupert Street's Chez Gerard. Also not to be missed is the Kowloon Bakery (attached to the Kowloon Restaurant) which specializes in pineapple buns, Chinese wedding cake, and nuomici (little balls of sticky rice covered in coconut) among many other delicious sweets.
Baozi Inn
25 Newport Ct
London
WC2H 7JS
+44-0207-257-68-77
Fung Shing
15 Lisle St
London
WC2 7BE
+44-0207-437-15-39
fungshing.co.uk
Chez Gerard
36/40 Rupert St
London
W1D 6DW
+44-0207-287-89-89
Kowloon Bakery
21-22 Gerrard St
London
W1D 6JH
+44-0207-437-16-94
Some of the most unique and authentic shopping is in Chinatown. For herbal remedies and genuine Eastern folk art, there is no better place in London. There are also Chinese supermarkets for all the comforts of Asia without leaving London, and souvenirs, such as lanterns and lucky lions, are popular even outside of Chinese New Year.
