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Chinese New Year 2008 - What to eat Eat & Drink in London


Chinese New Year

Year of the Rat, February 7th, 2008


Also known as the Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar – a calendar that has existed for centuries. By the lunar calendar, the year 2007 is 4706. Because the Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, the date changes each year. In 2008, the Chinese New Year falls on 7 February, the beginning of the year of the Rat.

Recommendations on where to go for the New Year celebrations to eat and drink genuine Chinese food and beer.

London - where to go and what to drink to celebrate Chinese New Year:

Celebrations will be taking place in and around London’s Soho from 7 February as festivities kick off to mark Chinese New Year.

In preparation of the celebrations to welcome the Year of the Rat, the Chinese will be wearing red, opening doors and windows and eating and drinking authentic Chinese food and drink.

To be a part of these fantastic festivities, Londoners should take the opportunity to sup on a bottle of Harbin - the oldest Chinese beer.

With a deliciously crisp hoppy taste, Harbin will perfectly suit the delicious dishes on offer from the selection of bars and restaurants celebrating Chinese New Year.

Why not pop into Cocoon conveniently situated close to Chinatown Book a Table at Cocoon, Sketch on Conduit Street in Mayfair Book a Table at Sketch or China White on Air Street in Soho and immerse yourself in all things Chinese.

Food & Chinese New Year

During the 15 day celebration, food plays a large role and many dishes consumed during this time have symbolic meanings for the New Year.

Common Chinese New Year foods and their meaning:
• Noodles represent longevity
• A fish served whole represents prosperity
• Eggs represent fertility
• Lotus seed represents fertility for male offspring
• Eggrolls represent wealth
• Peanuts represent longevity
• Tangerines represent good luck
• Oranges represent wealth

Harbin Beer
• Created in 1900 and hailing from the north-east of the country, Harbin’s brewers claim it is China’s oldest beer.
• A medium-bodied premium lager brewed with Chinese and European hops, old-world style yeast and select grains
• Harbin has a refreshingly complex flavour, distinctive hop aroma, medium body and clean, crisp finish
• Brewed and packaged in Wuhan, China and exported to the UK
• 4.8% ABV, 144 calories and 14 grams of carbohydrates per 330ml serving
• In 2005 Harbin earned the distinctive “China Top Brand” designation awarded by the Chinese government
• Packaged in 330ml and 600ml longneck bottles

If you want to celebrate Chinese New Year with a meal, we have a fresh new site Fluid Eating where you can book a table at some fantastic restaurants in London.

Click on Chinese New Year Celebrations for pubs, bars & restaurants around China Town, Leicester Square & Trafalgar Square

Date Posted: 04 Feb 08
Posted By: Paul Caffell
Keywords: None
Date: 01 Jan 01

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