Welcome to the Year of the Dragon! Widely considered to be the luckiest of all twelve signs in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon symbolises honour, power and success—all things we want to take with us throughout 2024.
While Lunar New Year officially falls on February 10, the celebrations kick off in Perth on February 5 and extend well beyond to February 25. Lion dancers, red lanterns, and dumplings for days, silly season ain’t over yet. Here’s where you can mark the Lunar New Year in Perth in style and feast in good fortune.
Lunar 8 Banquet
Servo | Thursday 8 February
It’s a family affair at Servo this Luna New Year with guest chef Carrol Chew in the kitchen (who also happens to be the mother of Servo’s General Manager Carl Leembruggen). Carrol and co have created a four-course home-style feast of LNY classics, such as Lo Bak Go and Yee Sang, plus authentic Malaysian dishes from Servo’s woodfired kitchen and themed cocktails to match. Stick around over the weekend to see the mesmerising Chung Wah Lion Dance Troupe from 5pm on the Friday, or go toast to good fortune with the Golden Dragon Eterno—a special edition of Servo’s bottomless brunch.
Lunar New Year at Crown Perth
Atrim, Silks, Epicurean | 6-25 February
There’s something for everyone at Crown to celebrate the Year Of The Dragon in style. Right in the heart of the complex, one of Perth’s most loved buffets is getting a Lunar New Year makeover. Available for lunch and dinner for three weeks in February, Atrium’s specialty Properous Buffet menu includes Hoisin Chicken Wings, Spiced BBQ Pork Ribs, a Dim Sum Station and generous selection of Lunar New Year-inspired dishes on the wok. Over at Silks, indulge in the banquet or make your way through the lunchtime yum cha menu. Epicurean is getting amongst the festive fun too, with a range of expertly crafted dishes available right up until the 25th.
Lunar New Year Jazz in the Vineyard
Passel Estate | Saturday 17 February
Heading south for Lunar New Year? Margaret River’s Passel Estate is combining dumplings with jazz for the occasion. Swoon over the sweet jazz sounds of local musos David Rastrick and Kevin McDonald while snacking on Chinese-style Má Là dumplings and sipping on a paired glass of Passel Estate wine. It’s the combo we didn’t know we needed but is sure to sell out, so get in quick for a seat in the sun on the wine deck.
Lunar New Year at Karrinyup Shopping Centre
Karrinyup Shopping Centre | 10-24 February
There’s a lot going on at Karrinyup for Lunar New Year in February. Throughout the two week period, the mammoth shopping centre will be illuminated with staggering Year of the Dragon projections and traditional lanterns. Head on in for late-night shopping and store blessings by The Chung Wah Association of WA on Thursday 15 February, and check out the exciting lion dance performances on Sunday 18. On the third last day, the Centre Court will come alive with a lion leaping on high poles surrounded by a dance troop and drums, complete with a confetti finale.
“The Food of Love” East Meets West
Una Mes | Saturday 10 February
For one night only, Menora’s Una Mes will be putting on a bespoke set menu combining co-owner Adam Willie’s Malaysian-Chinese heritage with Head Chef Ana Campos’ Spanish roots. Featuring clever riffs on classic dishes from both cultures, expect prawn and chorizo spring rolls, five spice pork empanadillas, whole fish “a la bilana”, a prosperity toss salad and more, with a palate-cleansing Mandarin cocktail on arrival
Lunar New Year at Sweetwater
Sweetwater Rooftop Bar | 5-11 February
Sky-high seafood, delicate dumplings and some seriously beaut views of Freo—it’s all on offer at Sweetwater Rooftop Bar. From Feb 5-11, you’ll be able to come on up for a three-course banquet-style Feed Me Menu, with dishes inspired by the tastes of the Lunar New Year.
Lunar Lane at Brookfield Place
W Churchill and Apple Daily | 5-9 February
Head into the city and make your way through each of the eateries in Brookfield Place as the iconic precinct transforms into Lunar Lane. W Churchill and Apple Daily will all be offering dishes and drinks inspired by the holiday. Plus, hot tip—get a big dose of good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead by popping in after work on Friday, 9 February and checking out the lion dance performances.
Image credit: Crown | Supplied