How to celebrate the Lunar New Year in delicious style

hood+magazine+chinese+new+year+best+chinese+restaurants+scotland.jpg

This Friday, 12 February, marks 2021’s Chinese New Year, otherwise known as Lunar New Year, and there are countless ways you can support and celebrate it, too.

Traditionally a huge celebration in Chinese culture, Chinese New Year is a wonderful occasion to immerse yourself in the superstitions and beliefs that come along with the celebrations. 2021 is the Year of the Ox - an animal which is said to have good opportunities for career and wealth gains - so plenty of fanfare is in order.

You may not be able to eat out this year, but below we’ve rounded up our favourite Chinese restaurants across the country which are worth bookmarking for when lockdown passes. Better yet, why not enquire with them to see if they’re offering home delivery in place of the restaurant experience.

hood-magazine-best-chinese-restaurants-tattu.png

Tattu, Edinburgh

This glamorous new addition to Edinburgh’s dining scene promises an opulent take on Chinese cuisine. With a menu that combines traditional cooking with contemporary ideas, Tattu is the perfect place for a foodie-themed date night and allows you to enjoy modern Chinese fare in a breathtaking setting. The Peking duck bon-bons and lobster prawn toast are both must-tries, as is the signature cocktail, Skull Candy.

tattu.co.uk

hood-magazine-best-chinese-restaurants-lychee-oriental.png

Lychee Oriental, Glasgow

A previous winner of the ‘Best Chinese Restaurant in Scotland’ award (among many others), Lychee Oriental promises guests an experience to remember. Expect a sophisticated take on Asian cuisine, with a fine-dining feel, set against a chic backdrop in a beautiful listed building in the city centre. Stand-out dishes include crispy shredded honey chilli chicken, and a glossy take on traditional kung po chicken.

lycheeoriental.co.uk

hood-magazine-best-chinese-restaurant-zen-aberdeen.png

Zen Oriental, Aberdeen

Aberdeen’s favourite Chinese restaurant offers authentic dishes and traditional ingredients, in a cool and intimate setting that makes it ideal for a night on the town. This award-winning restaurant has a menu packed with all of your favourite dishes, alongside regular specials using fresh, premium ingredients such as scallops, monkfish and even lobster.

zenaberdeen.co.uk

hood-magazine-best-chinese-restaurants-karens-unicorn.png

Karen’s Unicorn, Edinburgh

A stalwart on the scene, Karen’s Unicorn has been delighting diners in the capital for the past decade - and after you visit, you’ll understand why. This cosy restaurant, tucked away in the New Town, specialises in traditional Cantonese cooking and prides itself on letting the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves. Grab a cosy corner table and order the duck in plum sauce, a staple dish that never disappoints.

karensunicorn.com

hood-magazine-best-chinese-restaurants-manchurian-dundee.png

The Manchurian, Dundee

Dundee’s first Dim Sum restaurant, the ever-popular Manchurian offers a varied menu with plenty to appeal to all tastes. Whether you prefer traditional Chinese fare, a modern take on Asian cuisine or the delicious signature dumplings, The Manchurian is a crowd-pleaser for a reason.

manchuriandundee.com

Other recommended restaurants to try…

Asian Kitchen, Inverurie

The Regent, Stirling

Mandarin Garden, Peebles

The Blacksmiths, Inverness